Turning Points
Learn about the key events of the Revolutionary War.
Learn about the key events of the Revolutionary War.
American soldiers were outnumbered and under-trained to fight in the Revolutionary War. Yet, they believed in what they were fighting for. Under the guidance of General George Washington, they were determined to beat the British. Even if they had to use a new style of fighting to do it.
Where were the major battles of the war fought?
In what ways were the Americans underdogs in this war?
What helped the Americans win the war?
In April 1775, hundreds of British soldiers left Boston to march to Concord, Massachusetts, to take a stockpile of American weapons. About 70 American minutemen were waiting to stop them. Someone fired a shot. Chaos erupted.
Essential questions:
What happened after the shot was fired?
Why is it called “The Shot Heard Round the World?”
What were the effects of this battle?
Suggested Activity: And the Winner Is...
For Americans, the Declaration of Independence was their way of telling King George III that they wanted freedom. But this document became a symbol for people around the world seeking justice, human dignity, and self-government.
Essential questions:
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
What does this document say?
What impact did it have on Americans?
Suggested Activity: Be the Teacher
After the last battle was won by American troops, British forces hung around for two more years until finally figuring out they’d lost and should go home.
Essential questions:
What took the British so long to give up?
When was a treaty signed?
What did the treaty mean for the United States?
Suggested Activity: A Different Point of View
Related Social Studies Topics
Timeline Challenge
Start a class timeline (or add to an existing timeline) showing turning points in the American Revolutionary War.
Socratic Discussion
Create
Write an Alternate Ending (What might America be like if the English had won the war?) (in Prenda World)
(Not sure what to do? Do a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence for your classmates!)
STEM
Just for Fun
Learn even more from these fill-in-the-blank activities:
Image Attributions