The student will demonstrate knowledge of events and issues of the Revolutionary Period by
- analyzing how the political ideas of John Locke and those expressed in Common Sense helped shape the Declaration of Independence.
- describing the political differences among the colonists concerning separation from Britain.
- analyzing reasons for colonial victory in the Revolutionary War.
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- How did the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers influence colonial leaders?
- What ideas, motives, and events led to the colonist’s decision to declare independence?
- What differences existed among Americans concerning separation from Great Britain?
- Who were the key military and diplomatic leaders of the American Revolution?
- What were the key battles and events of the American Revolution?
- What factors contributed to the victory of the American Rebels?
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NOTE: Red Bolded content in the indicators is considered essential and must be taught in all classrooms. Content which is not bolded goes beyond the scope and sequence of the state standards.
Benchmark 4.1: The student explains the causes of the American Revolution, ideas, and interests involved in forging the Revolutionary movement, and the reasons for the American victory.
4.1 Performance Indicators
Students reach this benchmark when they are able to:
- Explain the concept of the “rights of Englishmen” and the impact of the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution on the colonies.
- Explain the consequences of the Seven Year’s War/French and Indian War and the overhaul of the English imperial policy following the Treaty of Paris (1763).
- Analyze the ideas of Enlightenment philosopher John Locke and how he influenced the idea of self-government in the colonies.
- Analyze how Thomas Paine’s Common Sense challenged the rule of the American colonies by the King of England, George III.
- Reconstruct the chronology of critical events leading to the outbreak of armed conflict between the American colonies and England (Proclamation of 1763, Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, First Continental Congress, Boston Massacre, etc.).
- Read and interpret the Declaration of Independence and Common Sense.
Benchmark 4.2: The student will describe the political differences among the colonists concerning separation from Great Britain.
4.2 Performance Indicators
Students reach this benchmark when they are able to:
- Identify the differences between the Patriots, Loyalists (Tories), and Neutrals.
- Reconstruct the arguments between the Patriots and Loyalists about independence and draw conclusions about how the decision to declare independence was reached.
Benchmark 4.3: The student identifies key battles, strategic and diplomatic decisions, and leaders of the Revolution.
4.3 Performance Indicators
Students reach this benchmark when they are able to:
- Appraise George Washington’s military and political leadership in conducting the Revolutionary War.
- Explain how the Americans won the war against superior British resources.
- Compare and contrast the roles of men and women, including white settlers, free and enslaved African Americans, and Native Americans in the Revolutionary War.
- Analyze the United States’ relationship with France during the Revolution, the role of Benjamin Franklin in negotiating an alliance with France, and the contributions of France to the American victory.
- Reconstruct the chronology of the critical military events that led to the colonial victory (Lexington and Concord, Trenton, Saratoga, Yorktown).
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