For this activity, students will create a storyboard outlining the major events leading up to, and the events of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. They should detail both the British and American actions that contributed to the beginning of America’s fight for independence. By looking at both country's actions, students will gain a holistic perspective as to how events unfolded and what ultimately resulted in the battle. This will also provide a side-by-side, visual narrative of these events to allow students to better understand both sides of the story.
Have students research and complete a storyboard from another early American Revolutionary battle. This will further allow students to see strategies, effects, and significance of other battles. It can also serve as a comparative to both British and American actions from the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing the British and American actions during the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
Begin by discussing the importance of inquiry-based learning and its role in historical understanding. Write the terms "Lexington" and "Concord" on the board and ask students what they know about these places and their significance in American history. To pique students' interest and curiosity, show a brief video clip or images related to Lexington and Concord.
Distribute inquiry-based learning handouts that provide guidelines for formulating questions. In small groups or individually, have students generate a list of questions they have about the events leading up to and during the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
Provide access to primary and secondary sources related to Lexington and Concord. Instruct students to choose one or more inquiry questions from their list and conduct research to find answers. Circulate the classroom to support students in their research, answer questions, and facilitate discussions.
Have students gather in small groups to discuss their research findings and the answers they have uncovered to their inquiry questions. Each group should appoint a spokesperson to share their key findings with the entire class. Lead a class discussion where students reflect on the inquiry-based learning process, discussing the challenges they faced and the insights they gained. Conclude the lesson by emphasizing the value of inquiry-based learning in gaining a deeper understanding of historical events and encouraging ongoing curiosity.
The primary cause of the Battle of Lexington and Concord was the escalating tension between American colonists and British authorities in the years leading up to the American Revolution. The specific trigger for this battle was the British government's attempt to enforce harsh measures, such as the Coercive Acts and increased taxation, on the colonies. In April 1775, British troops were ordered to march to Concord, Massachusetts, with the intention of confiscating colonial weapons and arresting Patriot leaders. This mission was a response to the colonial defiance against British rule, particularly the dumping of tea into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party. The confrontations at Lexington and Concord occurred as a result of this mission, marking the outbreak of hostilities and the start of the American Revolutionary War.
The "shot heard 'round the world" in the Battle of Lexington and Concord holds great significance as a symbol of the American Revolution and the struggle for independence. This phrase refers to the first shot fired during the skirmish at Lexington Green on April 19, 1775. While it remains unclear who fired the first shot, this single act of violence reverberated globally because it marked the beginning of a revolutionary movement that would ultimately lead to the formation of the United States. The shot underscored the determination of American colonists to defend their rights and resist British authority. It served as a rallying cry, inspiring colonists throughout the Thirteen Colonies to take up arms against British rule and assert their desire for self-determination.
Civilian colonial participants who were not part of the militias played a vital role in the events of Lexington and Concord. They were ordinary individuals who, upon hearing the alarm bells and witnessing the advancing British troops, spontaneously joined the resistance. These civilians, often referred to as "minutemen" and local volunteers, swelled the ranks of the colonial militias. Their courage and determination were instrumental in confronting the British forces and resisting their actions. Many minutemen and civilians engaged in skirmishes with the British soldiers, contributing to the overall resistance effort. Their actions demonstrated the widespread commitment to defending colonial liberties and resisting what was perceived as British oppression, making them an essential part of the early stages of the American Revolution.