Overview

In this experience, students examine a series of maps of European colonization between 1497–1763. Then they read about the French and Indian War, focusing on its outcome. Next they analyze the slogan “No taxation without representation.” Finally, they give a close reading of the words to the song “Yankee Doodle.”

Estimated duration: 30-40 minutes

Discovery Reading

A printable Discovery Reading is included in the student pack as a support for understanding the experience’s core content and concepts. This Discovery Reading is not necessary to complete the experience and serves as an optional support resource.

Vocabulary Words:

These vocabulary words are used in the experience or connect closely to the standards and content students examine. Students should understand these terms as they work through the experience.

French and Indian War: a war from 1754 to 1763 in North America in which Britain fought France, with different Indigenous nations supporting different sides.
debt: money that is owed; Britain had a large war debt after the French and Indian War.
taxes: money people pay to the government; Britain put new taxes on the colonies to help pay war costs.
representation: having a person in government who speaks and makes decisions for a group of people.
No taxation without representation: a colonial slogan meaning people should not be taxed by a government if they do not have representatives in it.
slogan: a short, memorable phrase used to express an idea, such as “No taxation without representation.”
Yankee Doodle: a song first used by British soldiers to make fun of American colonists, but later sung proudly by Patriot colonists.

Objectives

Analyze the role of taxes in colonial protest against British rule.
Explain the British view of the colonists.

Engage

The British colonies did not decide to break away from Britain in one day. Many events over several years led to the American Revolution. It was a war for Independence. In this lesson, you will learn about one important event that pushed some colonists toward revolution.

Objectives

Analyze the role of taxes in colonial protest against British rule.
Explain the British view of the colonists.

map of the US in 1497, links to a slide show of maps through 1763

North American Colonization from 1497 to 1763

By the 1750s, the British colonies had grown. They included busy cities and towns, as well as many farms. Spain had colonies in parts of southern North America. France claimed a large area of North America. France had fewer settlers than Britain, but it had towns, forts, and trading posts. European countries claimed this land. However, Indigenous peoples already lived on it.

Click through the map slideshow above to see how European colonies and land claims changed between 1497 and 1750.

Help students interpret the maps as they click through them.

Which country had a claim to the most land in 1750, on the eve of the war known as the French and Indian War?

A) Spain
B) France
C) England

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.