Independence

Independence will introduce you to Colonial America during turbulent years from the end of the French and Indian War until the declaration of independence. Participating in this activity will give you knowledge of this historical period, an appreciation of the many cross-pressures experienced by the colonists, and an understanding of the dimensions of a revolution against a colonial power. Specifically, you will experience the following:

Knowledge

 * Issues and events that caused conflict between the colonies and England between 1763-1776
 * Proposals debated and passed at the Stamp Act Congress, the First Continental Congress, and the Second Continental Congress
 * Causes of the American Revolution
 * Date, author, and contents of the Declaration of Independence
 * Why people become revolutionaries
 * Role of political agitators in fomenting revolution

Skills

 * Researching issues and events from the perspective on assumed historical identity
 * Speaking the historical viewpoint regarding an event or issue from the perspective of an assumed identity
 * Fulfilling assigned tasks to help a group prepare for a presentation on an historical event or issue
 * Bargaining with others to accomplish goals
 * Devising strategy and taking action in the proper historical perspective that either helps or hinders the revolution
 * Utilizing power to further a political cause using a range of tactics, some of which maynot be legal

Feelings

 * Appreciation of the relevance of the Declaration of Independence for contemporary America and the world
 * Appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who supported both the Loyalists and the Patriots
 * Sense of the consequences involved in revolution
 * Appreciation of the dilemma of being cross-pressured by opposing groups, each convinced it is right
 * Appreciation of the power of a well-prepared argument
 * Satisfaction of working hard and accomplishing goals
 * Excitement of winning a political battle and agony of losing one

Student Guide [|Organizing Resistance] Cooperative Group Work Rubric Research Papers Challenge Projects Causes of conflict Crisis 1: Stamp Act Congress Crisis 2: First Continental Congress Crisis 3: Second Continental Congress Concluding Questions

Assignments for Independence