Causes of the American Revolution WEBQUEST

Introduction:

You have been wronged! Your king has forsaken you! King George is a tyrant and you have every right to rebel. Write a letter to King George in which you outline all of your grievances and indicate your desire to separate from England.

Process:

1. Use the Wikipedia and Google to locate written and visual information about the idea of “No taxation without representation.” a. What does this statement mean? b. Who said it? c. When was it spoken? d. Do you agree or disagree with it?

2. Debrief as a class: what are the dangers of using such engines as Wikipedia and Google? What did you discover about the information you obtained? What do you have to cautious of? When might it be a good idea to use Wikipedia and Google and when might it not?

4. Search Refined: use the resources provided to complete the research that will allow you to base your letter on fact. Use point form notes and your own words to complete the chart attached.

Use the following links to locate the information you will need to write your letter. Avoid searching each specific event via Google or Wikipedia. You want to find information for each event as it relates specifically to the American Revolution. These sites have already been pre-screened for you. http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/revolutionarywartimeline.htm http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1203.html (Quebec Act and Royal Proclamation) http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/chronicle_timeline.html http://library.thinkquest.org/11683/events.html

For each event, outline very BRIEFLY, a. the details of the event b. how the event upset you as a colonist c.

Navigation Acts 1660/1668 The Royal Proclamation of 1763

-all trade between British colonies had to used British ships and go through Britain to pay duties (taxes) -way for British to raise money to support wars ***angers us b/c our shipping costs are higher and it takes longer for us to get our goods ***we can’t build our own shipping industry ***British are trying to control and steal from us!

Sugar Act 1765 Stamp Act 1765

Townshend Acts 1767 Boston Tea Party 1773

Intolerable Acts 1774 Quebec Act 1774 5. Now use the information you gathered in your chart to write a video letter to King George of England. In this letter, clarify your grievances and indicate your intention to declare independence from England. In addition, you should also reference the ideas of John Locke regarding the roles and responsibilities of monarch and citizen. Begin your letter with “Dear King George.” Your letter should be about 250 words long. a.be specific and detailed b. specify how each event is disturbing to you as a citizen c.outline the fundamental reason for separation d. use language full of emotion

6. Name this file “lastname-kinggeorge> and save it to your personal folder. 7. Drop it into Ms. Quach’s folder in the “Hand-in Folder” within ‘Students on 125.”

Evaluation: 6 5 4 3 2 Details are correct, specific and precise (x3) -events and reasons of outrage -Locke: citizen and monarch -declaration of independence -no taxation without representation

6 5 4 3 2 Language is sophisticated and connotes emotion and outrage

6 5 4 3 2 Summarizes the philosophical reasons for independence -Declaration of Independence! -Locke: tyranny, rights and responsibilities -No taxation without representation: unfair treatment

6 5 4 3 2 Visuals (graphics and images) reinforce spirit of American independence

Conclusion Congratulations on taking such a brave step toward independence. It is never easy to sever ties and to turn away from what you have always considered to be home. Good luck as you embark on the next phase of your fight! Independence or death!