Discussion Prompt — The American Revolutionary War: Competing Perspectives

The American Revolution is often told as a unified struggle for liberty, yet colonists held widely different views about independence, rights, and what the future of North America should look like.

For the discussion this week it will be a bit different. Complete all of the following:

1. Choose two different groups affected by the Revolutionary War from the list below and research them using this week’s chapter in the textbook:

Patriot political leaders

Loyalists

Enslaved African Americans

Indigenous nations

Women in colonial society

Common soldiers (Continental or British)

Foreign allies (e.g., French, Spanish)

2. Find at least one primary source (first-hand account) fully cited in MLA format and with a hyperlink that works, answer the following questions in your own words:

How did each group understand the idea of “freedom” or “independence”?

What did each group stand to gain or lose from a Patriot victory? Be specific.

Where did their goals overlap or conflict with the ideals stated in the Declaration of Independence?

Your primary source cannot be the Declaration of Independence itself.

3. End your post with a short reflection (3–4 sentences):

Whose perspective surprised you most, and why?

How does including these voices change your understanding of the Revolution?

Requirements

Direct quotes from your chosen primary document used to answer the questions with in-text citation and a working hyperlink at the bottom of the discussion

ANY AI/CHATGPT/GRAMMARLY WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC FAILURE.

All outside sources musted be cited. 

Should be around 350 words