Power of the Individual in History

The Big Idea for the day: Impact of Individuals

Enduring Understanding: Decisions and actions of individuals can influence the outcome of an event.

As we study the Revolutionary War, it is important that we recognize the contributions of individuals in winning American independence. Your assignment today should help you take a step in that direction! Read the task and follow the procedure below. You may type your assignment, or write on a piece of lined notebook paper.

Task:
Find 5 people you believe had an effect on the outcome of the American Revolution.
If you are at home today, you should pick just one person and be prepared to hand in your work tomorrow.

Procedure:
Using a textbook or computer, find 5 individuals who may have influenced the outcome of the American Revolution.
For each individual, write a description of the person, what he/she did that was important, and why you believe their action or actions made a difference.
Write a "what if this person had never lived" scenario for each individual.

Example:
Thomas Gage- Governor/General of Massachusetts. He was sent to place Massachusetts and Boston under martial law after the Boston Tea Party. Parliament instructed him to put down the growing rebellion, but his actions (attempt to capture guns at Concord) led to the death of 8, and many more wounded Colonists at the Battle of Lexington. The Battle of Lexington helped to unite Colonists against England. More than ever, they would view the British Army as an invading force.
Thomas Gage's decision to make a frontal assault at the Battle of Bunker Hill led to yet another British military disaster. Over 1,000 Redcoats were killed or wounded, convincing Americans that it was possible to successfully fight against the more experienced, better trained British soldiers.
Scenario:
If Thomas Gage had never lived, perhaps the Governor/General of Massachusetts would not have attempted to capture the guns at Concord, and the Battle of Lexington might not have happened. If the Battle of Lexington had not occurred, the Battle of Bunker Hill would not have happened, and the Colonists may have continued to believe that it was impossible to stand up against the powerful British Army.