causes of the american revolution webquest

Lemon

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01-02-2025

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The American Revolution wasn't a spontaneous event; it was the culmination of decades of simmering tensions between Great Britain and its thirteen American colonies. This WebQuest will guide you through the key causes, allowing you to become an expert on this pivotal moment in history. We'll explore the political, economic, and social factors that ultimately led to the colonists' fight for independence.

Part 1: The Seeds of Discontent – Economic Grievances (approx. 45 minutes)

Objective: To understand the economic policies that fueled colonial resentment towards Great Britain.

Tasks:

1. Mercantilism: Research the economic theory of mercantilism. How did this system benefit Great Britain at the expense of the American colonies? Consider the impact of trade restrictions, taxes on imported goods, and the Navigation Acts.
2. Taxation Without Representation: Explore the various taxes imposed on the colonies by the British government, such as the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, and the Tea Act. Why did colonists argue that these taxes were unjust? What was the significance of the cry, "No taxation without representation"?
3. The Boston Tea Party: Investigate the circumstances surrounding the Boston Tea Party. What were the immediate and long-term consequences of this act of defiance? How did it escalate tensions between the colonies and Great Britain?

Resources: Use reputable online resources such as history websites, academic articles, and educational videos to answer these questions. Consider searching terms like "mercantilism and American colonies," "Stamp Act," "Townshend Acts," and "Boston Tea Party."

Part 2: The Growing Divide – Political and Social Factors (approx. 45 minutes)

Objective: To analyze the political and social factors that contributed to the growing divide between Great Britain and the American colonies.

Tasks:

1. Salutary Neglect: Examine the period of "salutary neglect." How did this period of less strict British control contribute to the development of a unique colonial identity and self-governance? Why did this end?
2. The Role of Enlightenment Ideas: Research the influence of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu on colonial thought. How did their ideas about natural rights, liberty, and limited government inspire colonial resistance?
3. Growing Colonial Identity: Discuss the development of a distinct American identity separate from British identity. How did colonial newspapers, pamphlets, and public gatherings foster a sense of unity and shared grievances?

Resources: Utilize online encyclopedias, primary source documents (like the Declaration of Independence), and scholarly articles to gather information. Search for terms like "salutary neglect," "Enlightenment and American Revolution," and "colonial identity."

Part 3: The Road to Revolution – Key Events and Turning Points (approx. 30 minutes)

Objective: To identify key events and turning points that propelled the colonies towards revolution.

Tasks:

1. Intolerable Acts: Research the Intolerable Acts passed by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party. What were the provisions of these acts, and how did they further inflame colonial resentment?
2. First Continental Congress: Examine the purpose and outcomes of the First Continental Congress. What actions did the delegates take, and what was their overall approach to resolving the conflict with Great Britain?
3. Lexington and Concord: Investigate the Battles of Lexington and Concord. How did these events mark the beginning of armed conflict between the colonies and Great Britain?

Resources: Use a variety of reputable sources, including historical accounts, maps, and timelines to construct a detailed understanding of these events. Search terms such as "Intolerable Acts," "First Continental Congress," and "Battles of Lexington and Concord" will be helpful.

Part 4: Synthesis and Reflection (approx. 15 minutes)

Objective: To synthesize your findings and reflect on the complex causes of the American Revolution.

Tasks:

1. Cause and Effect Essay Outline: Create a brief outline for an essay that explains the multiple causes of the American Revolution, emphasizing the interplay between economic, political, and social factors.
2. Reflection: Reflect on the complexity of historical events and the importance of considering multiple perspectives when studying the past. What surprised you the most during your research?

This WebQuest provides a framework for exploring the multifaceted causes of the American Revolution. Remember to cite your sources appropriately and to critically evaluate the information you find online. By engaging with these tasks, you will gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in American history.