CONTEXT 

After the Revolutionary War (and even today), many people considered the “American Revolution” to be the recently concluded war. However, the ideals of the American Revolution were conceived long before the war began and perpetuated long after it ended. Bejamin Rush, a Pennsylvania representative to the Continental Congress, and John Adams both believed the American Revolution was more than the war, but they differed on what it meant beyond that.  

AIMS/OBJECTIVES 

Students will be able to:  

• Begin to evaluate the nature and timeline of the American Revolution.   

• Compare and contrast two primary source author’s perspectives on the meaning of the American Revolution.  

MATERIALS 

• Worksheet: Dueling Definitions PDF

• Thematic Overview PDF

PROCEDURES 

• First, provide students with copies of the Dueling Definitions worksheet. Read, or have the students read, the Benjamin Rush quote on the worksheet. Ask students to make notes using the worksheet and answer the questions. As a class, discuss what Rush was saying in this quote.  

• Next, continue the discussion with the following prompt: What is the difference between a war and a revolution? Is every war a revolution? Why or why not? Extend the discussion by asking students what else could be considered a revolution. What makes them say that? Have the students read the Thematic Overview and then ask them if their answers changed and to support their responses.  

• Then, have the students read the John Adams quote using the Dueling Definitions worksheet to organize their reflections. Ask students to use their worksheet responses to discuss the following questions: What is Adams saying about the Revolution? What does Adams consider to be the revolution? When did he believe it began?  

• Conclude by having the students compare the two quotes. How do they differ in their understanding of what the revolution is? Then ask them who they agree with and why. 

This activity is excerpted from Unit 2 of the Through Their Eyes: Major Causes and Events of the American Revolution Teacher Resource Guide. To see the full lesson and all supporting materials, visit www.amrevmuseum.org/teacher-resource-guides