The American Revolution
1. I can describe the role of the French and Indian War, how British policy toward the colonies in America changed from 1763 to 1775, and colonial dissatisfaction with the new policy.
2. I can describe the causes and effects of events such as the Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, the Intolerable Acts, and the Boston Massacre.
3. Using an event from the Revolutionary era (e.g., Boston Tea Party, quartering of soldiers, writs of assistance, closing of colonial legislatures), I can explain how British and colonial views on authority and the use of power without authority differed (views on representative government). 5
4. I can describe the role of the First and Second Continental Congress in unifying the colonies (addressing the Intolerable Acts, declaring independence, drafting the Articles of Confederation).
5. I can use the Declaration of Independence to explain why the colonists wanted to separate from Great Britain and why they believed they had the right to do so.
6. I can identify the role that key individuals played in leading the colonists to revolution, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Thomas Paine.
7. I can describe how colonial experiences with self-government (e.g., Mayflower Compact, House of Burgesses and town meetings) and ideas about government (e.g., purposes of government such as protecting individual rights and promoting the common good, natural rights, limited government, representative government) influenced the decision to declare independence.
8. I can identify a problem confronting people in the colonies, identify alternative choices for addressing the problem with possible consequences, and describe the course of action taken.
9. I can describe the advantages and disadvantages of each side during the American Revolution with respect to military leadership, geography, types of resources, and incentives.
10. I can describe the importance of Valley Forge, Battle of Saratoga, and Battle of Yorktown in the American Revolution.
11. I can compare the role of women, African Americans, American Indians, and France in helping shape the outcome of the war.
12. I can describe the significance of the Treaty of Paris (establishment of the United States and its boundaries).