Summary: The American Revolution involved internal and external disputes. Externally, the colonists contested the authority of the British King, his ministers and the British Parliament in North America. Internally, colonists argued over how to respond to the acts of the British government that threatened American interests and ideology. This lesson examines the causes of the Revolutionary War and includes two historical role-plays. The first uses a mock mediation to explore the divisions among the colonists at the First Continental Congress in the fall of 1774. The second uses a mock negotiation between Lord North of Britain and Benjamin Franklin to illustrate the debate between the American colonies and the British Crown in 1775.
Overarching questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.1.a: Explain how British North American colonies adapted the British governance structure to fit their ideas of individual rights, economic growth, and participatory government.
- 6.1.12.HistoryCA.2.a: Research multiple perspectives to explain the struggle to create an American identity.
Link to lesson: Could the American Revolution Have Been Avoided?