<p>Meet the politicians, reformers, inventors, authors, soldiers and others who shaped the course of American history from the colonial era to the end of the Civil War. Students will analyze portraits to learn about the diverse and significant contributions to American society made by individuals in the Portrait Gallery’s collection.</p><p>#NPGteach</p>

<p>Weapons were extremely useful to 18th Century colonists. Some used them to keep their families safe, while others used them to show off their wealth. On the other hand, there were a multitude of wars and skirmishes that occurred in America in the 18th century, from the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary to the Whiskey Rebellion. This armed colonists across America, and affected how the Revolutionary War would be fought.</p> <p>The French and Indian War in particular played a massive role in the Americans' aquiring of weapons. Many colonists fought alongside the British in the French and Indian War just 13 years earlier. In effect, many colonists used the same weapons they used to fight alongside the British, to fight against them in the Revolutionary War. The large quantity of British weapons in America eventually led to American emulation of British weapons. American weaponsmiths created plenty of weapons for the Revolutionary War after a period where most weapons entering the Americas where from Britain. Weaponsmiths made low tier imitations of British weapons such as different variations of muskets, rifles, bayonets, swords, and tomahawks. These weapons were very useful and vital with regard to the war effort. In effect, The Americans used a mixture of British and American-made weapons that eventually led to American victory at Yorktown in 1781.</p><p>This collection should show the progression of weaponry in Colonial America during the Revolutionary War. The British shot Americans in the Boston Massacre with their muskets, and the colonists fought back during the Revolutionary War with old British weapons from the French and Indian War. This collection should also show how Americans even began imitating British weapons and eventually won the war with their lower tier weapons.</p>

<p>During the settlement of the North American colonies, children developed fun ways to pass time. Unlike today, where we simply log onto our phone, computer, or another electronic device, Colonial children were forced to be a bit more creative. Common toys that are still used today were used, such as dolls and "action figures" (soldiers). However, many of their games involved a more "hands on" approach such as ring toss and Battledores, which is similar to Badminton that is still played today. Many of their toys consisted of materials and objects you would find around the house.</p>