Teacher Resource Packet

Portsmouth and the American Revolution [DRAFT]

Portsmouth, RI

Grades 8-12·2 class periods (~90 min)

The Battle of Rhode Island (August 1778) was fought partly on Portsmouth ground and featured the First Rhode Island Regiment — the first Black military unit raised in North America. Note: specific sources should be verified before classroom use.

This Packet Includes

Learning Objectives & Essential Questions
3 Reading & Activity Handouts
Assessment Quiz (5 questions)
Answer Key

Name: Date: Period:

Learning Objectives

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

Students will be able to explain Portsmouth's significance in the American Revolution
Students will be able to analyze at least one primary source connected to Portsmouth
Students will be able to connect events in Portsmouth to the broader revolutionary movement

Essential Questions

Keep these questions in mind as you work through this packet:

What made Portsmouth strategically or symbolically important to the Revolution?
How did ordinary people in Portsmouth experience the war?
What would have been different if Portsmouth's story had gone another way?

Warm-Up · 10 minutes

Display a historical map of Portsmouth. Ask: "Looking at this map, what geographic advantages or challenges does Portsmouth present? Why would armies, merchants, or colonial officials care about this location?" Take 3–4 responses, then connect to the lesson.

Differentiation Strategies

Struggling Learners

Advanced Learners

ELL Support

Name: Date: Period:

Portsmouth Event Timeline

timeline

Students place key events in chronological order and add details

# Portsmouth Revolutionary Timeline

Instructions: Place the following events in order and add one detail about each.

[ ] Battle of Rhode Island — First Rhode Island Regiment Holds
[ ] Rhode Island Recruits First Rhode Island Regiment
[ ] William Barton Captures British General Prescott

---

| Event | Date | Significance |

|-------|------|-------------|

| | | |

Name: Date: Period:

Primary Source Analysis

graphic organizer

Structured analysis of Revolutionary-era documents

# Primary Source Analysis Worksheet

## Source Information

Title: _________________
Author: _________________
Date: _________________
Type: _________________

## Observation

What do you notice? (List 3 things)

## Reflection

What do you wonder? (List 2 questions)

## Analysis

What does this source tell us about Portsmouth during the Revolution?

_______________________________________________

## Perspective

Whose voice is represented? Whose might be missing?

_______________________________________________

Name: Date: Period:

Key Figures Profile

worksheet

Research template for Revolutionary figures

# Revolutionary Figure Profile

## Basic Information

Name: _________________
Birth/Death Years: _________________
Occupation(s): _________________

## Role in the Revolution

## Reflection

Which figure interests you most and why?

_______________________________________________

Name: Date: Period:

Portsmouth in the American Revolution

Answer the following questions based on our study of Revolutionary history.

1. What makes Portsmouth significant in Revolutionary history?
AIt was the site of important Revolutionary eventsBIt had no connection to the RevolutionCIt was founded after the RevolutionDIt was a British stronghold throughout the war
2. Primary sources are documents or objects created during the time period being studied.
True False
3. Name one event that occurred in Portsmouth during the Revolutionary period and explain its significance.
Answer:
4. Why is it important to consider multiple perspectives when studying history?
ADifferent people experienced events differentlyBIt makes history more confusingCOnly one perspective is ever correctDPerspectives don't matter in history
5. Describe one connection between this town and another Revolutionary-era town we discussed.
Answer:

Portsmouth in the American Revolution

Portsmouth and the American Revolution [DRAFT] — Portsmouth, RI

1.What makes Portsmouth significant in Revolutionary history?
Answer:A
Portsmouth played a significant role in the American Revolution as evidenced by the events we studied.
2.Primary sources are documents or objects created during the time period being studied.
Answer:True
Primary sources provide firsthand evidence about historical events.
3.Name one event that occurred in Portsmouth during the Revolutionary period and explain its significance.
Answer:[Varies - accept any accurate event with reasonable explanation]
Students should identify a specific event and connect it to broader Revolutionary themes.
4.Why is it important to consider multiple perspectives when studying history?
Answer:A
Multiple perspectives help us understand the full complexity of historical events.
5.Describe one connection between this town and another Revolutionary-era town we discussed.
Answer:[Varies - accept any accurate connection]
Students should demonstrate understanding of the interconnected nature of Revolutionary events.