Lesson by Maria Miraballes
Grade Level: 7–12
Number of Class Periods: 1–5
Primary Era: American Revolution, 1775–1783
About This Lesson Plan Unit
The five lessons in this unit explore Spain’s contributions to the American Revolution. Students will read and examine correspondence, a royal order, a map, and a combat diary. You will assess the students’ understanding through an essay addressing Spain’s political, economic, and military contributions to the American Revolution.
Sources and activity sheets are provided in both English and Spanish.
Lesson Plan Author: Maria Miraballes
Historical Background Scholar: Gonzalo M. Quintero Saravia
Additional Information About This Unit
Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social or economic aspects of history/social science.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g.visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
How did Spain provide monetary support for the patriot cause during the American Revolution?
How did Spain provide diplomatic support for the patriot cause during the American Revolution?
How did Spain provide tactical support for the patriot cause during the American Revolution?
Documents
Documents
Excerpts from a Letter from Joseph Gardoqui and Sons to Jeremiah Lee, February 15, 1775
Excerpt from a Letter from Elbridge Gerry, for the Massachusetts Committee of Supplies, to Joseph Gardoqui and Sons, July 5, 1775
Excerpt from a letter from Benjamin Franklin to Don Gabriel Antonio de Bourbon, December 12, 1775
Excerpts from Carlos III’s Royal Order Authorizing Retaliation against Great Britain, 1779
Excerpt from a Letter from George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, September 3, 1779
Vista de Panzacola y Su Baia Tomada por los Españoles año de 1781
Excerpts from Bernardo de Gálvez’s Combat Diary for the Siege of Pensacola, 1781