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Lesson

Robert Morris (1734-1806)

Duration
45 min
Published
Nov 5, 2020
Portrait of a seated man in 18th-century attire, with a dark background.
What role did Robert Morris play as a leader of the American opposition to British tyranny? How did he help stabilize the finances of the United States and support of the Constitution?

Founding Principles

Limited Government, Representative / Republican Government

Learning objectives

Students will:

  • appreciate Morris’ role as a leader of the American opposition to British tyranny
  • explain Morris’ role in stabilizing the finances of the United States
  • analyze the reasons for Morris’s support of the Constitution
  • understand how Morris accumulated and then lost his wealth

Materials

Student Handouts

Additional Teacher Resource

Lesson Components

ActivityHandout A: Robert Morris (1734-1806)
ActivityHandout B: Vocabulary and Context Questions – Robert Morris (1734-1806)
ActivityHandout C: In His Own Words: Robert Morris on States’ Responsibilities
ActivityThematic Essays – Robert Morris (1734-1806)

Lesson plan

45 minClick a phase to open it

Standards

Advanced Placement

  • CCE

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Related materials

Portrait of a middle-aged man in 18th-century clothing, seated with a neutral expression.
FounderRobert Morris

Morris played a critical role in winning and securing American independence. As chairman of the Continental Congress’s Finance Committee between 1775 and 1778, Morris traded flour and tobacco to France in exchange for war supplies such as guns, powder, and blankets.