Through a decade of angry exchanges, it became obvious that the colonies and Britain had different ideas and goals. When the sides could not find a compromise, colonial representatives met in Philadelphia to boldly declare independence. During the next six years, might Great Britain sent armies of mercenaries while the colonies scrounged to keep an army in the field. George Washington kept his army intact until an opportunity arose to capture the British Army at Yorktown. The British government had to give in when its people lost heart in this long battle.
Students will be able to:
Explain the causes for the development of conflict between Britain and the colonies.
Understand the consequences of the conflict and how it motivated colonial leaders and others to act.
Draw conclusions about tensions between the colonists and the British that led up to the Boston Massacre.
Analyze the role of propaganda in the colonies.
Identify the Founders and recognize their contributions.
Evaluate the battles of Lexington and Concord.
Compare points of view held by Patriots and Loyalists.
Evaluate the reaction of the colonies to the rejection of the Olive Branch Petition.
Summarize the steps taken that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
Understand the four parts of the Declaration of Independence.