The Road to Liberty: The Story of the American Revolution


In the mid-1700s, the landscape of North America looked very different than it does today. Along the Atlantic coast, thirteen separate colonies were part of the British Empire. For many years, the people living thereâknown as colonistsâwere mostly happy to be British subjects. They enjoyed the protection of the British army and the trade connections of a global empire. However, after a long and expensive conflict called the French and Indian War, things began to change. Great Britain found itself in deep debt and looked to the colonies to help pay the bills. This decision sparked a series of events that would eventually lead to the birth of a new nation.
- Parliament:
- The group of people who make laws in Great Britain.
- Treason:
- The crime of betraying one's own country or government.
- Ally:
- A person or country that joins with another to provide help, especially in a war.
- representation:
- The state of having elected leaders speak and make decisions on behalf of the people in a government.
- militias:
- Groups of ordinary citizens who are organized and trained to fight and protect their communities during emergencies.
- liberty:
- The freedom to live and make choices without unfair control or oppression by a government.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts â all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.

Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did Great Britain decide to tax the American colonies after the French and Indian War?
- 2What was the specific reason the colonists were upset about the Stamp Act of 1765 beyond the cost itself?
Where this passage belongs
About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
âThe Road to Liberty: The Story of the American Revolutionâ is a informational reading passage about American Revolution, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 6 minutes to read (952 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.