Throughout this inquiry students investigate the complex interconnected roles of individuals and groups as well as the economic, social, and geographical forces that contributed to the American Revolution. Students wrestle with issues concerning historical determinism as they move toward an evidence-based argument as to whether or not the war was avoidable. The compelling question “Was the American Revolution avoidable?” prompts students to reflect on factors that contributed to the outbreak of hostilities between American colonists and Great Britain. As students explore the featured sources for this inquiry, they come to see how some individuals on both sides inflamed the tensions while others worked for reconciliation.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Was the American Revolution Avoidable?
Staging Question
Discuss how conflict can be avoided.
1
Supporting QuestionHow did the French and Indian War change British relations with the colonists?
Formative TasksList reasons why the French and Indian War and Proclamation of 1763 changed British relations with colonists.
SourcesSource A: Image bank: 18th-century British debt
Source B: Map of North America before and after the French and Indian War
Source C: “An American Looks Back At British Victory in the French and Indian War, 1763”
2
Supporting QuestionHow did British policies inflame tensions in the American colonies?
Formative TasksMake a claim about how conflict emerged between the British and colonists given British policies in the colonies.
SourcesSource A: Legislation bank: Excerpts from laws demonstrating British policies toward the American colonies, 1764–1774
3
Supporting QuestionHow did colonial responses inflame tensions?
Formative TasksRevise the claim given the new evidence about colonial responses.
SourcesSource A: Declaration of Rights from the Stamp Act Congress
Source B: Image bank: Protests in Boston, 1770– 1774
Source C: Excerpt from ”Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”
4
Supporting QuestionWhat efforts were made to avoid war?
Formative TasksWrite a second claim supported by evidence for how efforts were made to avoid war.
SourcesSource A: Repeal of the Stamp Act
Source B: Olive Branch Petition
Source C: Excerpt from Plain Truth
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Was the American Revolution avoidable? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Create a multimedia presentation that addresses whether or not the American Revolution was avoidable.
Taking Informed Action
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