Think-Pair-Share: What do you already know about the American Revolution?
Write 2-3 sentences or list key events.
The War of Independence, also known as the American Revolution, was a conflict between the 13 British colonies in North America and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783. It was a fight for freedom and independence.
There were many different groups who were part of or impacted by the war:
American Colonists - Those who left Europe for a new life in the colonies
Patriots (Rebels) - Colonists who fought against the British for independence from Britain
Loyalists - Colonists who stayed loyal to Britain during the War of Independence
African Americans - Enslaved and free Black people in the colonies who were affected by the war
Women - Women in the colonies took on new roles during the war, such as running farms and businesses, serving as nurses, and even acting as spies
British Soldiers and citizens - Soldiers who fought to keep the American colonies under British control
French - France supported the Patriots by sending troops, ships, and money to fight against Britain
Use a visual timeline to explain the causes and outcomes of the rebellion in the 13 colonies, highlighting key events such as the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Paris (1783), and Loyalist migration.
Task #1: In groups of 2 or 3, select one event leading up to the War of Independence:
Even Years' War (1756 - 1763)
The Stamp Act (1765)
The Boston Massacre (1770)
The Boston Tea Party (1773)
The Intolerable Acts (1774)
The First Continental Congress (1774)
The Battles of Lexington and Concord, Mass. (1775)
Task #2: Using the questions below, find a minimum of THREE reliable sources (books, websites, or historical documents) to find detailed information about the event and respond to them on the poster paper:
What was the event?
Who were the key people involved?
What caused the event?
What happened during the event?
How did the event increase tensions between the colonies and Britain?
What were the consequences of this event for both the colonies and Britain?
Why do you think this event was important in leading to the War of Independence?
Carousel through each of the posters and record jot notes about each poster.
Select one event (must be approved - one group per event) and create a timeline poster that should include:
Title: Include the name of the event and the date(s) it occurred.
Description: Summarize your research and answer the questions above, using bullet points or short paragraphs to make it clear and easy to read.
Image: Include an image or drawing that represents the event. This could be a historical picture, a drawing, or a symbolic representation.
Impact Statement: Add a final section explaining how this event helped push the colonies toward independence.
Design Tips:
Make sure your poster is neat and visually appealing.
Use colors, fonts, and images that help convey the message.
Keep the text readable with clear headings and concise points.
Be creative! Your poster should engage others and communicate the importance of the event clearly.
Present Your Poster: After completing the poster, be ready to present it to the class. In your presentation, explain the event, its significance, and how it helped lead to the War of Independence.
The colonists were unhappy with British rule because of taxes and laws they felt were unfair, especially since they had no say in decisions made by the British government. This frustration led to the famous phrase: “No taxation without representation.”
The war began with battles at Lexington and Concord in 1775, and the colonies officially declared their independence in the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The colonies wanted to create their own country, free from British control. They believed in the ideas of freedom, self-government, and equality.
Important leaders like George Washington (commander of the Continental Army) and writers like Thomas Jefferson played key roles.
The war ended in 1783 when the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially recognizing the colonies as an independent country—the United States of America.