Unit: Revolutionary War
What are some of the themes and big ideas that are reflected in this unit?
Salutary neglect led to rebellion because of freedom granted was hard to take away.
Revolutionary ideals being changed after war is won because of realization that strong federal power is
necessary.
Freedom and liberty, Politics and Power, Peopling, Geography (Homeland advantage), Appeal to common
man, Revolutionary Ideals (democracy, equal representation)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DOCUMENT 1 (Patrick Henry, 1775: Give me liberty or give me death):
Context:
Second Virginia Convention, 1775
Meaning:
Henry presented a proposal to organize a volunteer company of cavalry or infantry in every Virginia county. He
encouraged to fight British at any cost, even death. believed to be a very elegant and bold speech and his
passion moved many future american leaders. Henry named chairman of committee to build militia and in
retaliation lord dunmore seized gunpowder and started the battles of lexington and concord.
Significance:
Raises patriotism and American desire to revolt and resist oppression through whatever means. Nationalism
pride in Americans and roots of humanity, freedom, liberty. Influential in Declaration of Independence
composition. some say if speech had never happened the colonies never would have declared independence.
DOCUMENT 2 (Treaty of Paris):
Context:
1783 - Ends the Revolutionary War
Meaning: The Treaty of Paris of 1783, negotiated between the United States and Great Britain, ended the
revolutionary war and recognized American independence. The Continental Congress named a five-member
commission to negotiate a treaty–John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry
Laurens.
Significance:
Ended the Revolutionary War and established American Independence. It established legitimacy of American
nation with recognition from Britain and showed the american ability to successfully defeat a large imperial
power. Although America won the war, they were far from becoming an organized and respected nation and
this is shown by the british refusal to follow to conditions of the treaty exactly.
DOCUMENT 3 (Thomas Paine Common Sense):
Context: Written during the American Revolutionary war against Great Britain. 1775-1776
Meaning:Thomas Paine wrote the pamphlet anonymously during the war as a way of uniting the states in the
cause of revolution. Provided arguments for the colonists against british rule by using clear concise language
and being made available to be heard or read by most colonists and the common man. The pamphlet was
written in the style of a sermon and used protestant ideas to appeal to the religious integrity of colonists.
Significance: The document was read aloud in meeting places in the states so that even the uneducated
crowd was able to hear the pamphlet read and understand the ideas presented in it. Made many Americans
who were on the fence about war with Britain dedicate themselves to the cause of the war. Aroused
revolutionary sentiment, nationalism, and pride. It is said to be one of the most influential documents of the
time period because of its long reaching affect on public approval of the war.
DOCUMENT 4 (Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation):
Context:
Signed november 7, 1775
proclaimed november 14, 1775
Declared by Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of the british colony of virginia.
Meaning: Declaration declared martial law, said all patriots were traitors, and promised freedom to any slave
willing to flee the Americans and fight for the british. Lord Dunmore hoped to gain more soldiers and put fear
into large virginia slave owners of slave rebellions. However, the proclamation had a small effect, as very few
slaves actually responded to the declaration and it was ultimately a failure.
Significance: The American response was one of significant fury. People organized to catch any possible
runaway slaves. Dunmore was criticized for owning slaves himself, offering freedom to Loyalist slaves, and the
thought that he would probably not stay true to his word. . Angered many colonists and deepened the divide
between britain and the colonies. Colonist organization against Britain because the continental congress
recommended that Virginia resist the declaration. It is also significant as it shows the divide between whites
and slaves at the time, as most of the slaves were illiterate and couldn’t even read the proclamation.
One can also draw a parallel between Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation and Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
Extra Documents:
Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom