America the Story of Us: Rebels

America the Story of Us: Rebels

In 1607, a small group of English travelers landed in Jamestown. Thirteen years later, religious Puritans settled in New England. These first settlers in the English colonies were in search of religious, political and economic freedom. All were driven by the promise of new life, but faced dangers of disease, starvation and war with native groups. Economic growth in the English colonies was different between North and South – One man’s entrepreneurial dream, tobacco, and the use of first African slaves, turn the disease-ridden swamps of the South into a land of opportunity. The hardworking and resourceful Puritans forge the North into a trading powerhouse with shipbuilding at its core. Yet, success and wealth prompt British jealousy, taxation, resistance and then war. As you watch the American Revolution unfold in this episode, answer the following questions. Be ready to discuss!

1. How long did it take to travel to the New World by boat? Out of those that made the journey, how many died within a year?

1. What was the most valuable resource in the New World? Why was it so valuable?

1. What problems did the English encounter upon their arrival in Jamestown?

1. Why was it difficult to get tobacco at the time? How would this change in the New World?

1. How did Africans play a role in shaping the colonies?

1. Where did the Puritans land? Why did they migrate here?

1. What problems do the Pilgrims face in the colonies?

1. Today, more than ____% of Americans can trace their ancestry back to the Mayflower. (Including Ms. Bruggeman!)

1. How did the natives help the Pilgrims? What did they want in return?

1. Why do the citizens of Boston conflict with the British?

1. Why does the King send soldiers to Boston?

1. In Boston, there is ___ redcoat for every ____ citizens.

1. Explain what caused the Boston Massacre.

1. How did the rest of the colonists find out about the Boston Massacre?

1. The King punishes the colonists for the Boston Massacre by introducing a high tax on _____. How do the colonists respond to this tax?

1. What was the purpose of the First Continental Congress?

1. Who made up the American militia?

1. What was the purpose of Paul Revere’s midnight ride?

1. How was the American militia at a disadvantage against the British military?

1. What were the British looking for in Concord? Are they successful? Why/why not?

1. How does the American militia get back at the British for Lexington?

1. Make a prediction  Even though England was the largest military power in the world, the American militia will eventually win the Revolutionary War…… why? How do you think they were able to overpower such a highly trained, skilled and supplied British army?