American Revolution

Standard of Learning

Content

Explain that as England expanded control over the American colonies, many colonists became dissatisfied and rebellious.

Summarize the following ideas of John Locke:
•    People have natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
•    Government is created to protect the rights of people and has only the limited and specific powers the people consent to give it.

Explain how new political ideas led to a desire for independence and democratic government in the American colonies.

Summarize the following key philosophies in the Declaration of Independence as it proclaimed independence from England:
•    People have “certain unalienable rights” (rights that cannot be taken away) — life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.
•    People establish government to protect those rights.
•    Government derives power from the people.
•    People have a right and a duty to change a government that violates their rights.

Sample Resources

Below is an annotated list of Internet resources for this organizing topic. Copyright restrictions may exist for the material on some Web sites. Please note and abide by any such restrictions.

Digital History. University of Houston. <http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/>. This Web site numerous teaching and learning tools for lessons about American history.

Liberty: The American Revolution. Public Broadcasting Service. <http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/>. This interactive site provides much information on the topic, including a Teacher’s Guide and Resources.

Virginia Standards of Learning Assessments for the 2001 History and Social Science Standards of Learning. United States History to 1877. Test Blueprint. Virginia Department of Education, 2003/04. <http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Assessment/HistoryBlueprints03/2002Blueprint3USI.pdf>. This site provides assessment information for the course in United States History to 1877.