America's Founding Era Education Forum (AFEEF)

Causes of the American Revolution (Lesson Plan)

Illustration of historical figures in front of a document titled "In Congress, July 4, 1776."

Why did colonists who considered themselves British decide to break away? Students trace colonial frustrations with British rule and connect them to the ideas of natural rights and justice written into the Declaration of Independence.

Essential question

How did the ideals of natural rights and justice inspire a revolution for independence in the colonies?

Guiding questions

  • What did colonists think about British rule?
  • How does the Declaration of Independence show the American ideals of justice and natural rights?

Lesson at a glance

  • Grade level: 4th–5th grade (written for grades 3–5)
  • Time: about 95 minutes
  • Downloadable lesson plan with student handouts
  • Created by: Bill of Rights Institute
  • Cost: free

This free resource was created by Bill of Rights Institute, an AFEEF member organization. Open the full lesson on the original site:

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