Unit 3

Revolutionary Era

This unit examines the period leading up to the American Revolution and the war itself with particular emphasis on South Carolina’s role. Students will examine primary sources on the political and military aspects of the Revolutionary period. Throughout the unit, they will be asked to consider whether they would be a Loyalist or Patriot and whether their allegiance would remain consistent through the end of the war.

Overarching Inquiry Question:

Would you have remained a Patriot or a Loyalist during the period leading up to and including the Revolutionary War? Why or why not?

Standards & Skills

Standard 2: Demonstrate an understanding of how South Carolinians and Americans created a revolutionary form of government during the period of 1757–1815.

  • 8.2.CO: Compare the motives and demographics of loyalists and patriots within South Carolina and the colonies. This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the economic, political, and social motivations of the patriots and the loyalists in the era of the American Revolution.

  • 8.2.CE: Explain the economic, political, and social factors surrounding the American Revolution. This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into how the colonies began to unify to create a distinctive American identity over the course of events of the American Revolution.

  • 8.2.P: Analyze significant founding principles that led to the development of federalism in South Carolina and the United States. This indicator was designed to encourage inquiry into the development of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and representative democracy.

  • 8.2.CX: Contextualize the roles of various groups of South Carolinians as the colonies moved toward becoming an independent nation. This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the motivations of colonists during the American Revolution and the progression of conflict and failed compromise that ultimately led to revolution.

  • 8.2.CC: Analyze the continuities and changes of how different groups immigrated to and migrated within South Carolina. This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the immigration and migration patterns of different groups within South Carolina, including their economic, political, and social power to do so. This indicator also promotes inquiry into an exploration of such ideas as the expansion of slavery and hostilities with the native peoples.

  • 8.2.E: Utilize a variety of primary and secondary sources to analyze multiple perspectives on the development of democracy in South Carolina and the United States.

I Can Statements

  • I can compare the motives and demographics of loyalists and patriots within South Carolina and the colonies.

  • I can explain the economic, political, and social factors surrounding the American Revolution.

  • I can analyze significant founding principles in the Declaration of Independence that led to the development of federalism in South

  • Carolina and the United States.

  • I can contextualize the roles of various groups of South Carolinians as the colonies moved toward becoming an independent nation.

  • I can analyze the continuities and changes of how different groups migrated within South Carolina.

Unit 3 - Teacher

Unit 3 - Teacher - 8th Grade

DBQ Choices for Unit 3

Link to all DBQs digitized & What is a DBQ?

  • How Revolutionary Was the American Revolution?

  • Valley Forge: Would You Have Quit?

  • How Did the Constitution Guard Against Tyranny?