1. Year 9 History American Independence
Learning Gain: All learners will explore conflict in colonial America and how it led to independence.
Today we will:
Identify issues that caused conflict in British colonies
Research the people involved in the American Revolution
Discover the consequences of the War for American Independence
Draw conclusions about American Independence and its impact on the British Empire

2. Consider… Year 9 History American Independence Starter
What issues do you think cause war to happen? Do you think there could have been different/similar issues in British Colonies in the Age of Empire?
Consider…

3. Write down anything in GREEN.
Year 9 History American Independence
Write down anything in GREEN.
English colonists had come to the New World looking for opportunity and wealth; there were different amounts of success, depending on area.
Many of the colonists did not like England and that was part of the reason they left; others remained very loyal to the Crown.
Taxes and other monies were sent to the British government from the colonies.
Success in the colonies led to an “American” identity. People did not feel as “British” anymore. (This was not true for everyone.)
Many people wanted to become independent from Britain. Britain obviously wanted to keep control of the colonies.
This disagreement led to the American War of Independence, fought between the Colonial Rebels and the British Redcoats

4. Year 9 History American Independence
CHOOSING SIDES
France
In groups of 4 or 5, you will research about the different groups of people that got involved in fighting the American War of Independence. You will try to determine which sides each group would have supported: the Colonial Rebels or the British Redcoats.
Each group will report their findings and then the class will use the information to answer this question:
Iroquois
Loyalists
Based on the research you’ve done, which side had the biggest advantage going into war?
Slaves

5. Year 9 History American Independence
Video
Stop at 7:43
Consider as you watch: What do you think the consequences of the war would have been in America? In Britain?

6. Year 9 History American Independence
Analyse the consequences of the American War of Independence. Decide how much each consequence affected America. **Use the checklist worksheet.**
Multi-structural
Write two news article opening paragraphs (including the 5 W’s) to highlight the different reactions to the result of the war in Britain, and in America after the Colonial Rebels had won.
Relational

7. Year 9 History American Independence
Plenary
“Americans like to think that we all pitched in together and got rid of British tyranny and lived happily ever after. Also, that the continental army was the bravest, most loyal, and most effective fighting force in human history thanks to the leadership of George Washington.”
-John Green – Crash Course, American History
Why do you think Americans choose to remember the events of the war this way? Do you think some people might have a different point of view?