Unit 1 Image Gallery
Indigenous North America Before 1500 The following images are either: These images may be used for educational purposes by school and homeschool teachers and students. Commercial use of copyrighted images is strictly prohibited.
John A. Cowgill
The Articles of Confederation
(and Why They Failed) After winning independence from Great Britain, the newly formed United States needed a government. The first attempt was called the Articles of Confederation, a system that gave most of the power to the states rather than a strong national government. While this system helped unify the states during the early years, … Read more
What Caused the American Revolution?
Unit Overview If you could travel back in time to the early 1700s, the American colonies might not seem very revolutionary at all. They were part of the powerful British Empire, and many colonists considered themselves loyal subjects of the king. They spoke English, followed British laws, and traded goods across the Atlantic Ocean. So … Read more
British Taxes and Colonial Reactions (Stamp Act → Tea Act)
Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that you now have to pay extra money for things you use every day—paper, newspapers, cards, even tea. Now imagine that the people making these rules live far away, and you have no say in their decisions. That’s exactly how many American colonists felt in the years after … Read more
The Declaration of Independence: Ideas and Impact
On a warm summer day in July 1776, a group of men gathered in a large room in Philadelphia. The windows were shut tight, even though the heat was rising. Outside, the streets buzzed with uncertainty. Inside, something extraordinary was about to happen. These men were leaders from the thirteen American colonies. They had argued, … Read more
George Washington and the Continental Army
The wind whipped across the open fields as a tall man on horseback rode slowly along a line of soldiers. His blue coat stood out against the gray sky, and his face was calm but serious. He paused, looking at the men before him—farmers, laborers, and young boys who had never expected to become soldiers. … Read more
Foreign Allies: How France Helped Win the War
The battlefield was quiet for a moment. Across a wide stretch of land in Virginia, American and French soldiers stood side by side, their uniforms different but their purpose the same. Cannons were lined up. Flags fluttered in the breeze. In the distance, British troops waited, surrounded and running out of options. It was 1781, … Read more
Tension Between the Colonies and Great Britain
Overview For much of the colonial period, the American colonies remained loyal to Great Britain. Colonists considered themselves British subjects and benefited from trade, military protection, and cultural connections with England. However, during the mid-1700s, disagreements over taxes, government authority, and colonial rights began to strain the relationship between Britain and its colonies. These tensions … Read more
Colonial Government and Self-Rule
Overview Although the American colonies were controlled by England, colonists gradually developed their own systems of government. Colonial assemblies, town meetings, and local courts allowed settlers to participate in making decisions that affected their communities. Over time, many colonists became accustomed to governing themselves and protecting their rights. These experiences with self-rule helped shape the … Read more
