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Resisting Colonialism

Driving Question: How did colonized people resist colonial control?

Empires used a variety of strategies to enforce their rule and expand their reach. Still, everywhere they expanded, empires met resistance. Colonized people resisted in many ways, from violent revolt to quieter, everyday forms of noncompliance.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Examine the different direct and indirect strategies used to resist colonialism.
  2. Use the historical thinking skill of causation to understand challenges to colonial rule during this period.
  3. Use a graphic biography to support, extend, or challenge the overarching narratives of this period.
STEP 1

Opener: Resisting Colonialism

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of the Lesson 6.4 Teaching Guide Locked .

Our Openers and Closers Guide will provide more information about these short, but important, activities at the beginning and end of each lesson.

STEP 2

Resistance in Ghana

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of the Lesson 6.4 Teaching Guide Locked .

Looking for tips on using video in an instructionally sound way? Look no further than the OER Project Video Guide.

Learn how Ghanaians challenged colonial rule through everyday resistance and bold leadership. These materials highlight powerful actions taken by individuals and communities to defend their land and dignity.

Experiencing Colonialism: Through a Ghanaian Lens External link

What was it like to live as a colonial subject? Of course, there were many differing experiences, but we can get some answers by looking closely at Ghana as a case study.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 3

Resistance in India

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of the Lesson 6.4 Teaching Guide Locked .

Check out our Causation One-Pager for a quick review of this important historical thinking skill.

Learn what sparked the 1857 Indian Uprising and how Indian people challenged British colonial rule. This activity, article, and comic highlight the pivotal roles individuals played in challenging colonial rule.

STEP 4

Patterns of Resistance

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 10 of the Lesson 6.4 Teaching Guide Locked .

This blog post, “Reframing the Task of Reading in History”, offers strategies to help students think like historians.

People and communities under imperial rule responded with protest, adaptation, negotiation, and even rebellion. Use this article and activity to connect the case studies in this lesson with the global patterns.

STEP 5

Closer: Resisting Colonialism

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 11 of the Lesson 6.4 Teaching Guide Locked .

Our Assessment Guide shares our approach to assessments of all kinds—check it out!

In this unit, you explored how imperialism reshaped global power. Now, use what you’ve learned to compare colonial systems and reflect on their lasting impact today.

Extension Materials
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Explore these opportunities to practice writing and responding to DBQs. Then, expand the lens on the resistance of colonized peoples to cover Africa and the Americas.
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Resistance Movements

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 12 of the Lesson 6.4 Teaching Guide Locked .

Across the globe, colonized peoples responded differently to imperialism. Read an article and practice quick sourcing as you uncover stories of resistance, resilience, and adaptation in the face of colonial rule.