Unit
Unit 2: American Revolution (1763-1783)
Guiding question
What were the circumstances that led to the American Revolution?
This unit invites students to examine the growing tensions between colonists and the British Crown, consider the decisions that led to the American Revolution, and evaluate the Declaration of Independence as a response to these challenges. It shows how British and colonial perspectives on taxation, representation, and self-governance were viewed in the decades leading up to the American Revolution.
Lessons
What were the main causes of tension between Great Britain and the colonies?
How did British and colonial perspectives on taxation, representation, and self-governance compare in the decades leading up to the American Revolution?
How were civic virtues demonstrated and Founding principles upheld in the Revolutionary era?
What were the key events and turning points of the American Revolution?
What were the key events and turning points of the American Revolution?
What challenges did the new nation face after gaining independence?
How did the Articles of Confederation address the challenges the new nation faced?
How did British and colonial perspectives on taxation, representation, and self-governance compare in the decades leading up to the American Revolution?
Unit resources
How did British and colonial perspectives on taxation, representation, and self-governance compare in the decades leading up to the American Revolution?
Analyze the main causes of tensions between the colonies and Great Britain prior to the American Revolution.
Analyze the perspectives of key figures from the American Revolution.
A student handout to guide them through participation in a structured debate.
Evaluate a wide variety of views surrounding the independence of the colonies leading up to the Revolutionary War.
How were civic virtues demonstrated and Founding principles upheld in the Revolutionary era?
How were civic virtues demonstrated and Founding principles upheld in the Revolutionary era?
Six images and six essays that review the major battles of the Revolutionary War.
Evaluate how the Articles of Confederation attempted to address the challenges.
Explore the purpose, structure, and flaws of the Articles of Confederation.
Teacher support for implementing the Unit 2: American Revolution Deconstructed DBQ.
Standards
Related content
In this middle school history lesson, students explore the growing tension between Britain and the American colonies in the decades leading up to the American Revolution. Using four key documents, the Stamp Act Resolves, the Declaratory Act, The Patriot, and the Declaration of Independence, students investigate how different perspectives on taxation and representation fueled a foundational debate about self-governance. How did British and colonial perspectives on self-governance compare in the decades leading up to the American Revolution? Through guided analysis and color-coded document comparison, students uncover the themes that shaped this revolutionary moment. They’ll practice crafting a thesis supported by evidence, essential skills for completing the unit’s scaffolded Document-Based Question (DBQ) assessment.