American Revolution Archives - Let's Teach History

December 12, 2023November 3, 2023American Revolution, Videos

Benjamin Franklin’s Role in the American Revolution

Most historians agree that the colonies probably would not have defeated the British during the American Revolution were it not for the support of France. While Washington was fighting in the colonies, Franklin was schmoozing aristocracy in France trying to get support for the Patriot’s cause. Imagine trying to convince a monarch to support the overthrow of another monarch. That’s just what Ben Franklin did. The video below does a great job of explaining Ben Franklin’s work in France during the American Revolution.

December 29, 2021December 7, 2021American Revolution, Videos

Valley Forge Video

This a great video explaining the importance of Valley Forge! It not only talks about the hardships and disease, but it also the strategic reorganizing and training of the army during this time. It also gives a great summary of the events leading up to the winter at Valley Forge, so the students have some context as to what has been happening in the war. My one criticism is that the guy at the beginning says the war has been “waging” rather than “raging.” While you can “wage war,” I’m pretty sure that is not correct in this context. I’m sure it was probably just a slip of the tongue. You may or may not want to mention that to your students. Still it does not diminish the value of the information in the video. It’s really interesting and only about four minutes long.

May 20, 2016October 14, 2016American Revolution, Miscellaneous

Great History Memes

I came across this meme last night and thought it would be a great thing to use at some point when you are studying the American Revolution. Students need to know that, yes, they will hear about this stuff again…even if it is the form of an Internet meme. This person used their historical knowledge to come up with an awesome comeback that, I’m sure, gave countless other people a good chuckle.

Classroom Uses:

Put it on the board at the beginning of class to grab students’ attention (the day after you study the Boston Tea Party)
Add it to a test as a bonus question and have students explain the meaning for extra credit
Use it to remind students that historical references pop up in the most unlikely places
Challenge students to come up with their own history meme

Here are some of my other favorites that I came across after the above meme inspired me to do a search.