Lesson Plan - Fighting for Freedom

Watch the Video
Build background knowledge with the video “What You Need to Know About the American Revolution.” Discuss: According to the video, why did many colonists become “fed up” and begin thinking about breaking free from Britain? 

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why the battles of Lexington and Concord were important.

1. What does the article mean when it says that “at the time, the United States did not yet exist”?
When the article says that “at the time, the United States did not yet exist,” it means that in 1775, America was made up of 13 Colonies that were ruled by Britain. It was not yet its own country.
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2. According to the article, how did American fighters compare with British troops in 1775?
According to the article, American fighters were not as experienced as the British soldiers. The article explains, “British troops were some of the best soldiers in the world. Many of the American fighters were farmers or shopkeepers.”
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3. Based on the article, why were the battles of Lexington and Concord important events in U.S. history?
The battles of Lexington and Concord were important events in U.S. history because they marked the beginning of the American Revolution, the colonists’ long fight for independence.
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FEATURED SKILL: Text Evidence
Distribute the skill builder “Three Truths and a Lie” and have students work in pairs or small groups to identify statements that can and cannot be supported by evidence in the article.
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