American Revolution for First Grade

Alternate Ending: British Win the Revolution

Let's pretend for a moment that the British actually won the Revolution. The patriot rebels, though fighting gallantly in the open fields of battle, were no match for the British. Despite honorable efforts by Washington, Gates, Greene, and Lee to lead the Continental Army, the American Uprising was squashed by the most powerful force in the world, leaving America under the control of the Crown. What would have happened had this been true? As we have talked about and read about, this war was by no means a "blow-out" for the patriots. The odds were stacked against us quite heavily, especially in the early goings of 1776. Victory was NOT a forgone conclusion when Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence. Certain factors led to American victory, one of which was luck. Let's think, (yes, think) about what would have happened had the British won the war. I have provided a few websites for you to read about this scenario. Now, be careful. These are websites for you to read, not copy. Just because a website says something, doesn't mean that is what you should believe. Use what these websites say to help you form an opinion on what things would have been like had the British won the war. Post a comment on what you think.

Websites:

Yahoo! Answer

Trivia Library (Good one)

Educational Forum

Length: At least 200 words (which is the length of what I have typed above.)

Points: 30

DUE Date: November 13th, 2009. 10:00 pm

Words can not express how much I enjoy working with you people everyday. I appreciate your hard work and positive attitude a great deal. Thank you.

Thank You, Sir

Write a Thank you Letter to a founding Father. People to Choose from: George Washington, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, or a Patriot Soldier. Use the PowerPoint on the right to help you think about what to Thank these people for. You are writing the letter to the person as if they are actually going to receive it. Your first paragraph should tell them about yourself. The second and third paragraphs should be used to thank them for what they did. In these paragraphs, besides thanking them for what they did, state what they did that was so important. Tell them why you are thankful, explain to them why you are thankful for the significant things they did. Explain to them how much what they did meant to you and to America. Perhpas you have a question for the person you selected, well ask 'em then! You will not get a response, obviously, but it will give the readers of the Brandon Valley Challenger something to think about. Perhaps you would like to include one of their famous quotes and explain why you like that quote/how you feel. Do a good job. Try hard. Do the best you can. Make it a meaningful assignment. Actually pretend that you are writing to this peson for real and you will actually experience the feeling of thankfulness for real. Trust me.

Grade:
Type your Letter for an "A"
Hand write the letter on the paper I handed out for a "B"

DUE: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009.
Points: 30

What's that Picture?

Through various modes of learning, we have covered the American Revolution from its beginning conflicts up to major battles. As Dr. Mullin stated, the American Revolution is often described as pre-1776. Post-1776 is considered the War for American Indepedence. Either way, it is an amazing time period in the history of our country. We should not take for granted the sacrifices made by the founding fathers. Would you be so brave as to sign your name to a document that meant death if captured? This is more than a simply something you learn about in school, it is one of the greatest stories ever told. The powerpoint I have posted takes you through a picture review of what we have talked about thus far. We discussed in class the significance of these pictures. Not everybody gets to share everything they want in class. The History Book, however, provides that ability. By posting a comment, you can share what you think/know about what we have covered thus far.

**Select 3 pictures from the PowerPoint**
1. State what picture you have selected.
2. Explain why that picture is important/what the picture represents.

Goal: To review via blogging the major events of the American Revolution.

Points: 20
DUE Date: November 6th, 2009. 10:00 p.m.