Inquiries Filed Under:

American Revolution

About the inquiry

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.

Compelling Question

Was the American Revolution Avoidable?

Staging Question

Discuss how conflict can be avoided.

Supporting Question

How did the French and Indian War change British relations with the colonists?

Formative Tasks

List reasons why the French and Indian War and Proclamation of 1763 changed British relations with colonists.

Sources

Source 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”

Supporting Question

How did British policies inflame tensions in the American colonies?

Formative Tasks

Make a claim about how conflict emerged between the British and colonists given British policies in the colonies.

Sources

Source A: Legislation bank: Excerpts from laws demonstrating British policies toward the American colonies, 1764–1774

Supporting Question

How did colonial responses inflame tensions?

Formative Tasks

Revise the claim given the new evidence about colonial responses.

Sources

Source 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”

Supporting Question

What efforts were made to avoid war?

Formative Tasks

Write a second claim supported by evidence for how efforts were made to avoid war.

Sources

Source 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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