{photo by the National Museum of American History via flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0}
We are well on our way to revolution now… the American Revolution, that is. This week we bring you a few optional links you can use to learn more about some of the important events that gave rise to American Independence.
VIDEOS:
The Stamp Act of 1765 – Here’s a 12-minute documentary about the Stamp Act, from PBS:
250th Anniversary Stamp Act Protest – The Newport Historical Society reenacts the Stamp Act Protest, to celebrate its 250th anniversary:
Stamp Act Repealed:
Colonists Protest British Policies – This is a four minute overview of how British acts and taxes angered the colonists.
Sons of Liberty – A two minute video about how this group helped ignite and organize the Revolution.
More Colonial Williamsburg videos – There are many here to choose from, but scroll through using the arrow and look for Songs of Freedom and Folly.
Ideas of Freedom in Revolutionary America – This 18-minute documentary is available to stream for free on Amazon Prime.
Patrick Henry led the opposition to the Stamp Act in 1765, and is remembered for his “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech. Here’s a link to a video about him and this speech.
The Sugar Act Song – Every once in awhile we have to include something silly. Here’s a video made by a 6th grade class about the Sugar Act, set to the tune of Maroon 5’s “Sugar.”:
WEBSITES:
Interactive American Revolution Timeline – From BrainPop, this is really cool! It’s a timeline that gives info about each of the major events, and you can learn about interesting artifacts from the time as well.
The Stamp Act Riots & Tar and Feathering – Here’s some interesting info about British taxes and the colonists reactions, from PBS.
British Acts and Taxes chart – Scroll to the bottom for an easy-to-read chart describing the tax laws, the colonists reactions, and the effects on Britain.
Poor Richard’s Almanac Sayings – This fun printable activity shares a few famous sayings from Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac. Kids can describe what they think each means.
The Road to Revolution Game – from PBS
Images:
1765 One-penny stamp {source: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain}
Newspapers reacted angrily to the Stamp Act, and placed a skull-and-crossbones protest stamp on their papers. (source: Colonial Williamsburg}
