Now that you understand some of the important events happening before, during, and at the end of

Question

the American Revolution, it is time for you to create your presentation.
1. Choose two of the following topics. Topics CANNOT come from the same section.
Before war During the war End of the war
proclamations of 1763 Battle of Sara toga Battle of yourk town
intolerable acts Winter and valley forge Treaty of paris 1783

2. Research events leading up to your topic
Describe any controversy
List all important parties who were involved (for example colonists, Great Britain, King)
Name at least one individual involved AND their impact on the event.
3. Describe events surrounding your topic
Where did it take place?
List individuals involved (for example officers, soldiers, citizens, and political figures)
What happened during the event (who won, how many casualties, how long did it last, etc.)
4. How did this impact the course of the Revolutionary War
What happened immediately following the topic you described

Answer 1

Presentation on the American Revolution: The Intolerable Acts and the Battle of Saratoga

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Topic 1: The Intolerable Acts (Before the War)

1. Events Leading Up to the Intolerable Acts

• Description of Controversy: The Intolerable Acts, also known as the Coercive Acts, were a series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party. Colonists viewed them as an overreach of British authority.
• Important Parties Involved:
  • The Colonists: Particularly those in Massachusetts.
  • The British Government: Parliament and King George III.
• Key Individual:
  • Samuel Adams: A leading figure in the American Revolution, Adams was instrumental in organizing opposition to British policies, including the Boston Tea Party, which directly led to the passage of the Intolerable Acts.

2. Events Surrounding the Intolerable Acts

• Location: Massachusetts, primarily in Boston.
• Individuals Involved:
  • Massachusetts Governor Thomas Gage, who was appointed to enforce the acts.
  • Colonists, including members of the First Continental Congress, who would react to these measures.
• What Happened: The Intolerable Acts included four main measures such as the Boston Port Act, which closed Boston Harbor until damages from the Tea Party were paid. Colonists organized resistance through meetings and the formation of the First Continental Congress, effectively asserting their rights.

3. Impact on the Course of the Revolutionary War

• Immediate Consequences: The enactment of the Intolerable Acts united the colonies against British rule, leading to increased coordination among them. The First Continental Congress convened in September 1774 to organize a collective response, which laid the groundwork for the revolutionary effort.

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Topic 2: The Battle of Saratoga (During the War)

1. Events Leading Up to the Battle of Saratoga

• Description of Controversy: The battle was fought in 1777 during the Revolutionary War between British forces aiming to gain control of the Hudson River Valley and American forces defending their territory.
• Important Parties Involved:
  • American Colonists: The Continental Army.
  • British Forces: Led by General John Burgoyne.
• Key Individual:
  • General Horatio Gates: He played a crucial role in the American victory and became a national hero after the battle.

2. Events Surrounding the Battle of Saratoga

• Location: Saratoga, New York.
• Individuals Involved:
  • American commanders: General Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold, who played a vital role in leading American troops.
  • British commander: General John Burgoyne.
• What Happened:
  • The battle took place over two engagements, on September 19 and October 7, 1777.
  • The Americans were victorious, with approximately 500 British casualties compared to 300 American casualties. The British army's surrender on October 17, 1777, marked a significant turning point in the war.

3. Impact on the Course of the Revolutionary War

• Immediate Consequences: The victory at Saratoga convinced France that the Americans had a chance of winning the war, leading to an alliance that would provide crucial military support. This not only bolstered American morale but fundamentally shifted the dynamics of the conflict into a global war.

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Conclusion

Both the Intolerable Acts and the Battle of Saratoga were key events in the American Revolution. The Intolerable Acts galvanized colonial resistance and unity, while Saratoga proved to be a turning point in military fortunes and international support for the revolution. Together, these moments illustrate the complex interplay of events that fueled the struggle for American independence.