Why was the Battle of Yorktown not as decisive in the American Revolution as many people believe? Young scholars consider the question while viewing video clips from historians who discuss the various factors that went into the American victory, such as financing and French help. In addition, they listen to historians explain why the war didn't end until well after the battle. 

Concepts

military history, american history, the american revolution, the war of 1812, outcomes

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• After viewing clips, ask pupils to debate the question: Did the Americans win the Revolution? Or did the British lose?
• Ask class members to create graphic organizers of all the factors that went into the American victory

Classroom Considerations

• Teachers may create a free C-SPAN Classroom account or the use of the following login credentials: Username: students, Password: C-SPANCLASSROOM
  

Pros

• Clips explore the complex realities of the end of the Revolutionary War
• Video allows learners to consider historiography of an event

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.4 RH.6-8.6 RH.6-8.10 RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.4 RH.9-10.6 RH.9-10.10 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.4 RH.11-12.6 RH.11-12.10