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Real American Heroes: Central Pennsylvania in the American Revolution

“No taxation without representation,” is a familiar cry of the American Revolution. Years before the Declaration of Independence, the men and women of Central Pennsylvania, keenly aware of their lack of representation in government, had actively mobilized against the tyranny of British rule. Expert Scots-Irish and German riflemen, led by fiercely patriotic individuals hardened by the French and Indian War, became instrumental to the outcome. We will not only explore the stories of amazing men who shouldered economic and physical hardship, but also the role local women who endured and likewise embodied the spirit of the fight.

 

 


Essential Questions:

What events led up to the conflict between England and the colonies?
How did Pennsylvania contribute to the establishment of a nation?
What role did Pennsylvanians play in the fight for independence?
Why it was significant to subsequent events in American history?
How did the Thirteen English Colonies gain their independence?
How did Thomas Paine persuade many colonists to support and declare independence from Britain on July 4, 1776?
In what ways did both women and African Americans, including slaves, contribute to the war effort?
How did the colonists react to the new taxes imposed by Parliament to pay for the French and Indian War?
How is history interpreted to relate the past to the present?
How do the concepts of family, education, leisure, government, economics, religion, and communication define a culture?

History Standards:  8.1 A,B,C,D    8.2.3 A,B,C,D   8.2.6 A,B,C,D   8.3.3 A,B,C,D  8.3.6 A,B,C,D  
8.4.6 A,B,C,D   8.4.12 A,B,C,D 

Reading Standards: 1.1.5.A,G  1.2.A   1.3.A,F  1.6.A,B,D,E

 

“I think it is more fun to hear you than to read about it in our history books. I really enjoyed it!”
         Kaley W.