Revolutionary War the American Revolution:

¶ … Revolutionary War

The American Revolution: Its origins and consequences

The American Revolution laid the foundation for our modern, secular American government based upon the principles of democracy and republicanism. It is essential to understand the American Revolution because its ideals formed the basis of so many of the subsequent political debates that took place in America, and still rage in the American civic discourse today. For example, for students to understand African-American's outrage about being denied their rights, it is important to understand the contradiction between the Founding Fathers' promise of equal rights and justice in the Declaration of Independence for all human beings and the 3/5ths Compromise that 'counted' disenfranchised black slaves as 3/5ths of a person when tallying a state's population.

Studying the American Revolution helps situate America's quest for independence in the larger context of the European Enlightenment. The Enlightenment philosophers believed in the value of rationality and the inherent rights of all human beings to 'life, liberty, and property' (as discussed by John Locke) which was transformed into the phrase 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' in Jefferson's Declaration of Independence.

Even the youngest children can gain an appreciation for the background and major issues of the American Revolution. Gaining a sense of America's close ties with Great Britain, despite the difficulties that resulted in the split between the colonies and the Mother Country, will bring light to America's current political relationship with England. Also, understanding the importance of the colonist's rallying cry of 'no taxation without representation' will help children later understand the struggles of current former colonies in the developing world for justice. America also began as a colony, before it won its independence. The ideology and the consequences of the American Revolution extended far beyond America's shores, stretching to France, and the demand for liberty is still expressed by oppressed peoples all over the world.

By studying the American Revolution, children will gain a sense of how 'young' America is, in comparison to other nations, and why such issues as individualism and taxation remain such an important part of the American civic discourse today. Being able to identify major British and American figures of the revolution is essential because people like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison continue to play such an important influence on our image as to what constitutes an 'American' leader in every election. Children must understand these leaders as imperfect individuals, not as icons. Understanding the American guerilla warfare tactics in the major battles of the Revolutionary War help show how America was able to challenge the British army's superior numbers and firepower.

Explaining New Jersey's critical role in the American Revolution is important in understanding exactly how America's independence was won can bring history to life for young children because so many of the major monuments are nearby. This helps students gain a sense of the importance of participating in the local community, and how New Jersey affected national history.