Social Studies

Virginia Standard of Learning VS.5a – c: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the role of Virginia in the American Revolution by

a)   identifying the reasons why the colonies went to war with Great Britain as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

b)  identifying the various roles played by whites, enslaved African Americans, free African Americans, and American Indians in the Revolutionary War era, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and James Lafayette.

c)   identifying the importance of the Battle of Great Bridge, the ride of Jack Jouett, and the American victory at Yorktown.

Essential Understandings:

       VS.5a

·      England became Great Britain in the early 1700s.

·      Conflicts developed between the colonies and Great Britain over how the colonies should be governed.

·      The Declaration of Independence gave reasons for independence and ideas for self-government.

        VS.5b

·      Virginians made significant contributions during the Revolutionary War era.

·      Whites, enslaved African Americans, free African Americans, and American Indians all had various roles during the American Revolution.

       VS.5c

·      The Battle of Great Bridge was the first land battle fought in Virginia during the American Revolution.

·      The actions of Jack Jouett prevented the capture of key members of the Virginia General Assembly.

·      The last major battle of the Revolutionary War was fought at Yorktown, Virginia.