The American Revolution began as a conflict between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain. The Continental Congress was formed by the colonies to coordinate efforts against Britain and invite others to join the cause for independence. They drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to proclaim that the colonies were free and independent states. After several years of fighting, France joined the Americans as an ally which helped tip the war in their favor. The war culminated with the American victory at Yorktown in 1781. The following year, the Treaty of Paris was signed, granting the colonies their independence and establishing the United States of America.

1. American Revolution

2. Bellwork 9/20&21—pick your seat
1. What is the purpose of propaganda (like the poster below)?
2. What are some characteristics of propaganda?

3. #13 American Revolution (*takes 2 pages*)
• The slides are on a timer, they will change with on their own. Colors
will be different
• Copy the question (or summarize!)
• Question in parenthesis are just for extra explanation, not needed to
be copied
• TabbCivics.wikispaces.com----Unit 1 Revolution---bottom of the page
- links will take you to the answers, unless directed DO NOT use
google.

4. TabbCivics.wikispaces.com
-menu (top left corner: 3 lines)
-Unit 1: Revolution
- Day 4: American Revolution (bottom of the page)
- Page stays open
- Links align with the questions on the powerpoint
- Close “info” tab each time to eliminate clutter

5. A. Continental Congress (8 min)
1. What was “The Continental Congress?”
2. Why did they meet (major actions)?
3. Who was invited but did not attend? How would our
country be different today if they had attended?
(Last bullet point at the very bottom of the page)

6. B. The Two Sides (15 min)
1. Define Patriots
2. Define Loyalists
3. Who wrote the first draft of the Declaration of
Independence? (One man)
4. Create a chart to show the strengths and
weaknesses of the two sides---TWO examples for
each section:
British American
Strengths
weaknesses

7. C. Declaration of Independence (15 minutes)
1. Scroll down to the list of grievances (sentences start
with HE and FOR). Reword FOUR of the grievances
(according to the document, why were the colonists
angry)Colonists were angry because:
2. Read the last paragraph: what final message are they
giving to the King (what is their conclusion)?

8. D. The War (10 minutes)
1. Who joined the American side after the win in
Saratoga (it’s a country)?
2. Why is Saratoga considered turning point in the
war?
3. What happened at Yorktown?

9. E. Peace (8 min)
1. What is the name of the Peace Treaty that ended
the war?
2. What did America GAIN?
3. What did England (Britain) have to agree to do?
4. What did America have to agree to do?

10. F. Propaganda: create propaganda poster
convincing colonists to support the revolution
• Include color, you can create the
poster on half a sheet of computer
paper if necessary
• Link on the website shows samples of
propaganda from the American
Revolution