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American Story of Us: Episode 2 - "Revolution" - Complete Video Guide

Twenty-one chronological questions guide students through the population figures, battles, and key spies of the American Revolution as they watch Episode 2, "Revolution."
Grades
Grades 6–11, High School, Middle School
File type
PDF
Preparation
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Updated Jun 22, 2023

Subject
Social Studies, History, History: USA
Topic
US History, American Revolution
Resource types
Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets
Preparation
Print ready

About this resource

What's inside this resource

Twenty-one chronological questions guide students through Episode 2, "Revolution," of the American Story of Us video series, asking them to record facts in the exact order the episode presents them — from New York's population in 1776 to the outcome of the Battle of Yorktown. Along the way, questions cover the Declaration of Independence, the British assault on New York, the Battles of Saratoga and Valley Forge, France's entry into the war, spy communication methods, and the war's final battle. Two blank pages hold the numbered questions for students to fill in by hand while watching, and a matching two-page teacher key supplies the exact answer to each one, including specific figures such as the number of patriot prisoners of war who died on British ships.

Product description

From the author

In the television series "America: The Story of Us," the American Revolution is a significant event covered in its depiction of the history of the United States. Here are some key aspects of the American Revolution as portrayed in the series:

Causes of the Revolution: The series explores the factors that led to the American Revolution, including issues such as taxation without representation, the Stamp Act, and the Boston Tea Party. It depicts the growing discontent among American colonists towards British rule.

Founding Fathers: The series highlights key figures in the American Revolution, including Founding Fathers such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. It portrays their roles in shaping the revolution and the subsequent formation of the United States.

Battles and Military Campaigns: The series covers major battles and military campaigns of the American Revolution, such as the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the decisive Battle of Saratoga. It highlights the challenges faced by the American Continental Army and its eventual victory over the British.

  1. Declaration of Independence: The series depicts the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence, a significant document that declared the American colonies' independence from British rule and asserted their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

  2. Foreign Involvement: The series explores the role of foreign powers in the American Revolution, particularly the assistance provided by France, which proved crucial in the American victory. It showcases the alliance between the American revolutionaries and the French military forces.

  3. Legacy of the Revolution: The series discusses the lasting impact of the American Revolution on the formation of the United States as a democratic nation. It explores the establishment of the United States Constitution and the principles of freedom, equality, and individual rights that were central to the revolution.

  4. It is important to note that "America: The Story of Us" is a docudrama television series that aims to present history in an accessible and engaging manner. While it provides an overview of the American Revolution, it may not capture all the complexities and nuances of the historical events and interpretations. For a more comprehensive understanding of the American Revolution, it is recommended to consult additional sources and perspectives.

These teacher-generated questions are designed to help students focus in on key information during the video. These questions cover the second episode in the series titled "Revolution." Ready to print and use! Comes with a completed answer key!

Thumbnail Clipart Credit: By Prince Padania

In the classroom

Teaching tips & learning objectives

Learning objectives

  • Recall specific facts and figures presented in the video, such as population changes, troop counts, and casualty figures.

  • Sequence key events of the American Revolution in the order the episode presents them, from the Declaration of Independence through the Battle of Yorktown.

  • Identify key figures and their contributions, including George Washington, Baron von Steuben, and the opposing British generals at Saratoga and Yorktown.

Teaching tips

  • Show the referenced video episode while students complete the worksheet, since the 21 questions are numbered to follow the video in chronological order and require watching it to answer.

  • Reserve the two-page teacher key (pages 3-4) for grading, since the student pages and key share identical layout and question numbering.

  • Pause near questions 10-14 (POW deaths, Saratoga tactics, Valley Forge conditions) since these ask for more than one specific fact in a single answer.

Skills covered

  • Video-based note-taking — students record specific facts, such as population figures and troop counts, directly from narration as they watch.

  • Chronological sequencing — the 21 questions follow the same order the video presents events, from the Declaration of Independence to the Battle of Yorktown.

  • Historical fact recall — students identify key figures (George Washington, Baron von Steuben) and turning points (Saratoga, Valley Forge, Yorktown) of the Revolutionary War.

Good to know

Questions teachers ask about this resource

What tactical details does the guide ask about around the Battle of Saratoga?

Two specific American tactics are named — targeting enemy officers and using guerilla warfare — that the video credits with breaking the traditional "rules of war" and helping win the battle that brought France into the war.

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Resource details

Concepts & topics

Core concepts

  • American Revolution

  • video comprehension

  • chronological sequencing

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