The American Revolution
Aligned to C3.D2.His.3 — C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.
What this lesson teaches
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which argued that all people have unalienable rights and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. After years of war, help from France and key victories secured independence.
Worked example
The American victory at Saratoga in 1777 convinced France to join the war as an ally. In 1781, George Washington and French forces trapped General Cornwallis at Yorktown, forcing a British surrender that effectively ended the war.
Practice questions
- Who wrote the Declaration of Independence and when was it adopted?
- Explain why the Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the war.
- Analyze how foreign alliances and geography helped the colonies defeat a stronger British army.
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.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
La Revolución Estadounidense
El 4 de julio de 1776, el Segundo Congreso Continental adoptó la Declaración de Independencia, que sostenía que todas las personas tienen derechos inalienables y que los gobiernos obtienen su poder del consentimiento de los gobernados. Tras años de guerra, la ayuda de Francia y victorias clave aseguraron la independencia.
Ejemplo: La victoria estadounidense en Saratoga en 1777 convenció a Francia de unirse a la guerra como aliada. En 1781, George Washington y las fuerzas francesas atraparon al general Cornwallis en Yorktown, forzando una rendición británica que puso fin a la guerra.
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