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Standard 3 : Demonstrate an understanding of the causes, course, and consequences of the American Revolution and the founding principles of our nation.
Cluster Standards

This cluster includes the following benchmarks.

Visit the specific benchmark webpage to find related instructional resources.

  • SS.8.A.3.1 : Explain the consequences of the French and Indian War in British policies for the American colonies from 1763 - 1774.
  • SS.8.A.3.2 : Explain American colonial reaction to British policy from 1763 - 1774.
  • SS.8.A.3.3 : Recognize the contributions of the Founding Fathers (John Adams, Sam Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Mason, George Washington) during American Revolutionary efforts.
  • SS.8.A.3.4 : Examine the contributions of influential groups to both the American and British war efforts during the American Revolutionary War and their effects on the outcome of the war.
  • SS.8.A.3.5 : Describe the influence of individuals on social and political developments during the Revolutionary era.
  • SS.8.A.3.6 : Examine the causes, course, and consequences of the American Revolution.
  • SS.8.A.3.7 : Examine the structure, content, and consequences of the Declaration of Independence.
  • SS.8.A.3.8 : Examine individuals and groups that affected political and social motivations during the American Revolution.
  • SS.8.A.3.9 : Evaluate the structure, strengths, and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and its aspects that led to the Constitutional Convention.
  • SS.8.A.3.10 : Examine the course and consequences of the Constitutional Convention (New Jersey Plan, Virginia Plan, Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, compromises regarding taxation and slave trade, Electoral College, state vs. federal power, empowering a president).
  • SS.8.A.3.11 : Analyze support and opposition (Federalists, Federalist Papers, Anti-Federalists, Bill of Rights) to ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
  • SS.8.A.3.12 : Examine the influences of George Washington's presidency in the formation of the new nation.
  • SS.8.A.3.13 : Explain major domestic and international economic, military, political, and socio-cultural events of John Adams's presidency.
  • SS.8.A.3.14 : Explain major domestic and international economic, military, political, and socio-cultural events of Thomas Jefferson's presidency.
  • SS.8.A.3.15 : Examine this time period (1763-1815) from the perspective of historically under-represented groups (children, indentured servants, Native Americans, slaves, women, working class).
  • SS.8.A.3.16 : Examine key events in Florida history as each impacts this era of American history.
Cluster Information
Number:
SS.8.A.3
Title:
Demonstrate an understanding of the causes, course, and consequences of the American Revolution and the founding principles of our nation.
Type:
Standard
Subject:
Social Studies
Grade:
8
Strand
American History
Cluster Access Points

This cluster includes the following Access Points.

  • SS.8.A.3.AP.1 : Identify the consequences of the French and Indian War in British policies for the American colonies from 1763 – 1774.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.2 : Identify American colonial reactions to British policy from 1763 – 1774.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.3 : Identify the contributions of the Founding Fathers during American Revolutionary efforts.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.4 : Identify the contributions of various groups to both the American and British war efforts during the American Revolutionary War and their effects on the outcome of the war.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.5 : Identify the influence of individuals on social and political developments during the Revolutionary Era.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.6 : Identify the causes, events, and consequences of the American Revolution.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.7 : Identify the structure, content, and consequences of the Declaration of Independence.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.8 : Identify individuals and groups that affected political and social motivations during the American Revolution.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.9 : Identify the structure, strengths, and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and its aspects that led to the Constitutional Convention.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.10 : Identify the events, compromises, and consequences of the Constitutional Convention.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.11 : Identify the beliefs of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.12 : Identify the influences of George Washington’s presidency in the formation of the new nation.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.13 : Identify major domestic and international economic, military, political, and socio-cultural events of John Adams’ presidency.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.14 : Identify major domestic and international economic, military, political, and socio-cultural events of Thomas Jefferson’s presidency.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.15 : Identify the viewpoints of historically under-represented groups during the time period of 1763-1815.
  • SS.8.A.3.AP.16 : Identify key events in Florida history as each impacts this era of American history.
Cluster Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this topic.

Original Student Tutorials
  • Civic and Political Participation of the Founders: George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison: Learn about the civic and political participation of some of the Founders, including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, with this interactive tutorial.

  • The Ratification of the U.S. Constitution: Learn the historical arguments for and against the ratification of the U.S. Constitution with this interactive civics tutorial. 

  • Women in the Revolutionary War: Learn how women displayed civic and political participation during Colonial times and in the Revolutionary War with this interactive tutorial. 

  • Colonial Leaders: Learn how important Colonial leaders demonstrated civic and political participation during the Revolutionary War and Colonial America with this interactive tutorial. 

  • Meet the Patriots and Loyalists: In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn about the Patriots' and Loyalists' views on government authority and tyranny. 

  • The Great Debate: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists:

    Compare the viewpoints of the two groups on opposite sides of the great debate over ratifying the U.S. Constitution--Federalists and Anti-Federalists--with this interactive tutorial.

  • Britain vs. America: What Led to the Declaration of Independence: Learn why Great Britain and her 13 American colonies split between 1763 and 1776 with this interactive tutorial. At the end of this time span, Britain and America were at war, and the Declaration of Independence had announced the United States of America as a brand new nation, no longer colonies of Britain.

  • Analyzing the Declaration of Independence: In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn how to analyze the ideas, grievances (complaints), and language found in the Declaration of Independence, one of the most important documents in the history of the United States.

  • From Confederation to Constitution: Learn about the Articles of Confederation, our nation’s first written constitution, in this interactive tutorial. You'll identify its major weaknesses and their consequences and explain the reasons why America's Founders replaced the Articles of Confederation with the government we still use today, the U.S. Constitution.

Data Set
Lesson Plans
  • Birth of A New Nation - Bill of Rights Gallery Walk: In this lesson, students will review the support and opposition to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

  • Colonists of the American Revolution (Lesson 2 of 3): In this lesson, students will apply their knowledge of the Patriots and Loyalists in a writing activity where they will argue in favor of independence or remaining under British authority. This is lesson 2 of 3 in a mini-unit integrating Civics and American History.

  • Colonists of the American Revolution (Lesson 1 of 3): In this lesson, students will develop background knowledge on the two major groups of colonists during the American Revolution: the Patriots and Loyalists. They will compare each group’s views on limits of government authority, inalienable rights, and resistance to tyranny. This is lesson 1 of 3 in a mini-unit integrating Civics and American Government.

  • Who To Support?: To compare the views and impacts of key figures on political and social developments in the Colonial period, students will complete a Philosophical Chairs activity on the ideas of the Loyalists and Patriots. Students will finish by choosing a side and completing a writing prompt to justify their choice.

  • It's Over!: In this lesson plan, students will be introduced to a breakup letter to King George from the Founders. They will then read, analyze, and annotate the key points of the Declaration of Independence and answer guiding questions. This lesson is intended to set the stage for upcoming lessons on the course of the American Revolution.

  • Principles of the Constitution Lesson Plan: This is a lesson plan about the seven principles of the Constitution.

    The purposes of this lesson are as follows:

    To help students understand the primary principles and ideals behind our Constitutional form of government, some of the authors, documents and people involved in developing and promoting these ideals and principles, as well as recognizing examples of these ideals and principles in our history as a nation.

  • Conflict in the Colonies: Patriots or Loyalists: The lesson will begin with a hook activity where students will review the ideals of the Patriots, Loyalists, and Neutralists. Students will then work in small groups to work through a gallery walk where they will evaluate various scenarios to determine if the “colonist” that they are reading about is taking the viewpoint of a Patriot, Loyalist, or neither. The lesson will end with a class discussion reviewing the “colonists” presented in the gallery walk.

  • Declaring Independence (Lesson 3 of 3): This lesson concludes the Declaring Independence unit. Students will apply through writing, what they have learned about the structure, content, and principles in the Declaration of Independence.

  • Declaring Independence (Lesson 2 of 3): In this lesson, students will examine the original text of the Declaration of Independence. This is Lesson 2 of 3 in the Declaring Independence unit.

  • Declaring Independence (Lesson 1 of 3): In this lesson, students will use primary sources to examine the principles of indidividual rights and consent of the governed. They will be introduced to the structure and content of the Declaration of Independence. This is Lesson 1 of 3 in the Declaring Independence unit.

  • Loyalists vs. Patriots: Choosing Sides:

    In this lesson plan, students will engage in a discussion regarding Loyalists’ and Patriots’ arguments / perspectives on the actions needed to be taken in regard to Great Britain and develop their own supporting comments on whether or not each side was justified in their actions.

  • Common Sense and the American Revolution: In this lesson, students will read excerpts from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and identify the underlying foundational ideals of the U.S. government. Students will then make their own modern pamphlets to sway colonists in support of the American Revolution.

  • Who do you side with?: Students will research primary and secondary sources and then use them as evidence to support the claim they choose.

  • Preserving Rights: Using the Bill of Rights, students will delve into the specific language and interpretation of each amendment to gain a deeper understanding of their intended scope and limitations, as well as connect the infringed rights of the colonists to the Amendment created to protect those rights. Using the primary source (Bill of Rights), students will analyze and interpret the amendment in their own words using a graphic organizer.

  • Conflict in the Colonies: When did it Happen?: The lesson will begin with a hook activity where the students use fictional quotes to discuss the events that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence. The teacher will then break the students off into a small group where they will complete a timeline poster matching the event, description/reaction, and an image in order. The students will then work individually, without notes, to complete an events sort worksheet.

  • Loyalists vs Patriots: Who’s Who?: In this lesson plan, students will analyze the various arguments / perspectives used by Loyalists and Patriots in respect to Great Britain and their actions towards the colonists.

  • Conflicts in the Colonies: What Happened?: In this lesson plan, students will interact in a hook activity where they will be presented with a series of scenarios where their “rights” will be taken away by their parents/teachers. The students will be asked how they would react under these circumstances, the students can turn and talk about their predictions. The teacher will then present the students with new guided notes. The teacher will introduce the event to the students, such as the French and Indian war, and ask the students to predict what happens next. After the students predict the reaction of the king and the colonists, the teacher reveals the true historical reaction. The students will then be asked if they think the colonists were justified in their actions as an exit slip.

  • Loyalist vs Patriot: Who Are They?: In this lesson plan, students will be introduced to the arguments / perspective of Loyalists and Patriots in seeking independence from Great Britain.

  • Civic Virtue in the colonies Part 1 of 3: In this lesson the teacher will start off unwrapping two benchmarks with the class and showing the connection between both. The lesson will follow with image analyses using images based in the Revolutionary era. Students will use the image analyses to discuss Revolutionary era civic virtues and the influence of citizens and leaders of the time. This is lesson 1 of 3 in a mini unit integrating civics and American History.

  • Civic Virtue in the Colonies: Part 2 of 3: In this lesson, the students will work in groups to read about major leaders in the Colonial Era as they fill out a graphic organizer on their influence and civic virtue. This is lesson 2 of 3 in a mini-unit integrating civics and American History.

  • Civic Virtue in the Colonies: Part 3 of 3: In this lesson, the teacher will facilitate a philosophical chairs discussion with the whole class on leaders demonstrating civic virtue from the Colonial Era. This is lesson 3 of 3 in a mini-unit integrating civics and American History.

  • Creating a New Government (Lesson 2 of 3): In this lesson, students will examine the rights protected by the Bill of Rights. This is part of a 3-lesson unit on the Federalists and Anti-Federalists and the Bill of Rights with an integration to civics. 

  • Creating a New Government (Lesson 1 of 3): In this lesson, students will learn about the Federalists and Anti-Federalists using primary source documents. This is part of a 3-lesson unit on the Federalists and Anti-Federalists and Bill of Rights.

  • Enough is Enough! How King George's Actions Led to the Bill of Rights.: Students will describe the many impositions of King George on the colonists and match some of those to specific amendments in the Bill of rights (i.e., how quartering of troops led directly to the 3rd Amendment).

  • Establishing Freedom: Students will use prior knowledge of the American Revolution and events leading up to the Declaration of Independence to understand the necessity for a Bill of Rights. The lesson will start with reviewing the events leading to the American Revolution. Students will then examine and analyze excerpts from the viewpoints of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists and determine the meaning of the excerpt in small groups. Using the excerpts, students will create a text message thread in two groups (Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists). As a formative assessment, students will demonstrate their understanding by connecting the viewpoints expressed to the necessity of a Bill of Rights in a short exit ticket.

  • Views of the American Revolution: Comparing Patriots and Loyalists: In this lesson, students will compare the views or perspectives of Patriots and Loyalists in regards to British policy during the era of the American Revolution.

  • Views of the American Revolution: Patriot or Loyalist?: In this lesson, students will compare the views or perspectives of Patriots and Loyalists during the period of the American Revolution. Students will examine and analyze primary quotes and excerpts in order to decipher differing ideas and perspectives.

  • Views of the American Revolution: R.A.F.T. Writing Activity: This lesson allows for students to engage and conceptualize the views of the Patriots and Loyalists during the Revolutionary War. Students will be assigned the role of a Patriot or Loyalist and tasked with creation of a writing sample to convince the various audiences during the time period.

  • Let's Get those British Policies in Line!: In this lesson plan, students will research the policies put in place by Great Britain because of the French and Indian War and then create a timeline of the events.

  • Patriots vs. Loyalists vs. Neutralists: In this lesson plan, students will identify the views of the Patriots, Loyalists, and Neutralists toward British Policy from 1763-1774.

  • The Fight for the Bill of Rights: In this lesson, students will analyze support and opposition for ratification of the Constitution. Additionally, students will be exposed to how the Bill of Rights protects rights of individuals.

  • The Quest for Independence: Patriots vs. Loyalists: Students will explore excerpts of primary quotes to analyze the arguments between the Patriots and the Loyalists during the American Revolution.

  • The Beginning of a Revolution: Patriots versus Loyalists: In this lesson, students learn about the events leading up to the American Revolution. Students will compare the beliefs of Patriots and Loyalists regarding government authority and tyranny.

  • The Revolution: Who Am I? : In this lesson, students will review important individuals who were involved in the American Revolution by matching descriptions of various individuals with their names and if they were a Patriot, Loyalist, or neutral.  Students will then attempt to sway other colonists to join their side. 

  • The Founders Gallery Walk: In this lesson, students will be able to identify key individuals who contributed to the founding documents (Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison, and George Mason).

  • Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Bill of Rights, and George Mason: Students will be able to identify George Mason and his contributions to the Bill of Rights.

  • John Jay and The Federalist Papers: Students will become familiar with the first Chief Justice, John Jay, and his contributions to the foundation of the American government, as well as his contribiutions to The Federalist Papers.

  • Political Participation in the Colonies: In this lesson, students will read about the aftermath of the French and Indian War, acts passed by Great Britain, and the Boston Massacre. Students will answer questions as they read the passage and analyze the cause and effect of British policies and colonist reactions leading up to the Revolutionary War. 

  • Why'd We Break up With Great Britain?: This lesson asks students to identify the cause and effect between grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence and the British Act or even that caused the colonists to declare their independence from Great Britain.

  • Mayflower Compact to the U.S. Constitution :

    In this lesson plan, students will take a Gallery Walk with a partner to identify how four colonial-era founding documents: the Mayflower Compact, Common Sense, Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution, have influenced the ideals and principles of our U.S. government and impact our daily lives. Students will trace the foundational principles from each primary source and answer questions on a Graphic Organizer.  Each group will present their analysis to the class with an oral or digital presentation. 

  • Comparing Viewpoints : In this lesson plan, students will compare the viewpoints of Patriots, Loyalists, and other colonists that led to the American Revolution. Students will work in pairs to analyze excerpts and determine the point of view and topic. 

  • Who was Right?! The Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist: In this lesson, students will recognize the views of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists on adding the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. Students will evaluate primary source excerpts from the Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers and explain which perspective each provides.

  • Making Connections With the Bill of Rights : In this lesson plan, students will review and make connections between the Bill of Rights, their lives, and the past debates on the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.  

  • Document Dissection: Bill of Rights: Students will begin this lesson by creating a social media post regarding the Anti-Federalists.  They will then collaborate by working in different roles that dissect the text and meaning of the Bill of Rights.  Students will share out their information with the group and then complete a quick write.

  • Patriots and Loyalists: What Did They Believe?: In this lesson plan, students will analyze several primary sources representing the views of Loyalists and Patriots and will compare these groups' arguments for or against independence.

  • An Analysis of the Declaration of Independence: In this lesson plan, students will learn how the Declaration of Independence influenced support for the American Revolution. Students will work in groups to analyze excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.

  • Birth of A New Nation - The Founders Gallery Walk: In this lesson, students will review the contributions of the Founders during the American Revolution.

  • The Colonial Era: Gallery Walk: In this lesson, students will review influential individuals and groups, and their influence on social and political developments during the colonial period and the American Revolution.  

  • The Revolutionary War: Gallery Walk: In this lesson, students will review influential groups and their civic and political participation during the Revolutionary War by completing a gallery walk and graphic organizer.

  • What Are My Rights?: This lesson is meant to engage students in critical thinking about their rights within the Bill of Rights through image analysis and dicussion. Students will collectively rank their evaluation of the most important rights in our nation. 

  • Ice Cream at Mount Vernon: In this short lesson plan, students will explore and analyze a variety of interactive sources (texts and visuals) to answer the compelling question: Why was ice cream an exclusive treat at Mount Vernon long ago?

    The lesson is presented as a module for students to navigate through on computers. Text resources, assessments, answer keys, and rubrics for students and teachers are attached.

  • The New Room: Place as a Primary Source: In this lesson plan, student will analyze as primary sources the objects and furnishings in George Washington's "New Room" at his Mount Vernon estate. Take a virtual tour of the New Room at

    Students will attempt to answer the question: "What message did George and Martha Washington want to convey to their guests in the New Room?"

  • Museum Exhibit Proposal: Examining American History from 1763 to 1815 through the Arts: In examining American History from 1763 to 1815 students, working individually and collaboratively, research and create a proposed exhibit for the National Women’s History Museum. Delivered in three clearly articulated segments, this arts integrated lesson is scaffolded to set students up for success as they learn and demonstrate learning of the social studies content through artistic means and reflection. 

  • Colonists of the American Revolution (Lesson 3 of 3): In this lesson, students will read about different groups in the American Revolution, their beliefs, and how they impacted the movement. This is lesson 3 of 3 in a mini-unit integrating Civics and American History.

Teaching Ideas
  • Middle School Source Analysis: Rhetorical Appeals in the Declaration of Independence: In this activity, designed for use in the debate classroom, students will use prior knowledge of ethos, logos, and pathos to analyze the grievances in the Declaration of Independence and classify the rhetorical appeals in each.

     

  • British Policies and Colonial Concerns Tic Tac Toe: This Tic Tac Toe activity is intended to allow students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of British policies and colonial concerns of the American Revolutionary period.  

  • Understanding Common Sense: Student will first examine quotes from the pamphlet, Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine in 1775-1776. Students will look on the influence it had on the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 1776. Students will have the opportunity to see how the document Common Sense influenced the Declaration of Independence.

  • Bill of Rights Tic Tac Toe Board: This Tic Tac Toe activity is intended to allow students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the Bill of Rights and to explore the impacts of rights and liberties. 

  • Middle School Debate: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: Students will participate in a debate using the arguments of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. This could be a verbal, silent, or alley debate. One group will represent the Federalists and be given information relating to their arguments. The other group will act as the Anti-Federalists and be given information relating to their arguments. Provide students time to prepare their arguments either individually or as a team, then commence the debate.

  • 20 Questions for Reading and Evaluating Objects: This resource from Mount Vernon provides students with a "20 questions" tool for analyzing historical objects. It also provides several Washington-related objects to analyze.

  • The Revolutionary War: Historical Fiction Connection Using My Brother Sam is Dead: This web resource from Discovery Education provides teaching ideas on using James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier's My Brother Sam is Dead to help students understand how they can learn about the past through historical novels. Students will investigate how some people take one side or another in a war or other conflict; some people find themselves caught in the middle.

  • The Battle of Lexington and Concord: Historical Interpretation: Through this web resource, students will use a graphic organizer to analyze and interpret engravings representing the Battle of Lexington and Concord, considering context and bias. They will then decide how best to represent this battle, and create a representation of their own from either the American or British perspective. The resource features background information, an illustrated map of Lexington, engravings for analysis, and a graphic organizer for students as they work to develop their own interpretation of two key battles in the American Revolution.

Unit/Lesson Sequence
  • George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of Countrymen : Through this three-lesson unit examining George Washington's role in the French and Indian War, at the Federal Convention, and as chief executive, students will analyze a variety of primary source documents to help evaluate whether Washington's actions were characteristic of good leadership. The unit includes focus questions that may be used in Socratic seminars, cooperative learning, individual, and group work.

Video/Audio/Animations
  • Yorktown: Now or Never: View a 10-part video on the Battle of Yorktown, the culminating battle of the Revolutionary War. With French aid, George Washington led American troops to a victory that ensured American independence.

    In addition to the video, you will find primary source documents and a graphic organizer to help you analyze the Battle of Yorktown in greater detail.

  • A More Perfect Union: George Washington and the Making of the Constitution: This 3-part video from Mount Vernon details the struggles that led delegates from the 13 colonies to hold a Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. At this convention, under the leadership of George Washington, the delegates rejected the Articles of Confederation in favor of a new, stronger federal government. After the Constitution's ratification, Washington become the new nation's first president.