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I. The American Revolution
Baron von Steuben, a Prussian officer, trained Washington’s soldiers at
Valley Forge, instilling military discipline that had been lacking in the
o-
Benedict Arnold, Traitor
Benedict Arnold had a brilliant career until his ego got in the way. He had
served with distinction during the assault on Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 and the
Battle of Saratoga in 1777 and earned the rank of general. He was given the command of Philadelphia in 1778, and in 1780, the fort at West Point. The latter was
an important link in the defense of the western frontier.
Cross-curricular
Teaching Idea
Have students review their journal
entries about the American Revolution
and use this information to write an
essay answering either of the original
questions:
• What caused the colonists to break
away and become an independent
nation?
• What significant ideas and values
were at the heart of the American
Revolution?
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Grade 4 Handbook
However, Arnold believed that he was the victim of unfair criticism. He
schemed with Major John Andre, a British agent, to hand over West Point to the
British army. The plot was uncovered, and Andre was hanged, but Arnold escaped.
He fought with the British and at the end of the war sailed for London. Ever since,
among Americans, the name “Benedict Arnold” has been a synonym for “traitor.”
John Paul Jones and Nathan Hale, Heroes
There were far more heroes than traitors enrolled in the Patriots’ cause. John
Paul Jones joined the Continental navy in 1775. His most famous exploit
involved command of the Bon Homme Richard (French for “Poor Richard,” the
name of Benjamin Franklin’s almanac), an old merchant ship that the French had
given to the United States and which was refitted as a small warship.
While patrolling off the coast of Great Britain in 1779, the Bon Homme
Richard came upon the HMS Serapis, a British warship. A fierce battle ensued,
with Jones maneuvering the Bon Homme Richard close to the Serapis. When asked
to surrender, Jones refused and called out, “I have not yet begun to fight!” He and
his crew grabbed the Serapis and fought its defenders for four hours. Finally, the
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Serapis surrendered, and Jones and his crew boarded it as the Bon Homme Richard
sank. 41
Nathan Hale was another hero of the American Revolution. A schoolteacher
by profession, he joined the Continental army and was sent to spy on the British
on Long Island. Caught behind British lines in disguise, Hale was hanged as a spy
without benefit of a trial. He was only 21 years old. On the gallows, Hale is said
to have announced, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
The French Fleet, Cornwallis, and the British
orktown
Review
Below are some ideas for ongoing assessment and review activities. These are
not meant to constitute a comprehensive list. Teachers may also refer to the
Pearson Learning/Core Knowledge History & Geography series for additional information and teaching ideas.
• As a review of the important people during this time period, play a version of
the game “Concentration.” Have pairs of students create a set of cards for the
notable figures studied in this unit. Students should write the name of one of the
figures on an index card and on another index card, list a fact about that person.
After making all of the cards, students should shuffle them and lay them face
down on their desk. Students should take turns turning two cards over to find a
match, and the student with the most matches wins.
The Big Idea
in Review
Disagreements about
principles of government
led the colonists to seek
independence from Great
Britain.
• Have students brainstorm a list of men and women who acted heroically during the American Revolution. Assign each student one of the heroes and have
History and Geography: American
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