CurriculumGrade 5Social Studies

The American Revolution

Aligned to C3.D2.His.8 — C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.

What this lesson teaches

In 1775, fighting broke out between the colonies and Britain. In 1776, leaders signed the Declaration of Independence, which said the colonies were now a free country. It also stated the idea that all people are created equal and have certain rights.

Worked example

Thomas Jefferson wrote most of the Declaration of Independence in the summer of 1776. Its famous words explained that governments should protect people's rights to 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'

Practice questions

  1. What did the Declaration of Independence announce?
  2. Explain one important idea about rights found in the Declaration.
  3. Analyze why declaring independence was a bold and risky choice for the colonies.

Watch the lesson

Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.

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En español

La Revolución Americana

En 1775 estalló la lucha entre las colonias y Gran Bretaña. En 1776, los líderes firmaron la Declaración de Independencia, que decía que las colonias eran ahora un país libre. También expresó la idea de que todas las personas son creadas iguales y tienen ciertos derechos.

Ejemplo: Thomas Jefferson escribió la mayor parte de la Declaración de Independencia en el verano de 1776. Sus famosas palabras explicaban que los gobiernos deben proteger los derechos de las personas a 'la vida, la libertad y la búsqueda de la felicidad'.

More History lessons

Colonization to the American RevolutionC3.D2.HisIndigenous Peoples and Early EncountersC3.D2.HisNative Nations Before ContactC3.D2.His.1The Age of ExplorationC3.D2.His.2Spanish, French, and Dutch ColoniesC3.D2.His.3The Thirteen English ColoniesC3.D2.His.4

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