Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett and Kristy Littlehale
American independence begins not only with war and protest, but the Declaration of Independence itself. Written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, the Declaration is one of the most important and defining documents of our nation’s beginning. Learn more and engage students with premade activities and storyboards with Storyboard That.
Social Studies graphic organizers Declaration of Independence summary Timeline -
Storyboard Text
Slide: 1
FRENCH-INDIAN WAR
The British and French battle for control over the North American territory in what is known as the Seven Years War, or French and Indian War. The war begins in 1754, lasting until 1763 with British victory and control.
Slide: 2
PROCLAMATION OF 1763
This is OUR land!
The Proclamation Act of 1763 is passed, barring all British colonists from expanding and settling West of the Appalachian Mountains. This infuriates and frustrates many ambitious settlers. Tensions begin to rise.
Slide: 3
BOSTON MASSACRE
Uh oh...
What have you done!
Five Bostonians are killed when violence erupts between British regulars and colonists. The event is further muddled with tension when Paul Revere's political cartoon depicts innocent colonists being gunned down. Opposition to the British increases.
Slide: 4
BOSTON TEA PARTY
Take that, Tea Act of 1773!
The Boston Tea Party is an act of protest from colonists when they drop tons of tea into Boston Harbor in opposition to Britain's Tea Act of 1773. Taxes against local merchants pushed colonists to reject the attempted tea monopoly, as well as British control.
Slide: 5
LEXINGTON AND CONCORD
Tensions and violence reach a pinnacle when British regulars battle American colonists in what will become the first battle of the American Revolution; Lexington and Concord. The colonists fare well, running the British back to Boston. War, however, is far from over.
Slide: 6
SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION
INDEPENDENCE
As the war escalates, delegates from the 13 colonies meet as the First Continental Congress. At the Second, the delegates adopt the Declaration of Independence, signifying their severing of ties with Great Britain. It is an act of treason, but of great significance to America.
Slide: 0
Why can't we settle past here?!
What the devil?!
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