AR - The American Revolution and Freedom Module Overview

The American Revolution and Freedom

Introduction

After years of operating separate successful colonies in North America, the French and British feud erupted around the world. In the American colonies the results of the French and Indian War had lasting impact on the future relationship between the English colonies and their King. Colonists became angered over the debt England expected them to pay for the war. Numerous new taxes were placed on the colonists which continued to fuel the fire of hostility between the colonists and the King. Ultimately, the Americans declared independence and the American Revolution began. After vicious fighting, the Americans won their independence, but the political fighting between the colonists began as they debated the future of the new nation. A government needed to be established, which proved very difficult to agree on. While the nation struggled to find their political identity and stability, Georgia also struggled with writing their new Constitution and recovering from the lasting effects of the American Revolutionary War.

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

American Revolution: Causes and Impact: What was the chain of events that lead to the American Revolution? This lesson will explore the reasons behind the colonists' rebellion, some key battles and events from the revolution and it's long term impact.

The Revolutionary War: People and Events in Georgia: How did Georgians view the war? Which side did they fight on? Who were some Georgians who made an impact on the war and after? Were battles fought in Georgia? Find out in this lesson.

Georgia's Constitution of 1777 and the Articles of Confederation: Georgia responded to the Declaration of Independence by drafting a new constitution. Discover more about it, and the U.S. Government's first governing document, the Articles of Confederation, in this lesson.

Georgia's New Constitution: Those earlier documents, both on a state and national level, contained weaknesses that required both to be reworked. Discover what changes were made to make both the state and the nation able to govern successfully.

 

Key Terms

  • Proclamation - public statement
  • Coercive Acts - also known as Intolerable Acts; these were laws to punish rebellious colonists
  • Quartering Act - required the colony to house British soldiers and pay for their expenses
  • Redcoats - British soldiers
  • Battle of Lexington and Concord - First armed conflict of the American Revolutionary War
  • Loyalists - colonists who sided with the British during the American Revolutionary War
  • Patriot - colonists who fought or stood against the British during the American Revolutionary War

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