US History - The American Revolution

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EQ: Why did the 13 Colonies want Independence?

Do Now: Define: Revolution

This Lesson Overview is provided as a quick and easy lesson plan format for teachers.
Lesson Procedures are located at bottom of lesson for individuals/groups/pairs. Print Lesson and complete as needed.

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Lesson Overview
Utilized	Activity	Time Allocated	Mode of Activity
____	Do Now	_________ / 2-5 Min	(Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____)
____	Mini Lesson	_________/ 15-20 Min	(Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____)
____	Activity	_________ / 20-30 Min	(Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #_____)
____	Discussion/Exit Ticket	_________ / 5-10 Min	(Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____)
____	Assessment	_________ / 10-40 Min	(Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____)
____	Conferencing	_________ Min	(Individual / Pair / Group #____ / Throughout Class Period)

Background of the American Revolution

The popular idea of the time was that colonies existed for the benefit of the Mother Country. The American colonists could be compared to tenants who were expected to 'pay rent', i.e., provide materials for export to Britain. Britain's goal was to have a greater number of exports than imports allowing them to store up wealth in the form of gold.

According to this idea, the wealth of the world was fixed. To increase wealth a country had two options: explore or make war. By colonizing America, Britain greatly increased its base of wealth.

In Britain, the conflict is known as The War for American Independence.

Causes leading up to the Revolutionary

The French and Indian War

This war between Britain and France lasted from 1754-1763. The victorious British ended deeply in debt and demanded more revenue from the colonies. With the defeat of the French, the colonies became less dependant on Britain for protection.

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Sugar Act of 1764

This act passed to raise revenue by increasing duties on foreign sugar imported from the West Indies.

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Quartering Act of 1765

Britain ordered that colonists were to house and feed British soldiers if necessary.

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Stamp Act

This required tax stamps on many different trade items and documents including playing cards, legal papers, newspapers and marriage licenses. Prime Minister George Grenville stated that this direct tax was intended for the colonies to pay for defense. Previous taxes imposed by Britain had been indirect, or hidden.

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Boston Massacre

The colonists and British soldiers openly clashed on Boston green. This event was used by the colonists as an example of British cruelty despite questions about how it actually occurred.

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Tea Act of 1773

To assist the failing British East India Company, the Company was given a monopoly to trade tea in America.

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Boston Tea Party

A group of colonists disguised as Indians dumped the tea overboard from three tea ships in Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773.

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Intolerable Acts(1774)

The Intolerable Acts were passed in response to the Boston Tea Party and placed numerous restrictions on the colonists including outlawing town meetings and the closing of Boston Harbor.

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First Continental Congress

In response to the Intolerable Acts, 12 of the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia from September-October, 1774. One of the main results of this was the creation of The Association calling for a boycott of British goods.

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Lexington and Concord

In April, 1775, British troops were ordered to Lexington and Concord to seize stores of colonial gunpowder and to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock. At Lexington, open conflict occurred and eight Americans were killed. At Concord, the British troops were forced to retreat with the loss of 70 men. This was the first event of open warfare.

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Second Continental Congress

All 13 colonies were represented at this meeting in Philadelphia beginning May, 1775. The colonists still hoped that their grievances would be met by King George III. George Washington was named head of the Continental Army.

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Bunker Hill

This major victory for the Colonists resulted in George III proclaiming the colonies in rebellion.

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Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"

Thomas Paine wrote one of the most influential pamphlets ever. Up until then, the colonists had been fighting Britain with the hope of reconciling their differences. Paine argued that America should control itself and become independent.

Activities

Lesson PowerPoint: Causes of the American Revolution

Lesson Video:

Lesson Activity:

• Argumentative Essay American Revolution