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American Revolutionary War WebQuest  

Introduction| Task | Process |Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

 

Introduction

In this quest we will look at the most important and exciting time in the history of the United States-the Revolutionary War. July 4, 1776 marked the beginning of the United States of America and the start of the Revolutionary War. The colonists, who had been loyal British subjects, fought for freedom and independence from British rule. To better understand why this took place, we need to explore the cause and effect of events that led to the Revolutionary War and discover how and why independent colonies united in the effort for independence.

Task

It is 1775 in Boston Massachusetts. The local tavern is more than just a place to eat and drink. It is also a place to meet and discuss ideas with neighbors and people from throughout the other colonies. One day you meet three friends and talk about the major issues of the day. The major topic that you discuss is independence. Will you seek independence or stay loyal to the British government? Once you decide, you will want to convince others that your view is one that they should share. In order to do this, you must find out more about the issue of independence.

The following questions will help guide you as you seek more knowledge:

  • Why was the French and Indian War fought, and what were the results of that war?
  • What are the main sources of conflict between the colonies and Britain?
  • What are some of the differences between the colonies, and why do many people think of themselves as belonging to a particular colony rather than as Americans?
  • What things might lead the colonists to form a united America?
  • Why are some colonists loyal to Great Britain while others seek independence?

 Process

  1. Begin by looking at the web sites to gain an understanding of the events that led to the war. Take notes as you look at the sites.
  2. Create a timeline using Timeliner given the following events. Be sure to include a date and brief description of each event.

Important events:

Boston Massacre

Second Continental Congress

First Continental Congress

 

French and Indian War

Battle of Lexington/Concord

Stamp Act & Sugar Act

 

Boston Tea Party

Declaration of Independence

Tea Act

 
  1. Develop a flow chart using Inspiration displaying the causes and effects of these important events.

 

Resources

(Click on the flags to go to the sites.)

Start here with a look at a timeline of events.

Background and history of the Revolution

Look at these sections at this site:

  1. 9 Declaration of Independence
  2. 33 Stamp Act Riots

This site contains lots of information in a timeline format.

Information on famous people can be found here:

Evaluation

Criteria

4

3

2

1

Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Few, if any errors.

Some errors.

Some distracting errors.

Distracting, repeated errors. (Major errors)

Presentation itself.

Well planned, effective.

Planned, complete.

Some evidence of planning.

Little planning, incomplete.

Describe the causes and effects of events leading up to the Revolution and show the relationship between the causes and effects.

Causes and effects of all events are accurately described. Relationship between events is clearly stated.

Causes and effects of all events are listed. Relationship between events is stated.

Causes and effects of most of the events are listed. Relationship between events is incomplete or missing.

Causes and effects are incomplete or incorrectly described. Little or no relationship between events is stated.

List and describe timeline events

All major events are listed and accurately described. Additional events are included and described.

Most of the major events are listed and completely described.

Some of the major events are listed and or incomplete descriptions of events are given.

Few events are listed. Description of events is missing.

Describe the reasons for revolution and state reasons why people should or should not fight for revolution.

Reasons for revolution are accurately stated and reasons for stated position are clearly stated and consistent.

Reasons for revolution are stated and reasons are given for stated position.

 

Some reasons for revolution are given. Some reasons for or against revolution are incomplete or inconsistent.

Reasons for revolution are incomplete or missing.

Conclusion

The American Revolution marked the beginning of the United States of America. The events that led to revolution have impacted our history and culture for the past 200 years. An understanding of the events that helped our country gain independence gives us a clearer idea of why our country is the way it is today. This understanding also leads us to why our laws and government are the way they are.