Students explore the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the Revolution. They analyze the Declaration of Independence as an example of Enlightenment influence on the American Revolution. Then they elaborate on whether they would have supported American independence if they were alive at the time, and why, taking into account Enlightenment ideas.
Students read an introduction explaining why the land that is now Alabama was important during the American Revolution, including its forts, rivers, trading posts, and Native American communities, and how later treaties helped shape the future state’s boundaries. They view an image of a map showing the borders set by Pinckney’s Treaty in 1795. Students then respond to a discussion wall by sharing their ideas about what made Alabama an important place during the American Revolution, considering land, people, and what different countries might have wanted from it.
Teacher MovesReview the lesson overview, vocabulary, and objectives so students understand the focus on Alabama’s role in the American Revolution and the impact of later treaties on boundaries. Use student responses on the discussion wall to surface initial ideas about why Alabama was important and to prepare students for deeper exploration in the next scene.
Students read background text about how Spain and Britain fought over forts and cities in the region that includes present-day Alabama, how Native American nations had to decide how to respond, and how postwar treaties helped set U.S. boundaries. They read the article Alabama and the American Revolution, then respond to three discussion walls that prompt them to use evidence from the article to explain key events in Alabama during the Revolution and how treaties helped shape land borders connected to the future state.
Teacher MovesSupport students in identifying what happened in Alabama during the American Revolution, including Spain’s capture of Mobile and the Battle of Fort Charlotte, and in explaining how the Treaty of Paris and Pinckney’s Treaty helped set land borders such as the 31st parallel. Review and reinforce vocabulary like fort, treaty, and boundary, and offer sentence frames as needed to help students clearly describe who fought, what agreements were made, and how these decisions affected the shape of the future United States, including Alabama.
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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