Activity Overview
The signing of the Treaty of Paris finally ended the war between Britain and the United States. After declaring independence from Britain and then fighting for several years, the end of the war was very welcome. Timelines are a great way to detail the important events between the Battle of Yorktown (1781) to the eventual signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. By plotting events, starting with the Battle of Yorktown, students will continue to explain and analyze key strategies, events, and figures of the revolution.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing the events from the Battle of Yorktown to the Treaty of Paris.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important battles and events and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the battles and events in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How to Teach the Strategy and Significance of the Battle of Yorktown
Introduction to the Battle of Yorktown
Begin the lesson by discussing the American Revolution and its context, emphasizing the importance of the Battle of Yorktown. Introduce the learning objectives, explaining that students will explore the strategic elements and historical significance of this pivotal battle. Provide an overview of key terms and concepts, such as siege warfare, military strategy, and alliances, that will be discussed during the lesson.
Analyzing the Strategic Elements
Guide students in analyzing the strategic elements of the Battle of Yorktown. Discuss the geographical location of Yorktown and its significance in the overall military strategy of the American and French forces. Explore the roles of key military leaders, such as General George Washington, General Cornwallis, and Admiral de Grasse, in planning and executing the battle. Explain the concept of siege warfare and how it was used by the American and French forces to lay siege to Yorktown. Use maps, diagrams, or visual aids to illustrate troop movements, positions, and the overall battlefield strategy.
Understanding the Significance of Yorktown
Engage students in a discussion about the historical significance of the Battle of Yorktown. Explore how the victory at Yorktown marked a turning point in the American Revolution. Discuss the impact of the French alliance and the naval blockade on the outcome of the battle. Analyze the consequences of Cornwallis's surrender and its role in eventually leading to the Treaty of Paris of 1783. Encourage critical thinking about the long-term effects of the Battle of Yorktown on the birth of the United States.
Group Activity and Reflection
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific aspect of the Battle of Yorktown to research further. This could include the role of a key figure, a specific battle tactic, or the significance of the naval blockade. Have each group present their findings to the class, explaining their assigned aspect and its importance. Conclude the lesson with a reflection discussion, allowing students to share their insights into the strategy and significance of the Battle of Yorktown. Encourage them to consider how the events at Yorktown influenced the outcome of the American Revolution and the formation of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Battle of Yorktown and Ending of the War
What types of worksheet questions can be employed to explore the terms and provisions of the Treaty of Paris (1783) and their impact on the end of the Revolutionary War?
To delve into the terms and provisions of the Treaty of Paris (1783) and their significance in ending the Revolutionary War, worksheets can include questions that foster analytical thinking. For instance, students can be asked to identify and explain key articles of the treaty, such as the recognition of American independence and the establishment of territorial boundaries. They can also examine the implications of these provisions, considering how they reshaped the geopolitical landscape of North America. Additionally, students can evaluate the roles of different parties in the negotiations and debate the advantages and disadvantages of the treaty for both the United States and Great Britain. Such questions encourage students to think critically about the treaty's impact and its historical context.
In what ways can worksheets encourage critical thinking about the consequences of the American victory at Yorktown and its impact on the eventual end of the war?
Worksheets designed to promote critical thinking about the consequences of the American victory at Yorktown can include open-ended questions that prompt students to analyze cause-and-effect relationships. For example, students can be asked to explain how the surrender at Yorktown led to the eventual end of the Revolutionary War. They can explore the broader implications of the victory, such as how it affected British morale, diplomatic negotiations, and the continuation of the war in other theaters. Worksheets can also challenge students to consider alternative scenarios had the outcome at Yorktown been different. By encouraging students to assess the multifaceted consequences of this pivotal battle, these worksheets foster a deeper understanding of its historical significance.
What types of historical documents and visual materials can be integrated into worksheets to enhance students' understanding of the Battle of Yorktown and its significance?
Worksheets can be enriched by incorporating a range of historical documents and visual materials that provide students with a multifaceted view of the Battle of Yorktown and its significance. Primary sources such as letters, diaries, and maps from the period can offer firsthand accounts and geographical context. Visual materials like paintings, sketches, or diagrams of battle strategies and troop movements can help students visualize the events. Additionally, excerpts from military reports, letters between commanders, and contemporary newspaper articles can provide insight into the strategies, challenges, and reactions surrounding the battle. By engaging with these diverse historical materials, students can gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the Battle of Yorktown and its place in the American Revolutionary War.
More Storyboard That Activities
American Revolution
- Treaty of Paris (page 1) • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
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