Unit 2: Creating a New Nation Pages 156-169
Chapter 6: The Road to Revolution
Section 1: Tighter British Control
Section 2: Colonial Resistance Grows
Before Starting:
1. In the picture on pages 156 and 157, do the colonists look passive (laid back), or do they seem to want to
confrontthe British? ______
2. These people in the picture were mad because the British wanted to ______them and increase their
______over them (main idea on 159).
3. These protests were the first step towards American ______(why it matters now – page 159)
4. Why did the British Parliament seek to impose greater taxes on the colonies? (160: B.T.a.T.)
5. How did the colonists feel about being taxed by the British? (161/162: T.C.P.t.S.A.)
6. What were three of the methods the colonists used to protest against the British? (161/162: T.C.P.t.S.A.)
7. Why was the Boston Massacre a significant event in American colonial history? (165/166: T.B.M.)
8. What might be one thing that the government might try to tax you on today that you completely disagree with? And… why?
9. What do you feel is the best way to successfully protest something that you don’t like happening to you – even something at school?
9. Is there ever a point where it would be okay for American soldiers to start shooting at its own citizens? If yes, what/when might that time be? If not, why not? (Even if these citizens were doing something REALLY bad).
10. One of our 6 essential questions this year is: How is American life influenced by economic forces?
Our book told you of how upset colonists were about what they felt were unfair taxes. What may have been
one way these taxes may have specifically affected an individual or a family during these colonial times?
Unit 2: Creating a New Nation Pages 170-181
Chapter 6: The Road to Revolution
Section 3: The Road to Lexington and Concord
Section 4: Declaring Independence
Before Starting:
1. Main idea– page 170: Tensions between Britain and the colonies led to armed ______
in Massachusetts.
2. Why it matters now – page 170: Americans at times still find themselves called upon to
______
3. At the very beginnings of the conflict between the colonies and Britain, what did it look like the prospect
of war with Britain would be like? (171/172: B.W.a.P.)
4. Who were the “Loyalists” (left side) and who were the “Patriots” (right side)? (17: L.a.C.)
5. What was one of the main purposes of Thomas Paine’s book “Common Sense?” (179: C.S.i.P.)
6. What is the main idea and purpose of the Declaration of Independence? (180: T.D.I.A.)
7. This section was about the colonies protesting against British actions. What do you feel might be one
of the best ways an individual today might be able to effectively protest against our government’s actions?
7. What do you feel is the best way to show opposition to policies you consider unfair and unjust?
8. Do you think the fighting between the colonies and Britain could have been avoided? Why or Why not?
8. Look on the internet and tell me three places in the world who have “fought” to get independence
in the last 25 years.
9. One of 6 essential questions this year is: What is revolutionary change? This section tells you about how
he colonists felt they needed some changes – maybe revolutionary, maybe not. What do you feel might
be a difference between simple changes and revolutionary changes?
Unit 2: Creating a New Nation Pages 182-185
Chapter 6: The Road to Revolution
The Declaration of Independence
Before Starting:
Look on page 180: at the paragraph next to the Liberty Bell that begins: The group chose Thomas Jefferson…..
1. …because he was an ______and was from ______.
2. The members knew no plan would work without ______.
3. On July 2nd, the resolution passed and the colonies considered themselves ______.
4. What is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence (as stated in the Preamble?). (182-185: T.D. o. I.)
5. What are the 5 main parts of the Declaration? (182-185: T.D. o. I.)
6. What are three rights that all people have? (182-185: T.D. o. I.)
7. Name three people who’s names are familiar to you who signed the Declaration (I know you’ve heard
of at least 3 of them). (182-185: T.D. o. I.)
8. According to the Declaration of Independence, when is it right to overthrow a government?
8. Do you believe the actions of the colonists were reasonable? Why or why not?
9. Why do you think the British government took the actions it did?
9. How do you think this document was viewed by the British King and Parliament?
10. Why do you think the colonies felt that they had to explain their actions and declare their independence?
10. Read the last sentence of the Declaration. Is there anything you could ever see yourself making such
a pledge for. What might that be, or why not?
Unit 2: Creating a New Nation Pages 190-205
Chapter 7: The American Revolution
Section 1: The Early Years of the War
Section 2: The War Expands
Before Starting:
1. The picture on pages 190 and 191 show a ______view of the Revolutionary War.
2. The main leader of the Continental forces was ______(page 194).
3. Page 200 – main idea: Some ______decided to help America.
4. What were the three major positions among colonists concerning independence? (193/194: A.D.)
5. Why was it difficult for George Washington to form and keep a large army? (194/195: C.a.A.)
6. Why did France and Spain ally themselves with the United States? (200/201: H.f.A.)
7. What was John Paul Jones major contribution and why was it important? (205: A.N.H.)
8. During wars (all through history), there are certain areas that are likely to be attacked first. Pick 2 of these three
and tell me why they might be one of the first to be attacked during an invasion.
A: Big cities / Coastal cities
B: Roads and bridges, then railroads (when they were invented), and now airports
C: Communication centers (radio and TV stations, telegraph centers, headquarters)
9. What are two ways civilians “at home” can help their country during war times?
9. In a war, what might be 2 kinds of support / help a country might need from its allies – any war – even today?
Why do you think American soldiers did not desert – even under the most trying of conditions?
10. What would you be willing to sacrifice in order to preserve your freedom?
10. The Americans felt they needed help to win their battle for independence. What would be two ways (or people
or resources) you may need to use for help when you feel ready for your personal “independence”?
Unit 2: Creating a New Nation Pages 206-215
Chapter 7: The American Revolution
Section 3: The Path to Victory
Section 4: The Legacy of the War
Before Starting:
1.. The main idea of section 4 (page 211) is: After the war, the new nation faced issues such as a high
national ______and calls for ______.
2.. At the end of this section, we no longer have“the 13 colonies”. We now have:
______
3. What were 4 factors that aided the Americans in their fight for independence? (211-212: W.t.A.W.)
4. What difference in battle tactics helped the colonist better succeed against the British Redcoats?(211-212: W.t.A.W.)
5. How did the course of the war affect public opinion back in Britain? (213: C.o.t.W.)
6. What did the new American country’s idea of republicanism mean? (214/215: I.A.t.W.)
7. Of the conditions of the Treaty of Paris (except #1 – independence), which do you feel is the most
important, and why?
8. General Washington was seen as a strong leader in this war. What would be 2 qualities you’d like to see
in a general fighting with you or for you?
8. What are 2 of the things you feel makes our military the strongest in the world right now?
9. What’s an example from your own experiences of “ties forged through shared difficulties.”
9. Republicanism meant individuals would have to place the good of the country above their own interests. What is
one situation where you may have to place the needs of a classroom, or our school above your own interests?
Unit 2: Creating a New Nation Pages 218-227
Chapter 8: Confederation to Constitution
Section 1: The Confederation Era
Before Starting:
1. Main idea on page 221: The Articles of Confederation were too ______to be an effective
tool for governing the nation after the war.
2. Why it matters now on page 221: The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the writingof the
______.
3. I think the United States has had ______government(s) since getting their independencefrom Great Britain.
4. What are three major responsibilities of becoming independent (as a nation)? (222/223: N.S.G. and T.A.o.C.)
5. Why was the Northwest Ordinance important to the growth of the United States? (223: T.N.O.)
6. What were two problems the national government had under the Articles of Confederation? (224: W.o.t.A.)
7. Why was debt a critical problem for the national government under Articles of Confederation? (224: W.o.t.A.)
8. Why do nations have governments?
8. What is the main purpose of the United States government (or… what should it’s main purpose be?)
9. The new nation had some troubles getting started. What would be two obstacles you’ll have to overcome
when you decide to start off on your own?
9. If an area of Canada wanted to be added to the United States today, what would be 2 things do you feel
they should have to do to be part of us?
10. The Articles of Confederation were weak. What’s one way that you feel the USA is too weak today?
10. Should the United States keep trying to add new territories to our country today? Why or why not?
11. One our 6 essential questions is: Is the American Dream available to everyone? Name two ways
the Northwest Ordinance allowed some people to live the American dream.
Unit 2: Creating a New Nation Pages 228-237
Chapter 8: Confederation to Constitution
Section 2: Creating the Constitution
Section 3: Ratifying the Constitution
Before Starting:
1. Main idea – page 228: The states sent delegates to a convention to solve the ______
of the Articles of Confederation.
2. Picture on page 229: In colonial days, the government’s central meeting place was the city of
______
3. What events caused leaders to call a Constitutional Convention? (228/229: A.C.C.i.C.)
4. What 3 groups of Americans were not represented at the convention? (229: T.C.D.)
5. Why did the delegates select George Washington as president of the convention? (230: T.C.B.)
6. What was “the Virginia Plan?” (230/231: T.V.P.)
.
7. What was “The Three-Fifth’s Compromise?” (232/233: S.a.T.C.)
8. What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights? (237: T.B.o.R.)
9. What could be one event that might happen today, where you feel it would be the right thing for our government
to have secret meetings to change the way the country works?
9. Did the delegates do the right thing in agreeing to the Three-Fifth’s Compromise?
10. What would be two of the first things you’d include in a “High School Students Bill of Rights”?
10. If we were going to change our government rules about illegal aliens, should they be included in the decision,
or should they just be told what to do? Why?
11. One of our 6 essential questions is: What is revolutionary change? Changing the Articles of Confederation
into the new constitution showed that many Americans were unhappy and wanted some changes. Who do you
feel could be responsible for initiating a revolutionary change and why them?