The American Revolution ended two hundred years of British rule for most of the North American colonies and created the United States of America.  For over two centuries, the occupants of the American colonies lived peacefully under the rule of the English government.  But, by 1775  the colonist had grown tired of being unfairly controlled by King George III and his parliment. As the "mother country," Britain expected obedience from its "children," the colonies.  The colonists, on the other hand, believed that they had certain rights which Britain should respect.  They wished to be treated like adults, not children.  Each side refused to give in, which led to an all out war and eventual independence for the colonies.  On April 19, 1775  the American patriots, those who wanted freedom from England, rebelled violently against British authority.  This began the American Revolutionary war, which lasted 8 years.  For the next 45 minutes, you will learn about the events that lead to the American Revolutionary War.  Follow the links below to complete the accompanying worksheet.

Created by Susan Drucker-Hunsaker, Darlene Conwell, and José Manuel Ochoa
University of San Francisco, 1999.

Teacher Resources: [ Lesson Plan ]   [ Activity Worksheet ]