Why was there an American Revolution?

Why a Revolution?
WebQuest over Chapter Five

We have all heard of those famous American Patriots that led us into becoming a free United States of America. But before we can learn about those heroes we must first learn what caused a revolt against Britain.

First, let’s venture back to the time that is known as the French and Indian War…

1. Who was fighting who in the war and what was the reason they were fighting?

2. What was the outcome of the war in terms of what happened to France's possessions in North America?

3. How would life have been different if the French would have won the French and Indian war (this is not in the hyperlink just think about ways it might be different)?

	4. Why was the Pontiac war fought and who fought in it?
	5. The Proclamation of 1763 was established out of the Pontiac War, what was the Proclamation of 1763 and what did it prevent or block?

Now that we know about the battle that caused uproar with the French and about a battle with the Indians, let’s get into some detail about the causes of the American Revolution. We will look at different taxes and enforced laws that caused the Americans to become hostile and revolt. Now let's look at what transpired before the American Revolution begins.

6. What was the Sugar Act?

7. What was the Quartering Acts? Why do you think the British would impose this tax?

8. What did the Stamp Acts place taxes on and how did it hurt the Colonists?

9. “No taxation with out representation” was a slogan the Americans used to boycott the British goods after the Stamp Acts. What do you think “no taxation without representation” means?

10. Why did Charles Townsend impose new taxes on the Colonists and what were the new taxes placed on?

As opposition to the acts that were being passed, the Colonists begin to unite creating the Sons of Liberty and the Daughters of Liberty. Both groups took part in boycotts against the British law and were involved in many episodes like the Boston Tea Party and The Boston Massacre. So let's look at those with the next few topics…

11. Where did the Boston Massacre take place?

12. How many men died in all from the Boston Massacre?

13. Who started the Boston Massacre and whom do you think is to blame for the proceedings?

14. Why do you think Paul Revere wrote what he did in the papers and put the drawing in the way he did?

Eventually, the colonists learned to stand up for themselves as we have seen in the Boston Massacre. Another way the Americans showed disgust and boycotted was through the Boston Tea Party. Let's look closer at this event…

15. What did the Tea Act of 1773 allow the English to do and how did the colonists feel about it?

16. After the insult of the Tea Act, the colonists committed one of the most famous "acts of rebellion" in history known as the Boston Tea Party. What was the Boston Tea Party and how did the British try to make the Americans pay for what they did? Make sure to identify the Intolerable Acts.

Another question to think about; who actually dumped the tea and why did they do it, what was possibly their real motivation?

After all of the events above and more, many Americans decided that it was time to make a bigger stand and unite against the British through revolt. Representatives from 12 of the 13 colonies came together to discuss how to end the tyranny of the British King and Parliament. (Extra-Credit: Which colony did not send representatives and why?) This meeting was known as the First Continental Congress.

17. When was the First Continental Congress and where was it held?

Now that we know many of the causes of the Revolution and what has lead up to the it, let’s learn about some of the heroes that created our wonderful nation. Along with this assignment, you were handed a sheet called HISTORY SURVIVOR. Here you are to research a single person and pull out important facts that you have discovered about this person. Just a hint, make sure you find interesting ones because you do not want to be voted out of the game.