Colonial Town Meeting

On Oct. 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 all 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 whether they would side with the Patriots or Loyalists.

Patrick Henry's Famous Speech

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 and the video we watched), 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.

You must then add a paragraph in which you explain whether or not it is important to know the truth about what happened in history or not.

This statement must be either typed or neatly written on lined notebook paper, with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. It must be turned in to me by Thursday, Oct. 9th to get the extra credit. Keep in mind; the more detailed your explanation is, the more points you will receive.

Illustration 1:

Illustration 2:

Taxation Without Representation

Today 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.

King George, Parliament, and the Tax Collectors:





Taxes being collected from the colonists: