DAY 2 LEAP PREP - Was the American Revolution Avoidable?
This assignment explores the causes and events leading up to the American Revolution. Students will analyze a timeline of key events, answer questions about cause and effect, and develop a claim about whether the Revolution was avoidable or unavoidable, using evidence from the timeline.
Group 1
Timeline Mini-Reading Read the timeline below. As you read, think about whether these events show chances for compromise or signs that conflict was becoming unavoidable.
Source 1.1
1763 – French and Indian War Ends
- Great Britain defeats France and gains new territory in North America. However, the war leaves Britain deeply in debt. Parliament believes the colonies should help pay for the cost of their defense.
1764–1765 – New Taxes Introduced
- Britain passes the Sugar Act and later the Stamp Act, placing taxes on items like paper, newspapers, and legal documents. Colonists protest, arguing they are being taxed without representation in Parliament.
1766 – Stamp Act Repealed
- After widespread protests and boycotts, Parliament repeals the Stamp Act. This shows that colonial resistance can lead to change, but tensions remain.
1767 – Townshend Acts Passed
- Britain places new taxes on imports such as glass, paper, paint, lead, and tea. British troops are sent to Boston to enforce the laws and maintain order, increasing tensions between soldiers and colonists.
March 5, 1770 – Boston Massacre
- A confrontation between British soldiers and colonists turns violent. British troops fire into a crowd, killing five colonists.
- On the same day, Parliament agrees to repeal most of the Townshend taxes due to colonial pressure. However, the tax on tea remains.
- Even though Britain removes most taxes, news of the repeal does not reach the colonies immediately. The violence of the Boston Massacre becomes a powerful symbol of British oppression.
1773 – Tea Act and Boston Tea Party
- Britain keeps the tea tax to show it still has authority over the colonies. Colonists protest by dumping British tea into Boston Harbor, destroying valuable property.
1774 – Intolerable Acts
- In response to the Boston Tea Party, Britain passes harsh laws punishing Massachusetts. Boston Harbor is closed, and colonial self-government is limited. Many colonists now believe Britain is attacking their rights.
1775 – Battles of Lexington and Concord
- British troops attempt to seize colonial weapons. Fighting breaks out between British soldiers and colonial militias. The American Revolution begins.
Group 2
Timeline Thinking Check (Multiple Choice) Use the timeline to answer each question. These questions focus on cause and effect, significance, and interpretation, not just recall.
Question 2a
Why did Britain believe taxing the colonies after 1763 was reasonable?
Question 2b
Which action from the timeline best shows that peaceful solutions were attempted before war began?
Question 2c
On the day of the Boston Massacre, Parliament repealed most Townshend taxes. Why did this NOT immediately reduce tension in the colonies?
Question 2d
Which event most clearly shows how British actions affected colonial trust?
Question 2e
Which pair of events best demonstrates a pattern of protest followed by punishment?
Question 2f
Which statement best explains how compromise and conflict existed at the same time?
Question 2g
Based on the entire timeline, which conclusion is best supported by the evidence?
Question 2h
Thinking Pause (Before Choosing a Claim): Right now, the timeline most strongly suggests that the Revolution was:
- Avoidable
- Unavoidable
- A mix of both – I need to explain why
Question 3a
Choose one claim or write your own:
- The American Revolution was avoidable because Britain showed a willingness to compromise and change policies.
- The American Revolution was unavoidable because repeated conflict, punishment, and violence made peace impossible.
Group 4
Evidence Selection Select two pieces of evidence from the timeline that best support your claim.
Question 4a
Evidence #1:
Question 4b
Evidence #2:
Group 5
CER Written Response Write one complete CER paragraph answering the question: Was the American Revolution avoidable? Your response must include:
- A clear claim
- Two accurate pieces of evidence from the timeline
- Reasoning that explains how the evidence proves your claim and why it matters
Question 5a
Was the American Revolution avoidable?
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