A PBL to Connect the Battles of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution

Lesson Overview

South Carolina was center stage to some of the most significant events of the Revolutionary War. Most historians agree that battles fought during the Southern Campaign in South Carolina set the stage for Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown and the eventual decision by Parliament to sign a treaty with the Continental Congress to end the war. But how did a ragtag mixture of Continental soldiers and militia defeat one of the strongest military forces of the 18th century? Could it have something to do with the frontier experience in America and specifically during the Southern Campaign, the experience of South Carolina colonists? Using the tools of a good historical detective examine specific battles significant in the Southern Campaign. Comparing research topics given, as well as others developed and explored during research, examine each specific battle, putting together clues to get a holistic, panoramic view of specific battles as they relate to the time they were fought, the place they were fought, and the events involved before, during, and after the battle. Use the information discovered to answer the essential question.