In this Grade 8 lesson from California myWorld Interactive, students examine the key events and ideas that drove the American colonies toward independence, including the Battle of Bunker Hill, Washington's siege of Boston, and the arguments Thomas Paine made in Common Sense. Students analyze the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence, including the concepts of natural rights and unalienable rights as expressed in its preamble. The lesson also explores the early challenges facing the Continental Army and how strategic geography, captured cannons, and shifting colonial attitudes helped turn the tide against British forces.
Section 1
Escalating Conflict: The Battle of Bunker Hill
After the first shots of the war, colonial militias surrounded the British in Boston. To gain an advantage, the colonists fortified hills overlooking the city.
The British army attacked these defenses in the Battle of Bunker Hill. The colonists fought fiercely, forcing the British to charge the hill three times. The Americans only retreated after they ran out of ammunition.
Section 2
Shift in Public Opinion: Thomas Paine's Common Sense
After the first battles of the war, many colonists were still unsure about leaving Great Britain. While angry at British policies, the idea of complete independence was a radical and frightening step for most.
In January 1776, writer Thomas Paine published a powerful pamphlet called Common Sense. He used simple language to argue that it was illogical for a king thousands of miles away to rule the colonies. He urged Americans to break away and create a new, free society.
Section 3
The Declaration of Independence: Justifying the Break
After deciding to separate from Great Britain, the Continental Congress needed a formal document to explain its reasons. A committee chose Thomas Jefferson to write the first draft, and he used powerful Enlightenment ideas about the rights of all people.
The Declaration of Independence explains that governments exist to protect people's rights. It then includes a long list of grievances, or complaints, against King George III to show how the British government had violated those rights.
Section 4
Turning Point: The Victory at Saratoga
In 1777, the British army attempted to divide the colonies by seizing control of the Hudson River Valley in New York. This campaign culminated in the Battle of Saratoga, a series of clashes where American forces confronted a large British army led by General John Burgoyne.
The struggling Continental Army, under the command of American generals, achieved a stunning and decisive victory. They forced the surrender of General Burgoyne's entire army, a major blow to British military efforts and a tremendous boost to Patriot morale.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Escalating Conflict: The Battle of Bunker Hill
After the first shots of the war, colonial militias surrounded the British in Boston. To gain an advantage, the colonists fortified hills overlooking the city.
The British army attacked these defenses in the Battle of Bunker Hill. The colonists fought fiercely, forcing the British to charge the hill three times. The Americans only retreated after they ran out of ammunition.
Section 2
Shift in Public Opinion: Thomas Paine's Common Sense
After the first battles of the war, many colonists were still unsure about leaving Great Britain. While angry at British policies, the idea of complete independence was a radical and frightening step for most.
In January 1776, writer Thomas Paine published a powerful pamphlet called Common Sense. He used simple language to argue that it was illogical for a king thousands of miles away to rule the colonies. He urged Americans to break away and create a new, free society.
Section 3
The Declaration of Independence: Justifying the Break
After deciding to separate from Great Britain, the Continental Congress needed a formal document to explain its reasons. A committee chose Thomas Jefferson to write the first draft, and he used powerful Enlightenment ideas about the rights of all people.
The Declaration of Independence explains that governments exist to protect people's rights. It then includes a long list of grievances, or complaints, against King George III to show how the British government had violated those rights.
Section 4
Turning Point: The Victory at Saratoga
In 1777, the British army attempted to divide the colonies by seizing control of the Hudson River Valley in New York. This campaign culminated in the Battle of Saratoga, a series of clashes where American forces confronted a large British army led by General John Burgoyne.
The struggling Continental Army, under the command of American generals, achieved a stunning and decisive victory. They forced the surrender of General Burgoyne's entire army, a major blow to British military efforts and a tremendous boost to Patriot morale.