Lesson: The American Revolution Objective: Students compare and contrast the Glorious Revolution of 
England, the American Revolution, and the French Revolution and their 
enduring effects worldwide on the 
political expectations for self-
government and individual liberty. By the end of the lesson you will 
know the government, problems, 
people, events and documents 
important to the American Revolution. 
You will also explain its influence on 
individual liberty and self government. Materials: -Retrieval Chart -Text -Computer and LCD (or other 
monitor) -Engaged/Curious minds

Quickwrite- Were the American colonists justified in 
revolting against their government and their king, King 
George III? Explain. Please write your response in your notebook; I will not 
collect. When you finish, please take out your retrieval chart for 
notes on the American Revolution. Do you have any questions about the homework or current events?

Studying Revolutions- As we compare the Glorious, American, French and Latin American 
Revolutions, we will consider the following for each. Recall our previous lessons.

Government Before the Revolution: What kind of government did they have before the revolution? 
Was it an autocracy, a monarchy, a democracy, an oligarchy 
or an aristocracy? Or was it something else?

Government prior to the American Revolution. The American colonies were colonies of Great 
Britain (English colonies in America). As such they were under English law. King George III was king The government in England was a constitutional 
monarchy (the king and the parliament share power).

Problems/Concerns: Were there social, political, economic or natural problems 
contributing to the situation?

Problems/Concerns: Were there social, political, economic or natural problems 
contributing to the American Revolution? There were many things the colonies were upset about. Trade restrictions Loss of personal rights Taxes Abuse of authority Link to Web- must have web connection

Sam Adams- Sons of Liberty What are the names and characteristics of the people involved? 
Do the personalities and policies of the people contribute to the 
revolution? Louis XIV Sam Adams- Sons of Liberty George III (England)

What are the names and characteristics of the people involved What are the names and characteristics of the people involved? Do the 
personalities and policies of the people contribute to the American Revolution? George III wanted more power. Sons of Liberty- a group of 
colonial rebels organized to oppose 
England (Patrick Henry, Sam Adams, 
Doctor Warren, Paul Revere) John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, 
James Madison, Alexander 
Hamilton- Political leaders tried to persuade others why the Revolution 
is necessary and winable.

Dramatic Events- Actions or Violence

Tarring and Feathering colonial governors. Shot Heard 'Round the World Dramatic Events- Actions or Violence Boston Massacre Boston Tea Party Tarring and Feathering colonial 
governors. Shot Heard 'Round the World Youtube Song

New Governments Formed- Was a new government formed as a 
result of the revolution?

New Governments Formed- Was a new government formed as a 
result of the American Revolution? The United States of America is formed. It 
is a Democratic-Republic (the people vote for representatives to the national government). 13 individual states operate as a federation 
(a group with similar goals).

Documents and Their Importance: What important documents were written or published during the revolution and what is their 
legacy (why were they or are they important)?

Documents and Their Importance: What important documents were written or published during the revolution and 
what is their legacy (why were they or are they important)? Declaration of Independence- "All men are CREATED equal." "The right 
to govern is granted by the PEOPLE." Constitution of the United States of America- "We the people of the United 
States. . . ." The Constitution stipulates the responsibilities of the different branches of 
government (legislative, executive and judicial) as well as the rights of the 
people (Bill of Rights).

What was the Revolution's influence on individual liberty (freedom) and self-government (ability or expectation 
that man can and will govern himself)?

What was the Revolution's influence on individual liberty (freedom) and self-
government (ability or expectation that man can and will govern himself)? Americans are all held to a rule by law, and no one is above the 
law. America is a democratic republic- a government in which elected 
officials represent the desires of the people. Americans have rights that allow them to free speech, religion, 
and trial by jury.

Quickwrite Draw a venn diagram and compare the American Rev. to the 
Glorious Revolution. American Glorious

Attachments dec of ind.mp4 Son's of Liberty.mp4 From Heads Unworthy.mp4