This this class students will come to understand the story of American Independence through the lens of the Founding Fathers. Students will be introduced to key events and players in the timeline of American Independence and the adoption of the United States Constitution.

Week 1:
We'll briefly set the stage and discuss the position of the British Colonies in America and then begin our study of American Independence beginning with the Stamp Act of 1765. This week we'll also cover the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party. Founding Fathers Introduced will include Sam Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.

Week 2:
The Intolerable Acts, The First Continental Congress, Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give me Death," Common Sense by Thomas Paine, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. In addition to Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine, Founding Fathers introduced will include Paul Revere.

Week 3:
The Declaration of Independence. A watershed moment in the history of democracy. We'll discuss the Second Continental Congress. Founding Fathers introduced will include Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock and Nathan Hall.

Week 4:
American War for Independence. Washington crosses the Delaware, Saratoga, Valley Forge, and the French join the fight as America's ally. Independence is won at Yorktown. The Treaty of Paris. Founding Fathers introduced will include George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay.

Week 5:
A New Nation. A Declaration of Independence and a war are not a basis for government. How will we rule this new nation. We'll discuss the Articles of Confederation and the move toward a new Constitutional Convention, resulting in the ratification of the United States Constitution. We'll talk about the Federalist Papers. Founding Fathers Introduced will include James Madison and James Monroe and women like Abigail Adams. 

Class is interactive. Students are invited to participate and ask questions. Instructor will show some videos and depictions of historic sites.