Massachusetts and the Revolution

Massachusetts in the 1760s

In the first cluster, students are introduced to the period that led to the American Revolution (about 1763–1774) and work to answer the Supporting Question: How did British rule affect the people of Massachusetts in the 1760s? Students begin by considering the purpose of rules, laws, and government and possible responses in the face of injustice. They then investigate primary sources and read informational articles to examine why British soldiers were stationed in North America, how the British government began passing laws that taxed the colonies, and the tensions that began to rise as a result.

Conflict in Massachusetts

The second cluster opens with an exploration of how the conflict between Britain and Massachusetts became more serious with the Boston Massacre. Students then conduct a short research project on one very important person (VIP) of Revolutionary history using articles and videos. Lastly, students examine secondary sources of artwork, video clips, and informative texts to expand their understanding of the Supporting Question: How did the people of Massachusetts respond to conflict with Britain?

Massachusetts During the Revolutionary War

In the third cluster, students work to answer the Supporting Question: How did different groups of people respond to the Revolutionary War? Students first explore the Declaration of Independence and analyze videos and informational articles that describe the difficult decisions of Indigenous people and African Americans when war broke out in America. Students also analyze secondary sources about the experiences of Loyalist and Patriot women during the Revolutionary War. Finally, students analyze an informational text about the purpose and the writing of the Massachusetts and U.S. Constitutions.