Unit Overview

The American Revolution and the establishment of the New Nation is a crucial period in American history. In this unit, students will analyze and comprehend the historical events, and consequences of the American Revolution, as well as the establishment of the New Nation, covering the time period from 1770-1800. Through engaging activities, discussions, and assessments, students will develop a deeper understanding of the significance and impact of this period on the United States.

Essential Questions:

• What were the primary causes of the American Revolution, and how did they impact different groups within the colonies?

• How did the American Revolution influence the development of a new nation, and what challenges did the United States face in its early years?

• What role did key individuals play in the American Revolution, and how did their actions shape the course of history?

• In what ways did Enlightenment ideas influence the thinking of individuals during the American Revolution?

• How did the American Revolution impact various social groups, including women, African Americans, and Native Americans?

Enduring Understandings:

• Revolutionary Change:

  • Students will understand that the American Revolution was a catalyst for profound social, political, and economic changes that shaped the course of American history.

• Ideological Foundations:

  • Students will understand that Enlightenment ideas, such as individual rights and representative government, played a significant role in shaping the principles of the new nation.

• Perspectives and Conflicts:

  • Students will understand that the American Revolution involved diverse perspectives, resulting in conflicts among different groups within the colonies.

• Impact on Key Individuals:

  • Students will understand that key individuals, through their actions and decisions, played pivotal roles in the success of the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States.

• Challenges of Nation-Building:

  • Students will understand that the United States faced numerous challenges in its early years, including the drafting of the Constitution and the struggle to form a stable government.

Skills and Knowledge Objectives:

• Understanding Historical Context:

  • Students will comprehend the historical context of the American Revolution and the formation of the new nation, focusing on the mid-18th to early 19th centuries.

• Analyze Key Events and Figures:

  • Students will analyze and evaluate the significance of key events and figures during the American Revolution and the early years of the United States.

• Critical Thinking and Analysis:

  • Develop students' critical thinking skills by examining different perspectives and causes behind the American Revolution.

• Application of Historical Thinking Skills:

  • Students will apply historical thinking skills, including sourcing, contextualization, and corroboration, to primary and secondary sources.

• Understanding the Formation of the New Nation:

  • Gain an understanding of the challenges faced by the newly-formed United States, including the drafting of the Constitution and the early years of governance.