Revolutionary War
Classroom Resources Brought To You By KET
Thomas Paine | Writer and Revolutionary Video
Thomas Paine | Writer and Revolutionary Video. In January 1776, Thomas Paine published a document that sparked the American fight for independence from England. His political pamphlet, called Common Sense, showed the colonists that they could be free from the tyranny of a king by creating an independent nation where they could justly and fairly govern themselves. By watching a biographical video and engaging in two primary source activities, students will encounter the ideas, writings, and impact of Thomas Paine.
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 3-7.
Mission US: For Crown or Colony?
Mission-US.org via PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 3-8.
The Boston Tea Party, 16 December 1773, published London, 1789
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 3-12.
Hamilton's America
Hamilton's America. GREAT PERFORMANCES: “Hamilton’s America” provides a behind-the-scenes look at Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash hit Broadway musical Hamilton. “Hamilton’s America” blends history, footage of Miranda’s writing process, and scenes from the musical itself to create a vibrant and engaging film about the making of the musical and the preservation of Alexander Hamilton’s legacy. This collection includes clips, classroom activities, discussion questions, handouts, and teaching tips connected to the film. Additional material has generously been provided by The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 4-12.
George Washington and the American Revolution
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 5-12.
Spy Techniques of the Revolutionary War: Culper Code Book
Spy Techniques of the Revolutionary War: Culper Code Book. Decipher and create historically-accurate spy communications like those used by George Washington and the Culper Spy ring in the American Revolutionary War using this primary source and transcript (see Support Materials -> For Students). Leaders were dependent on reliable communication channels for military success; Washington’s secret intelligence served as a critical advantage over the oft-superior British forces. Put yourself in the shoes of the colonial spies and deepen your understanding of the challenges and purpose for spy communications.
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 5-12.
George Washington (1732-99) Appointed Commander in Chief, published 1876
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 5-13+
George Washington Engraving
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 5-13+
Yorktown: Now or Never
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 5-12.
Alexander Hamilton's War
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 9-12.
Taxes and Smuggling - Prelude to Revolution | Crash Course US History #6
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 9-12.
Who Won the American Revolution | Crash Course US History
Who Won the American Revolution | Crash Course US History. John Green teaches you about the American Revolution. John will teach you about the major battles of the war, and discuss the strategies on both sides. Everyone is familiar with how this war played out for the Founding Fathers; they got to become the Founding Fathers. But what did the revolution mean to the common people in the United States? For white, property-owning males, it was pretty sweet. They gained rights that were a definite step up from being British Colonial citizens. For everyone else, the short-term gains were not clear. Women's rights were unaffected, and slaves remained in slavery. As for poor white folks, they remained poor and disenfranchised. The reality is it took a long time for this whole democracy thing to get underway, and the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness weren't immediately available to all these newly minted Americans.
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 9-13+
Tea, Taxes, and The American Revolution | Crash Course World History
Tea, Taxes, and The American Revolution | Crash Course World History. John Green teaches you about the American Revolution and the American Revolutionary War, which it turns out were two different things. John goes over the issues and events that precipitated rebellion in Britain's American colonies, and he also explores the ideas that laid the groundwork for the new American democracy. Find out how the tax bill from the Seven Years War fomented an uprising, how the Enlightenment influenced the Founding Fathers, and who were the winners and losers in this conflict (hint: many of the people living in the Colonies ended up losers). The Revolution purportedly brought freedom and equality to the Thirteen Colonies, but they weren't equally distributed. Also, you'll learn about America's love affair with commemorative ceramics and what happens when rich white guys take the reins from rich white guys, and put together a society of, by, and for rich white guys.
PBS LearningMedia.
Grades 9-13+
*Caution for Mature Content