Defending Independence: What Did It Take to Fight for and Defend Freedom?
Updated: 1 day ago
Grade Level: 6-12
Duration of Video: 14 minutes, 40 seconds
Themes:
American Revolution
Defending Independence
Leadership
Sacrifice
Foreign Alliances
Saratoga
Yorktown
Treaty of Paris
Civic Responsibility
US History
Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, by John Trumbull, 1818. U.S. Capitol Collection. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Description:
In this engaging lesson, students learn what happened after the colonies declared independence from Great Britain. Students watch The American Revolution — OverSimplified, Part 2 to explore how the Americans continued fighting despite military defeats, low morale, harsh winters, lack of supplies, and the power of the British military. Students examine the importance of Washington’s leadership, the victory at Trenton, the turning point at Saratoga, French support, military training, strategy in the Southern Campaign, Yorktown, and the Treaty of Paris. Essential questions about leadership, sacrifice, strategy, alliances, persistence, the cost of freedom, and our civic responsibility today are emphasized.
Prior to this lesson, teachers may want to teach Part 1 of this video series, entitled: "The American Revolution: From Protest to Independence."
Teacher note: This video series is informative, humorous, and at times irreverent in its use of language. Teachers should preview before showing to make sure it is appropriate for their students and school setting. Despite its irreverence, this video is extremely informative and engaging.
Lesson Plan:
🎯 OBJECTIVES (SWBAT)
Discuss the fact that declaring independence did not mean the war was over.
Identify major events and factors that helped the Americans continue fighting.
Explain why Washington’s leadership, Trenton, Saratoga, French support, military training, Yorktown, and the Treaty of Paris mattered.
Describe how sacrifice, strategy, alliances, and persistence helped the Americans defend independence.
Analyze: Were the Revolution’s promises of freedom equally experienced by everyone at the time?
Connect the American Revolution to freedoms and civic responsibilities Americans value today.
🧰 MATERIALS:
Student Worksheet 1: Defending Independence: Timeline, printed or digital copy for each student.
Student Worksheet 2: Defending Independence: Thought Questions, printed or digital copy for each student.
Smart Board or computer and projector
Pens or pencils for students
Post-it notes (size: 3” x 3” or larger) for each student
Designated board, chart paper, or wall space
📋 LESSON FLOW
Hook
Teacher asks:
When thinking about the American Revolution, what do you think was harder? To declare that America wanted independence from Great Britain or for Americans to fight for their freedom?
Discuss. Teacher asks:
What do people need in order to keep fighting when they are tired, hungry, outnumbered, or losing?
Background with Timeline
Teacher says:
In order to learn some background before I show you a video today, please read with your seat partner Student Worksheet 1: Defending Independence: Timeline.
Question Before Watching the Video
Reunite the class.
Teacher says:
As you watch the video, think about this question: What helped the Americans keep fighting and eventually win independence? We will discuss this after the film.
Discuss
Teacher asks:
What helped the Americans keep fighting and eventually win independence?
Discuss
Teacher says:
Declaring independence took courage. Defending independence took courage, leadership, sacrifice, strategy, help from allies, and the ability to keep going even after defeat.
Partner Work
Teacher says:
Work with your seat partner to answer these questions about what it took to defend independence. Use what you learned from the video and the timeline.
Share
Reunite the class and go over students’ answers to the entire Student Worksheet 2: Defending Independence: Thought Questions.
Ask:
What factor do you think was most important in helping the Americans defend independence? Why did you choose that factor?
Reflect/Assess: Freedom Then and Now
Teacher says:
The American Revolution helped shape American ideas about freedom, representation, and government by the people. Today, Americans continue to value these freedoms.
Hand each student a Post-it note.
Teacher instructs students to:
Write one short response to this question: What is one freedom or civic responsibility you appreciate today because of the American Revolution?
Students place their responses on a designated classroom reflection space titled: Freedom Then and Now
Teacher says: As you post your response, quietly read a few classmates’ ideas.
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