Students examine how the Revolutionary War was fought on the "frontier" — in the west and at sea. They learn about American forces, major battles, alliances on each side, and important American military leaders.
Students examine how the Revolutionary War was fought on the "frontier" — in the west and at sea. They learn about American forces, major battles, alliances on each side, and important American military leaders.
Students are introduced to how the Revolutionary War extended beyond the eastern colonies into the western frontier and the seas. They examine a map of the western campaign, noting routes of British and American commanders and the locations of Native American nations, then respond to a poll predicting which side most Native Americans supported during the war.
Teacher MovesPreview the experience by explaining that students will study frontier and naval fighting, including forces, battles, alliances, and leaders. Invite students to share reasons for their poll responses and let them know they will learn more about Native Americans’ role as the lesson continues.
Students study a map of the “Ohio country” to see where much of the western fighting occurred, then read the “War in the West” section of War in the West to learn about alliances, American forces, and outcomes in the region. They answer multiple-choice questions about which side most Native Americans supported, who made up most American forces in the West, and what happened to the Ohio country after the war. Students then read about George Rogers Clark’s campaign and the Battle of Fort Sackville at Vincennes, using Vincennes: The British Barrier to the West to learn how Clark’s forces captured the fort. Finally, they post to a class wall explaining whether they think Clark was a hero and why.
Teacher MovesUse the map and reading to highlight where and how the western campaign unfolded. Review student responses to the comprehension questions to check understanding of Native American alliances, the composition of western forces, and postwar territorial changes. For the Clark discussion, acknowledge that students may see him as heroic for his long march, capture of forts, and success at Vincennes without loss of life inside the fort, while others may criticize his execution of Native Americans to intimidate opponents.
Students read about the imbalance between the powerful British navy and the colonists’ lack of an official navy, learning how private merchant and fishing vessels were converted into fighting ships and how the Continental Navy was created. They examine how French, Spanish, and Dutch naval involvement shifted the balance against Britain. Students read Battle of the Chesapeake to understand the significance of that engagement and “I Have Not Yet Begun to Fight,” 1779: John Paul Jones in Battle to explore John Paul Jones’s leadership and famous quote. They answer multiple-choice questions about which side benefited most from privateering, the main source of colonial sea power, and which European countries fought the British at sea. Finally, they post on a class wall explaining the story behind the quote “I have not yet begun to fight,” identifying who said it, when and where, and why.
Teacher MovesEmphasize how privateering and foreign naval alliances helped offset British naval strength and contributed to American success. Use student answers to the questions to confirm understanding of privateers, colonial sea power, and European involvement. Clarify that “I have not yet begun to fight” was spoken by American naval commander John Paul Jones during a hard-fought 1779 battle off the British coast, in response to a British demand for surrender.
Students reflect on the entire experience by posting to a shared wall about the most surprising or interesting thing they learned about frontier battles of the Revolutionary War, then read classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesUse student responses to identify understandings and misconceptions, and to guide follow-up discussion.
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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