In this lesson, students discover how the role of espionage was crucial in securing a victory against the British in the American Revolution. Based on the National Council for the Social Studies Notable Trade Book, George Washington, Spymaster—How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolution by Thomas B. Allen, this lesson introduces students to various spy techniques and strategies used by the colonists under the leadership of General George Washington. Thomas B. Allen presents an intriguing and accurate account of double agents, covert operations, codes, and ciphers of the colonists’ efforts to spy on the British army during the American Revolution War. Using the Internet as a resource, students conduct historical research through the critical examination of a variety of primary sources.

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Theresa M. McCormick, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in the elementary education program in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Auburn University. Her research interests include elementary social studies curriculum and instruction, teacher education, and historical thinking. She can be reached at mccortm@auburn.edu, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.