Revolutionary War

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George Washington and Men Crossing the Delaware River

The Revolutionary War was a war fought between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain. It was a struggle for independence, with the colonies seeking to break free from British rule and form their own nation.

Why?

The colonies wanted independence due to unfair taxation, lack of representation in British Parliament, and growing control by the British government. Events like the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, and British military actions increased tensions and led to war.

When?

The war began in April 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord and ended in 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. It lasted about eight years.

Where?

Most battles took place in the thirteen colonies, especially in places like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. Some fighting also occurred at sea and in areas controlled by allies like France and Spain.

Our Content

	Causes of the Revolutionary War The Revolutionary War was caused by growing tensions between American colonists and the British government over unfair taxation, lack of representation in Parliament, and increasing British control. Events like the Stamp Act, Boston Massacre, and Intolerable Acts led many colonists to demand independence.

	Effects of the Revolutionary War The Revolutionary War resulted in American independence from British rule and the creation of the United States of America. It also inspired democratic movements worldwide and led to major changes in government, economy, and society within the new nation.

	Battles of the Revolutionary War The battles of the Revolutionary War included key engagements like Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown, where American and British forces clashed over control of the colonies. These battles demonstrated American resilience and ultimately led to British defeat and independence for the United States.

	People of the Revolutionary War The people of the Revolutionary War included a diverse group of individuals such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, King George III, and everyday soldiers, women, enslaved people, and Native Americans. Each played vital roles—whether leading armies, drafting founding documents, or supporting the war effort on the home front.

	Revolutionary War Literacy and Comprehension Exercises This section includes nearly 150 online and printable Revolutionary War-themed literacy and comprehension exercises.

	Primary Source Super Comprehension These primary source comprehension activities guide students through close reading of authentic historical texts. By working across three skill-focused tabs—Main Idea & Details, Inference, and Contextual Vocabulary—students develop a deeper understanding of the passages and strengthen essential literacy skills. The interactive tools and structured layout help readers analyze, annotate, and interpret the text with clarity and confidence. Give me Liberty, or Give me Death! Remember the Ladies - Abigail to John Adams in a letter Defense of the Accused in the Boston Massacre - John Adams These are the Times That Try Men's Souls - Thomas Paine

	Flipping the Narrative - Revolutionary War These Flipping the Narrative activities help students explore history by comparing two contrasting perspectives on the same event. Students read both passages, annotate key ideas, and examine how each side uses evidence to support its arguments. By toggling between viewpoints and answering deeper-level questions, learners build critical thinking skills and a richer understanding of historical complexity. The Case of Taxes After the French and Indian War The Case of Benedict Arnold The Case For and Aganst the Intolerable Acts

	Adventures in the Lives and Times of Patriots - Interactive Comprehension Stories In these interactive stories, students travel through key moments and settings in the subject's life, guided by his or her words and experiences. At each historic location, they explore illustrated scenes, read narrated passages, and answer thoughtful comprehension questions to track their progress. When all sites are visited, students receive a printable score report showing their journey through America’s founding story. George Washington Benjamin Franklin Alexander Hamilton John Adams

	Writing Activities and Prompts Explore the ideas, struggles, and turning points of the American Revolution through engaging and thought-provoking writing activities. Our prompts invite students to step into the shoes of historical figures, reflect on key events, and connect the past to the present in creative and meaningful ways.

	Fun Revolutionary War Printables This section features nearly 30 fun and educational printables and role-playing activities that reinforce critical themes, concepts, and scenarios of the Revolutionary War.

	Revolutionary War Online Games and Fun Stuff Step into the exciting world of the American Revolution with interactive online games that bring history to life. From uncovering your Founding Father match to helping transport cannons in The Noble Train, these games make learning about the past fun and unforgettable.

	Revolutionary War Bundles and Presentations This section provides lesson plans on causes, battles, and people of the Revolutionary War by way of detailed Power Point Presentations and activity bundles. Activity bundles include all of the site's printables and answers on a given subject in a single PDF

	Revolutionary War Coloring Pages This section offers over 25 different Revolutionary War-themed coloring pages featuring people, battles, events, and more. These are perfect for interactive notebooks, enrichment, homework, or a fun break from learning.

	Revolutionary War Flags Learn all about the Appeal to Heaven, Bunker Hill, Ft. Moultrie flags and many more by visiting this page. You can also print out coloring pages of each flag.