Colonial Town Meeting

On Nov. 27 and 28th we held a Colonial Town Meeting in order to better understand the debate over colonial independence in early 1776. Students were each assigned a specific historical figure. They were given a description of that person's view on independence and were told whether they were a Patriot, a Loyalist, or if they were Neutral at that time. Each student had to create a poster they would use to present their "Key Ideas" at the Town Meeting

The Patriots and Loyalists switched off presenting their ideas to the Neutralists. After each presentation, Neutralists were given the opportunity to question the presenter, and the opposing side was given an opportunity for rebuttal.

The students really liked this activity and most of them did a good job of representing their side. Many students got into their character, which sometimes led to a heated, but good spirited, debate.

At the end of the meeting, the Neutralists had to declare whenter they would side with the Patriots or Loyalists.

History of Thanksgiving

The History Channel website has a lot of interesting information about the history of Thanksgiving, check it out www.historychannel.com.

History Channel: Desperate Crossing

The History Channel (usually ch 74 in the Harbor) has a cool new special this month about the Mayflower and how the people journeyed on it both flourished, and failed, in the "New World." I highly recommend that you check it out. View a preview of it here:

Extra Credit: The Boston Massacre

Below are two very different depictions of what took place at the scene of the Boston Massacre. they are written from two very different points of view. One of them is from a Patriot's point of view, the other is more likely from a British, or neutral, point of view. Using what we have learned in class (section 5.5 in your textbook), try and determine which is which. For extra credit, write up a brief statement (2 paragraphs) that explains which picture was drawn from which point of view. Your explanation must be supported with details from what we have read/discussed in class.

This statement must be neatly written on lined notebook paper, with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. It must be turned in to me by Monday, Nov. 27th to get the extra credit.

Illustration 1:

Illustration 2:

Taxation Without Representation

On Thursday, students participated in a history simulation in which most of them played the role of colonists being taxed by the "King" and "Parliament". The "Colonists" were taxed on things such as hair color, clothing, and accesories. The "Colonists" had no say in the taxes and, though they were not happy about it, the "King" and "Parliament" kept demanding more money.

Colonists had a hard time parting with their hard earned money Parliament, the King, and the Tax Collectors discuss whether or not they have collected enough from the Colonists:

The King and Parliament definitely enjoyed seeing the money roll in:
The Colonists were not very happy with the Tax Collectors