Students learn how the American colonists grew used to governing themselves and became increasingly unhappy with British policies toward the colonies. Students follow the development of those policies to see why the colonists ultimately declared independence from Britain in order to establish their own government. Finally, students analyze the Declaration of Independence to see how it addressed the colonists' concerns. As an extension, students look at primary sources to see how the colonists' reaction to the Stamp Act was being reported in London. This lesson feeds into the lesson “Wanted: A ‘Just Right’ Government,” but may be taught independently.
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Lynna Landry , AP US History & Government / Economics Teacher and Department Chair, California