Causes of the RevolutionSocial Studies Unit 5 Lesson 4

Lesson 4 Big Question: Who caused change in the colonies? Main Ideas:

James Otis was one of the earliest colonists to speak out against British rule.

Patriots worked to increase communication in the colonies. Adams and Washington held strong principles. Jefferson and Franklin helped draft the Declaration of

Independence.

Key Terms & People Orator: someone who gives speeches.

James Otis Patriot who protested British violations of American rights.

Was one of the Massachusetts delegates to the Stamp Act Congress in 1765.

Patrick Henry Southern leader during the American Revolution who is best

known for his speeches. Declared “Give me liberty or give me death!” in 1775. Served as the first elected governor of Virginia and helped draw

up the state’s constitution in 1776. Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!

John Adams Patriot, early American leader, and

second President of the United States. Spoke out against the unfairness of

the Stamp Act in 1765 and the Townshend Acts in 1767.

Defended British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre.

Textbook Answers1. Effect: Colonists listened to and agreed with Otis’s views.

2. Possible Answer: Both men helped unite colonists in the cause of independence.

3. Fighting in the French and Indian War.

4. Jefferson owned a plantation. Franklin was a publisher and scientist.

5. Summary: James Otis fought against an unfair law. Patrick Henry spoke out against British rule. John Adams spoke out against British laws, and George Washington served as commander of the Continental Army. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin helped write the Declaration of Independence.

Timeline in Lesson 1776: Thomas Jefferson and others write the Declaration of

Independence.

Worksheet AnswersCause Effect

James Otis spoke out against unfair taxation.

Colonists agreed with Otis.

Samuel Adams helped create the Committees of Correspondence.

Colonists became united for independence.

John Adams felt everyone had the right to a fair trial.

John Adams defended British soldiers in a trial.

Worksheet Answers2. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.

3. Possible Answer: Patrick Henry was an orator who convinced many Virginians to oppose the Stamp Act. He helped unite the colonists in the cause of independence.

4. In the French and Indian War, Washington had fought in the British Army. However, he later became the commander of the Continental Army, opposing the British in the American revolution.

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