• When was the Revolutionary War Era?  The Revolutionary War Era was from approximately 1764 - 1781. 
• Why did the Colonists fight the Revolutionary War?    The reasons for the war were numerous and complicated.  Basically the war was the result of increasing taxes and 'taxation without representation'.
• Britain's involvement in the French and Indian War cost them greatly, though they were victorious.  They needed to raise funds and turned to the colonies for a new stream of revenue.  They enacted the Stamp Act Tax in 1765.  This tax was required on all paper.
• The colonists fought the tax, declaring 'taxation without representation' unfair.
• The British repealed the Stamp Act but soon enacted the Sugar Act and Townshend Acts.
• It is often said that the Revolutionary War began at Lexington with "the shot heard 'round the world".
• On July 4, 1776 Congress adopted the newly written Declaration of Independence.

Report on the Boston Tea Party-

Supplies needed:

Paper, pen/ pencil, video camera (optional)

Research the Boston Tea Party.  Make appropriate props.  Prepare a presentation as if you were a reporter at the Boston Tea Party, reporting about the experience for a news channel.  If possible, video tape your presentation.

Mediate the Conflict-

Assign one child to represent the Patriots and another to represent the British.  Act as a mediator as you listen to the concerns and issues expressed by each side.  See if you can come to a resolution to prevent war.

Letter to Relatives-

Supplies needed:

Paper, pen/ pencil

As a Patriot, write a letter to relatives in England.  Try to explain your position without upsetting them.

Design a Flag-

Supplies needed:

Paper, colored pencils

Design a flag for the United States.  On the back of your design explain what it symbolizes and why you chose the design.

Choose a Motto-

Supplies needed:

Paper, pen/ pencil

The Patriot Army often used the motto 'Join, or Die'.  Think of a new motto for the Patriot Army.  Draw a logo to signify that motto.

Washington Motivating the Troops-

Supplies needed:

Paper, pen/ pencil

Pretend you are George Washington.  You are leading a tired, cold and hungry Army into battle.  Write a speech to motivate your troops to victory.

HARDTACK-

Ingredients:

1/4 cup flour
water

Put flour in small bowl.  Add just enough water to make the dough soft but not sticky.  Keep kneading the dough for about ten minutes.  The dough will become very elastic-like.  Roll out the dough.  Use a round cookie cutter (or glass) to cut round shapes.  Place on greased cookie sheet.  Prick dough with a fork.  Bake at 450º for about 5 - 8 minutes.  Lower the oven temperature to 350º and bake for another 5 - 8 minutes. 

Explain to the children that there was often not enough food for the military.  These tasteless, hard biscuits were sometimes all they had for days. 

JOHNNY CAKES-

Ingredients:

2 cups cornmeal
1 cup hot water
dash of salt

Mix cornmeal and water until consistency of a moist ball.  Let it sit for 15 - 30 minutes.  Flatten into small patties.  Heat oil or butter in skillet over medium heat.  Place patties into pan.  Brown on one side then flip and brown on the other.  Serve with butter or honey.

MUSH-

Ingredients:

3 cups water
1 cup instant grits
dash of salt

Boil water.  Stir in grits until thick.  Keep stirring to prevent lumps.  Add dash of salt.  Serve with molasses.