1. Rapid-Fire Review
Decide which Revolutionary leader each of the following describes:
I was commissioned the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
I was the Jewish man who helped finance the Rev. War with my personal finances.
I was the Spanish governor of Louisiana that protected the port of New Orleans and transported war supplies for the colonists. (Galveston is named after me!)
I was the first casualty of the American Revolution during the Boston Massacre.
I am considered the “father of the U.S. Navy” and am known to have shouted “I have not yet begun to fight!”
Make groups using the Pink, Green, and Yellow placards labeled “New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies”

2. Learning Target: We will analyze the major battles/events of the REvolutionary War
Success Criteria: I will be able to explain the significance of the battles/events of Lexington/Concord, Saratoga, Valley Forge, and Yorktown.

3. Our Essential Questions
Why did the American Revolution start?
What event triggered the start of the American Revolution? How?
When was the turning point of the war? Why is this event considered the turning point?
How did the Revolutionary War end?

4. Battles of Lexington and Concord Question Guide:
Who rode through the streets of Boston warning the colonists of the British invasion?
According to SchoolHouse Rocks!, what was the first battle(s) of the American Revolution?
What was the nickname of these battles?
Why do you believe they were given this nickname?
Battles of
Lexington and Concord

5. WHY IS THIS BATTLE SIGNIFICANT TO AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE?
Considered a “moral victory” for the colonists as the Redcoats had to retreat!

6. WHY IS THIS BATTLE SIGNIFICANT TO AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE?

7. An interlude…..A War of Differing Styles
The Redcoats fought using traditional tactics
The Patriot militia (untrained soldiers) fought using “guerrilla warfare”
An interlude…..A War of Differing Styles

8. Two Years Pass and the Redcoats are winning the war, until…...
Using this excerpt, explain the signficance of Saratoga.

9. Battle of Saratoga Question Guide:
Why is the Battle of Saratoga considered the turning point of the war?
What two empires joined the colonists against the British?
Battle of Saratoga

10. Rapid-Fire Review
Decide which Revolutionary leader each of the following describes:
I am considered the “father of the US Navy”.
I founded the Boston Sons of Liberty.
The Sons of Liberty threw tea in the Boston Harbor during this act of CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE.
These were the first battles of the American Revolution.
I wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
This battle is considered the turning point of the American Revolution.
We joined the colonial cause after the battle of Saratoga.
Make groups using the Pink, Green, and Yellow placards labeled “New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies”

11. A Harsh Time becomes Valuable to the Patriot forces

12. Major Event: Valley Forge Question Guide:
What were the conditions like during the winter at Valley Forge?
Why did so many soldiers die at Valley Forge?
Explain the significance of the long winter at Valley Forge for Washington’s troops.
Major Event:
Valley Forge

13. Yorktown - The End is Near

14. Battle of Yorktown Question Guide: Who won the battle of Yorktown?
What was the name of the general who surrendered?
What is the significance of this victory?
Battle of
Yorktown

15. Treaty of Paris, 1783 Question Guide:
What two things did Great Britain do as part of the Treaty of Paris, 1783?
Recognize U.S. independence
Relinquished all territories west of the Appalachian Mtns to the U.S.
Treaty of Paris, 1783