American Revolution Museum Questions

1. The field trip starts more than 250 years ago when America was made up of 13 colonies. Who was in charge of the colonies? What made the colonists angry, and what did they do? (1:53–3:49)

Based on the second section of the video, how was America in the 1600s and early 1700s different from America today? What kinds of people lived there? (1:52–3:10)

2. Assistant Curator Matthew Skic says he thinks that July 1776 was the most important part of the American Revolution. What does he tell you about and show you that helps you understand why? (6:05–7:09)

3. What was the first battle that 15-year-old Josesph Plumb Martin fought in? What was important about this battle? (7:12–8:05)

4. Lauren and Matthew show you a number of items used by Revolutionary War soldiers, like Joseph. Choose one and describe what it’s for.

What do you find interesting about it? Choices: a. canteen (9:45); b. knapsack (10:19); c. pocketbook (10:41); d. musket (11:12); e. cartridge box (12:16)

5. What was fighting in the war like for Joseph and other American soldiers? What challenges were they up against? (12:46–14:02)

6. Why did London Pleasants join the British army? (14:28–16:12)

7. What do you see and hear about the different types of people who were involved in the war? (18:55–19:54)

8. Lauren says that many historians think the “most remarkable part of George Washington’s life” was when he was a general in the Revolutionary War. Why? (21:04–23:16)

Think About It! After watching Beyond the Battlefield, what do you think is one important reason people fought for America’s freedom in the Revolutionary War?