World History: Journey Across Time

Enlightenment and Revolution

Introduction
After the Renaissance, exploration, scientific curiosity, and enlightened citizens paved the way for revolution. Sweeping changes in government spread from France all the way to the eastern shores of the United States. As you learned in this chapter, English settlers established the first permanent colony, Virginia, in America in 1607. As Britain grew more powerful, it began to exert force, by way of taxes, on the colonists. In this activity, you will chronicle the events of the American Revolution. You will gain a new perspective of what it was like to be a colonist, defending your life and liberty.

Visit the PBS Web site Liberty! The American Revolution to read the newspaper headlines that detailed these exciting events.

Destination Title:  Liberty! The American Revolution

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Directions

Start at Liberty! The American Revolution

• Click on “Chronicles of the Revolution."
• Read through the six featured articles, detailing the events of the American Revolution.
• After you’ve read through the content, select “The Road to Revolution Game.”
• Play the game to test your knowledge of the American Revolution.

1			According to Parliament, what was the purpose of the Stamp Act?
2			What did the members of the Second Continental Congress have in common?
3			How did the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga change the war?
4			The Bill of Rights ensures U.S. citizens freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly. Which of the founding fathers was the chief advocate for the Bill of Rights? How many amendments did he originally propose?
5			Step back in time and imagine the Americans lost the Battle of Saratoga. With no assistance from the French, how do you think the war might have ended? Create your own front-page story detailing the events after the “pretend” American defeat at the Battle of Saratoga.