Curated OER
Jefferson vs. Franklin: Revolutionary Philosophers
Students examine the contributions of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to American Independence. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, read and discuss primary source documents, and complete a chart.
Curated OER
Ending the War, 1783
High schoolers investigate how successful they were in obtaining their goals in the Revolutionary War. The peace feelers of 1775 are examined and the reasons for the British rejection of them explored. the main provisions of the Treaty...
Curated OER
The American Revolution: Creating a New Nation
The American Government was founded on several major principles which led to the US Constitution, Federal System, and Bill of Rights. This presentation follows Colonial America on its journey from colony, to freedom fighter, to...
Curated OER
Images of the American Revolution
Students analyze several documents as they research the Revolutionary War. They evaluate documents and examine them for bias and perspective. They use their research to write monologues from the point of view of a famous Revolutionary...
National First Ladies' Library
Were There Two Wars for American Independence?
Young scholars debate whether or not the War of 1812 can be counted as America's second war of independence. After researching the War of 1812, they complete a WebQuest designed to help them decide on the validity of the war as a quest...
Curated OER
Political Ramifications of the American Revolution
Pupils, in groups, research a topic from the Revolutionary War. They present their research to the class as a review and the instructor summarizes important information. They take a test on the presented topics.
Massachusetts Historical Society
Mhs: Coming of the American Revolution: Second Continental Congress
Describes events that led to the formation of the Second Continental Congress and ultimately American independence. Includes supporting original documents and great teacher resources.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Thomas Jefferson (Spanish)
A brief biography on Thomas Jefferson with pictures and links.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Treaty of Paris (1783)
A wonderful interactive look at an original copy of the Treaty of Paris (1783). This treaty ended the Revolutionary War. Along with the original copy is a brief, informative paragraph. Also find links to larger images and downloadable...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: America in Class: Making the Revolution: Independence: 1783 1791
A collection of eight primary resources with introductory notes, classroom discussion questions, and supplemental links on the period following the Revolutionary War, 1783-1791 and the making of a new nation.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: America in Class: Thomas Paine's Common Sense, 1776
Lesson on how Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense convinced reluctant Americans to abandon the goal of reconciliation with Britain and accept independence as the only option for preserving their liberty.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: America's History in the Making: The New Nation
After the War of Independence, Americans were unable to agree on the form of their federal government. This unit explores how those conflicts played out as the new Republic defined its identity in relation to other nations.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Freedom: A History of the u.s. Independence Webisode 1
Webisode 1-Independence. The history of the United States is presented in a series of webisodes, within each are a number of segments.Included are links to lesson plans, teacher guides, resources, activities, and tools.
CommonLit
Common Lit: "The Road to American Independence" by Jessica Mc Birney
This informational text recounts America's road to independence, starting from the beginning of English colonization in North America and ending with the final battle of the American Revolution. A specific purpose for reading and...
Other
Colonial Hall: Richard Henry Lee
This site provides a detailed biography of Richard Henry Lee, including his role in the Virginia House of Burgesses, second Continental Congress, and American independence.
Ibis Communications
Eye Witness to History: The Boston Tea Party, 1773
This article details information surrounding the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
Library of Congress
Loc: Richard Henry Lee
The Library of Congress provides a brief biography of Richard Henry Lee. Select "Return to Essay" to explore his role within the context of America's fight towards independence.
Library of Congress
Loc: The Most Important Thing He Ever Wrote
Tells about Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence.
Library of Congress
Loc: The Treaty of Paris Is Ratified
The Continental Congress gathered to end the Revolutionary War, and solidify their independence from England with the Treaty of Paris. Briefly overviews the events, and presents a photo of the Maryland State Capital, where the delegates...
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The Articles of Confederation
At this site read a short synopsis of the Articles of Confederation, and then complete a short quiz by clicking on the "show what you know" link at the bottom.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris
Read about the siege of Yorktown and the inability of Cornwallis to be resupplied, resulting in his surrender of 8,000 British troops to General George Washington. The end of the Revolutionary War was finalized with the Treaty of Paris...
Other
History View: Liberty Bell
Take a virtual field trip of the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
TES Global
Blendspace: World's Greatest Break Up Letter
Work through twenty-four links to websites, videos, images, and activities to learn about the Declaration of Independence and how it came to be.
Ducksters
Ducksters: American Revolution for Kids: Life as a Revolutionary War Soldier
Kids learn about Life as a Revolutionary War Soldier including the Continentla army, the militia, and the British Red Coats.