The Lead Up to the American Revolution

Introduction

The American Revolution was a pivital point for what would soon because The United States of America. This is when the 13 original colonies fought against the British to become independent. A lot had to happen before we actually gained out independence, though.

In this activity, you will use the links provided to explore the lead up to the American Revolution, and answer the questions that are given.

Task

With a partner, watch the videos given and do research from the links provided.

Answer the questions given after each video/link.

After increasing your understanding of the causes of the revolution, pretend you are a colonist and make a sign that you think you would use to protest the British with. We will hang these around the classroom for the duration of this unit.

Process

Watch the video and answer the following questions. This is a good overview to help you get started. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfnrdWYmZus

1. The French and Indian War ended with the signing of what treaty? What did the treaty do?

2. The British taxed the colonists on what two things?

Use this link for the next set of questions. Once you're on the webpage, look to he left and click the "Boston Massacre" tab. Read the information and watch the first video. http://www.kidport.com/reflib/usahistory/americanrevolution/Video/LeadingEvents.htm

3. How did the Boston Massacre start out?

4. Who is considered the first martyr of the American Revolution? What happened to him?

Use this link for the next set of questions. Look under the "Stamp Act" tab. http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/revolutionarywartimeline.htm

5. How did the colonists respond to the Stamp Act?

6. What two things form because of the Stamp Act?

Use this link for the next set of questions. http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/american-revolution-history

7. Summarize the First Continental Congress.

Use this link for the next set of questions. http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/sons-of-liberty

8. Summarize who the Sons of Liberty were and what they did.

9. What was their motto? How was it an essential piece of the lead up to the revolution?

Use this link for the next question. http://www.britannica.com/event/Boston-Tea-Party

10. Explain the correlation of the East India Company to the Boston Tea Party.

Evaluation

You will be evaluated based on if your answer is correct. Each question is worth 10 points. I will give half credit if the question is at least somewhat correct.

Conclusion

This exercise was meant to increase your understanding of the lead up to the America Revolution. The Stamp Act taxed the colonists in order to pay their debts for the French and Indian War. The Tea Act did the same. The Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea party were protests to "Taxation without Representation" and the Sons of Liberty helped aid the start of the revolution. Now that you know all of the causes of the war, start thinking about how you want to design your sign.