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Interpreting the Evidence

Choosing Sides: The McAlpin's of Saratoga in the American Revolution

Student View

About this Activity

  • Documents in this Activity:
  • Historical Eras:

    Revolution and New Nation (1754 - 1820s)

  • Thinking Skill:

    Historical Analysis & Interpretation

  • Grade Level:

    Middle School
    High School

  • Topics:

    American Revolution
    Community
    Women

  • Primary Source Types:

    Written Document

  • Regions:

    Capital District
    New York State

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team.

  1. Load Memorial of Mary McAlpin in Main Document Viewer
  2. Load Memorial of Mary McAlpin in Main Document Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

7.3 AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE: Growing tensions over political power and economic issues sparked a movement for independence from Great Britain. New York played a critical role in the course and outcome of the American Revolution. (Standards: 1, 4, 5; Themes: TCC, GOV, ECO)
7.3d The outcome of the American Revolution was influenced by military strategies, geographic considerations, the involvement of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and other Native American groups in the war, and aid from other nations. The Treaty of Paris (1783) established the terms of peace.
Students will examine the strategic importance of the New York colony. Students will examine the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in terms of its effects on American and British morale and on European views on American prospects for victory in the Revolution.

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