Revolutionary War
Unit Learning Goal: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the causes, course, and
consequences of the American Revolution and the founding principles of our nation
LEVEL 4: I can evaluate how political ideas shaped the revolutionary movement in America and led to
the Declaration of Independence with emphasis on the ideas of John Locke
LEVEL 3: I can:
a. Analyze the impact of Common Sense and Natural rights in sparking Independence among the
colonies.
b. Compare and contrast the impact of key individuals in the Revolutionary War.
c. Compare and contrast the parts of the Declaration of Independence and their purpose.
d. Analyze the outcome of the early stages of the Revolutionary War.
e. Assess why the victory at Saratoga was a turning point in the war.
f. Compare and contrast the influence and impact of minorities (African Americans, women, and
Native Americans) in the war
g. Analyze how the fighting in the West and at sea impacted the results of the war.
h. Compare and contrast the military plans of both the British and Patriots
i. Evaluate Cornwallis’ fateful mistake and analyze how the Treaty of Paris attempted to create
peace at the conclusion of war
j. Assess the long-term affects of war and the impact of other nations.
LEVEL 2: I can:
a. Describe how the ideas of Thomas Paine and John Locke contributed to the call for
independence
b. Examine the contributions of key individuals in the American Revolution.
c. Describe the key philosophies of the Declaration of Independence.
d. Identify the retreat from New York and surprises from the British.
e. Identify Saratoga as the turning point of the war and explain why European nations joined
the war effort.
f. List the role of minorities’ contribution in the Revolution and the war at home.
g. Describe war on the frontier and at sea.
h. Describe the battle plans of both the British and the Patriots.
i. Describe the final battle and the Treaty of Paris
j. Describe the short-term affects and impact of the Revolutionary War.
LEVEL 1: With help, I have some understanding of level 2 ideas with little or no understanding of level
3 ideas.
LEVEL 0: Even with help, I have no understanding.