World History: The American Revolution Lesson

Lesson Summary:
In this lesson, we explore the American Revolution, the turning point where Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and natural rights inspired the American colonies to fight for independence from Great Britain. Students will examine the causes of the Revolution, the influence of Enlightenment philosophy, and the creation of a new political order built on constitutional principles.

🧠 Topics Covered

Causes of the Revolution: British taxation and “No taxation without representation”

The influence of the Glorious Revolution and the Enlightenment

Declaration of Independence and the assertion of natural rights

Key figures: Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and King George III

Major events and alliances (France and Spain) that led to victory

Founding principles of the U.S. Constitution – separation of powers, checks and balances, and popular sovereignty

Bill of Rights and protection of individual liberties

Global impact and how Enlightenment ideals spread to inspire the French Revolution

🎯 Lesson Objective

Students will analyze how Enlightenment ideas shaped the political foundations of the American Revolution and evaluate how the colonies transformed into the world’s first modern constitutional republic.

🧾 Matching Resources

Pair this video with:
📘 World History: The American Revolution PowerPoint
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-The-American-Revolution-PowerPoint-12667787

📝 World History: The American Revolution Guided Notes
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-The-American-Revolution-Guided-Notes-12667804

📝 World History: The American Revolution Vocabulary Activity (with answer key)
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-The-American-Revolution-Vocab-Activity-12667809

📚 World History: The Enlightenment Unit 17 Bundle
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/kloekers-education-foundation

Find all materials through Kloeker’s Education Foundation:
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YouTube Channel
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🔖 Hashtags

#WorldHistory #AmericanRevolution #Enlightenment #ThomasJefferson #GeorgeWashington #BenjaminFranklin #KingGeorgeIII #DeclarationOfIndependence #BillOfRights #Constitution #NaturalRights #Liberty #Equality #KloekersEducationFoundation