Students learn about the final, Southern phase of the Revolutionary War, the last major battle in Yorktown, and the Treaty of Paris that brought an end to the war. They gather information from maps.
Students learn about the final, Southern phase of the Revolutionary War, the last major battle in Yorktown, and the Treaty of Paris that brought an end to the war. They gather information from maps.
Students are introduced to the final phase of the Revolutionary War and examine a painting of the British surrender at Yorktown. Using a drawing tool, they circle details in the image and add brief explanations of why those details stand out. They then review the lesson objectives about the Battle of Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris.
Teacher MovesUse the image activity to spark curiosity and surface students’ initial ideas without over-explaining or correcting misconceptions. Highlight thoughtful observations and questions, invite a few students to share what they circled and why, and let students know they will return to this image later to write captions and connect it to a key event in the war. Review the lesson objectives so students understand the focus of the experience.
Students read The Battle of Yorktown to learn how the battle became a decisive turning point in the Revolutionary War. They use a drawing tool to create a timeline showing the sequence of key events at Yorktown. Afterward, they revisit the surrender painting from Scene 1 and write a caption explaining what is happening, using details from the text to connect the image to Yorktown as the decisive battle.
Teacher MovesAfter students complete their timelines, bring the class together to review the sequence of events and discuss how those events made Yorktown the decisive battle of the American Revolution, referencing details from student timelines and, if helpful, building a class timeline. When reviewing image captions, clarify that the painting shows Cornwallis surrendering at Yorktown, point out the white flag and its meaning if needed, and have students share and explain their captions with a partner to reinforce the connection between the image and the battle’s significance.
Students view Benjamin West’s painting “The Treaty of Paris” and watch Treaty of Paris 1783 to learn how peace between Britain and the United States was formally established. They then complete a graphic organizer that explains what the Treaty of Paris of 1783 was and describes three key terms of the treaty.
Teacher MovesReview students’ graphic organizers to ensure they can explain both the treaty and its key terms, as well as their significance. Ask students who benefited most from each term and how the terms might have shaped colonists’ understanding of their new identity as an independent nation. As appropriate, extend the discussion by considering British and Loyalist perspectives, including the experiences of Loyalists and free African Americans who relocated after the war.
Students examine “The Birth of Old Glory” and read about how independence marked the beginning of building a new nation. Working in small groups, they brainstorm and discuss the decisions leaders of the newly independent United States would need to make to develop a system of government. They complete a “First, Next, Then” graphic organizer to describe and sequence the steps leaders would need to take to move the country forward.
Teacher MovesFrame this scene as an opportunity to apply what students have learned by thinking about the work of building a new nation. Encourage rich group discussion and brainstorming rather than searching for a single right answer. When reviewing organizers, guide students to see that the end of the war began a new phase of important decisions to keep the nation organized and functioning. Highlight repeated or similar steps and discuss their order, probe for deeper meaning when students mention specifics like writing the Constitution, and emphasize that building a nation is a multi-step process. Conclude by having students discuss what challenges remained even after the war was won.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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