Oklahoma Social Studies 5.C.4.4

5.C.4.4 is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• 5.C.4.4.A

  Explain how the Battle of Bunker Hill, although a Patriot loss, confirmed colonial commitment to the patriot cause.

• 5.C.4.4.B

  Describe the Continental Army’s victory at Trenton, exemplified by Washington’s military leadership against professional British and Hessian troops.

• 5.C.4.4.C

  Explain that the Battles of Saratoga are considered a turning point with regards to securing French support for the revolution.

• 5.C.4.4.D

  Describe the harsh conditions at the Valley Forge Encampment and how Washington’s leadership created a cohesive, disciplined fighting force.

• 5.C.4.4.E

  Explain the significance of Thomas Paine’s The Crisis in bolstering patriot morale among the public and the military.

• 5.C.4.4.F

  Describe how the support of the French army and navy helped Americans defeat Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.

• 5.C.4.4.G

  Summarize the significance of the Treaty of Paris (1783) on the United States of America’s status as a free nation.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students explain how battles, French help, a pamphlet, and a peace treaty affected the war. They connect events to their results, including why a battlefield loss could still help the Patriot cause.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can explain why Bunker Hill showed Patriot resolve despite the loss and why Washington's win at Trenton raised morale. They connect Saratoga to French support, Valley Forge to a stronger army, and Thomas Paine's words to renewed determination. They explain how French forces helped at Yorktown and how the peace treaty recognized U.S. independence.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may call Bunker Hill a Patriot victory because British losses were high. Some think France signed its alliance before Saratoga, or that the win at Yorktown officially granted independence. Others mistake Valley Forge for a battle rather than an encampment where the army trained.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: In two sentences, explain how Saratoga led to French help and what French ships did at Yorktown.

1. 01

   Give pairs seven event cards and paper arrows; have them link each event to a result and label the arrows.

2. 02

   Ask, 'How could the loss at Bunker Hill strengthen Patriot resolve?' Have students write a two-sentence answer.

3. 03

   Play a matching game with event and effect cards, then have partners explain two matches using facts on the cards.

4. 04

   Give students a map of the United States in 1783 and one from today; have them outline the new nation's borders.

• 8.C.2

  Examine key military and diplomatic events of the Revolutionary War that resulted in an independent nation.

• 8.C.2.3.B

  Summarize the impact of key military turning points of the Revolutionary War, including the victories at Boston, Trenton, Saratoga, and Yorktown.

• 5.C.4

  Examine the struggles of the Revolutionary War and ultimate victory to gain independence.

• 2.C.2

  Examine the history of significant events and individuals who impacted our nation and the world.