Main Idea:
The Americans faced huge obstacles during the Revolutionary War. They were considered traitors because of the Declaration of Independence. However, many people worked together to further the American cause. With help from other countries, America won the struggle.
The Americans faced huge obstacles during the Revolutionary War. They were considered traitors because of the Declaration of Independence. However, many people worked together to further the American cause. With help from other countries, America won the struggle.
Vocabulary:
Second Continental Congress Continental Army Olive Branch Petition Declaration of Independence traitor Green Mountain Boys mercenary Battle of Saratoga Treaty of Paris |
Essential Questions:
1. What were the major outcomes of the Second Continental Congress? 2. Why do you think that the members of Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition? 3. Why did King George III react to the petition in a negative manner? 4. How did Thomas Paine help move the colonies towards independence from Great Britain? 5. What was the main goal of the Declaration of Independence? 6. Why was signing the Declaration of Independence such a dangerous decision? 7. How did Nathan Hale help America during the war? 8. Why was the Washington's crossing of the Delaware River such a dangerous move? What was at risk if Washington had lost the battle? 9. Why is the Battle of Saratoga called the "turning point" of the Revolutionary War? 10. How did African Americans contribute to the American cause? How are they remembered today? 11. Why were the efforts of women so important to American success in the Revolutionary War? 12. Why was the time spent at Valley Forge so harmful to Washington's army? 13. How did the time spent at Valley Forge help Washington's army? 14. How did George Rogers Clark and John Paul Jones help the Americans achieve victory? 15. Why did the British army play "The World Turned Upside Down" when they surrendered to the Americans and the French at Yorktown? |
Declaration of Independence Videos
Declaration read by actors.
No More King
Fireworks!
The Singing History Teachers
Paul Harvey--Our Lives, Our fortunes, Our Sacred Honor
Declaration of Independence--read by NFL
No More King
Fireworks!
The Singing History Teachers
Paul Harvey--Our Lives, Our fortunes, Our Sacred Honor
Declaration of Independence--read by NFL
Primary Sources/Historical Documents/General Information
Activities
Images
Why is Caesar Rodney on the back of the Delaware quarter? Do you think that he deserved this honor?
Why do you think that the United States Navy decided to name an aircraft carrier the USS Saratoga?
Images from Fort Ticonderoga
These are the words inscribed on the back of the Benedict Arnold's "Boot Monument" at the Saratoga battlefield:
"Erected 1887 By
JOHN WATTS de PEYSTER
Brev: Maj: Gen: S.N.Y.
2nd V. Pres't Saratoga Mon't Ass't'n:
In memory of
the "most brilliant soldier" of the
Continental Army
who was desperately wounded
on this spot the sally port of
BORGOYNES GREAT WESTERN REDOUBT
7th October, 1777
winning for his countrymen
the decisive battle of the
American Revolution
and for himself the rank of
Major General.
"Erected 1887 By
JOHN WATTS de PEYSTER
Brev: Maj: Gen: S.N.Y.
2nd V. Pres't Saratoga Mon't Ass't'n:
In memory of
the "most brilliant soldier" of the
Continental Army
who was desperately wounded
on this spot the sally port of
BORGOYNES GREAT WESTERN REDOUBT
7th October, 1777
winning for his countrymen
the decisive battle of the
American Revolution
and for himself the rank of
Major General.
Links to animated maps: