Preparing for the American Revolution Debate

Loyalist Documents (Tories)

Data on occupations of loyalists, 1780 

A Loyalist Answers Thomas Paine

The True Interest of America Impartially Stated - Charles Inglis, 1776

Analysis of the role of the Tories in the American Revolution

Loyalist Poetry

Loyalist Recruitment Advertisement

Court Martial of Loyalist Captain John Barnes 

Articles and lists on Loyalist issues (including executions) in South Carolina

Nationalist/ Rebel/ Patriot Documents: 

Articles of Association (The Continental Congress)

Treaties, Acts and other primary sources reflecting the Patriot position

Your group's presentation must include: 

 an opening statement (1. 5 minutes)

an argument (2 mins)

a rebuttal (2 mins) 

two questions/ challenges to the opposing team (to be posted on the blog today)

a closing statement (1.5 mins)

If you finish early you may work on your blog OR play the Road to Revolution game:

Does popular culture promote a nationalistic view of American History? (American Revolution case study)

Inspiration:"Ms. Francis, this class has challenged everything I know about US History!" - Sam Goon, 2007.

Context: Many of you have noted, as Sam did last year, that much of what is taught about US history in grade and middle school is lacking historical context and accuracy. In fact, many historians argue that the conventional approach to teaching US History in public schools often

"perpetuates popular myths (e.g., the first Thanksgiving)...lies by omission... leaves false impressions.... avoids negative images even from primary sources... fails to portray whole people, distort events and attitudes ... avoid conflict and controversy at all costs ...and fundamentally shun anything that would put history, people, and movements into context... Instead, students memorize the archetypes and the myths built around them without thinking about their likelihood—or improbability."

(Scriff, Diane, 2004. http://www.slywy.com/bookreviews/liestold.html)

With that critical lens in mind, I'd like to devote this week's blog to reconsidering some popular culture potrayls of the American Revolution and the foundational principles of American Democracy.

Directions:"Schoolhouse Rock" was a popular Saturday morning cartoon show that aired in the late 1970's- 1989 (yes, we had T.V. back then - no cable.) It covered everything from algebra to zoology. Predictably, my favortie episodes were those that focused on US History and Government. These resources are basic in their teachings but directly reflect the general public's understanding of critical events from US history.

1. Watch "No More Kings" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofYmhlclqr4

lyrics available at: http://www.postdiluvian.org/~gilly/Schoolhouse_Rock/HTML/history/nomorekings.html
and

"The Shot Heard Around the World":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VQA5NDNkUM
lyrics available at: http://www.postdiluvian.org/~gilly/Schoolhouse_Rock/HTML/history/shot.html

2. Assess the historical accuracy of these cartoons by comparing and contrasting them to our current class materials on the American Revolution. Then share your thoughts on the following questions:

• Does popular culture promote a nationalistic view of US History?


• What cultural, political or economic purpose does this serve in modern US society?

Expectations:I remind you to draw on direct facts from our current unit of study in your response. Also, remember to reflect on at least one other blog. 250 word minimum is required for a grade higher than N on this assignment.

Extra Credit: Create your own creative representation of the American Revolution through images, music, comic strip, lyrics, or video. It can be posted on the blog or emailed to me at:

bridgettefrancis@aol.com

blog is due by Friday, Oct. 17 before class

First Marking Period Extra Credit Assignment: Film Review

For extra credit this marking period you may write a film review for any one of the following movies:

Last of the Mohicans (R) (Action-Drama : Native American culture, colonization, resistance)

1492 (Drama: Columbus, imperialism, conquest)

The Crucible (Drama: The Salem witch trials)

The Salem Witch Trials - 2002 (Take a guess on the subject of this movie with a star-studded cast)

The Mission (Political Drama: missionaries and conquest in Brazil, 16th Century)

Apocolypto (R) (Action: Conquistadors and the Maya, 15th Century)

The Scarlet Letter - 1995 (R), 1979 PG-13
Drama: Women in Colonial New England)
*note: the 1979 version of this film is FAR more school appropriate and true to historical accuracy than then the 1995 version

If you see one of the films with an R rating, please submit a written note signed by your parent/guardian granting permission for seeing the film. Or if typed work is submitted, have your guardian sign the top of your work. Without a signature, the assignment will not count.

Your review must include:

a) a synopsis of the film including details on the plot, characters and conclusion/ ending of the conflicts presented in the movie

b) an explanation of how this film relates to the period in American History and discussions/ readings we've shared in class

c) A personal analysis of the film and your opinion on it. What did you like/ dislike about this film? Did it seem to present an accurate portrayl of period in which it was set? What further questions do you have about the plot or actual historical events related to this movie? Would you reccomend it to other students of American History? Why or why not?

Film reviews must be 300 words and be submitted or blogged by no later than Wednesday, 10/8.

(if you use outside sources, please cite them in MLA format or link them to your blog)

You MAY complete more than one film review, but this assignment does not supplement missing work.

Blog #3: Is history destined to repeat itself?

Read the articles
a)"Fight for the Top of the World" : http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1663445,00.html

and
b)"CIA Expands it's Inquiry into Interrogation Tactics":
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E01E3DC1F3EF93AA1575BC0A9629C8B63

Both articles make allusions to topics we've recently covered in class. Article A discusses the colonization of the Arctic and clearly relates to the scramble for colonial territories in the Americas that occurred during the 15th-17th centuries.

Perhaps more controversial is the position that harsh interrogation tactics toward suspected terrorists as described in article B can be likened to the persecution of suspected witches in the New England colonies in the 17th century (collectively referred to as the Salem Witch Trials.)

Consider our recent study of culture and poltics in pre-revolutionary colonial North America. Reflect on the relationship between these current events articles and your study of history. When is the use of colonial power and harsh interrogation tactics justified? Is history destined to repeat itself?

You may reflect on one or both of the articles assigned. Remember to respond to the question as well as the comments of at least one other classmate. Your response should be at least 200 words.

Image: "The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Anderson, 1844.

Blog due Friday, October 3, before the begining of class.

Reminder: all work for the 1st marking period must be in by Tuesday, October 7 by 3:20 p.m. This includes extra credit.

Comparing Colonial Settlements: Resources for 9/23

1. Go to : http://www.pptpalooza.net

2. Review the "Settlement of New England" , the "Chesapeake Colonization" and the "Restoration Colonies" presentations. 

3. Complete the graphic organizer as you view each presentation. 

You will have two periods to complete this work, then we will be having an in-class test review on Thursday and an exam of 20 multiple choice and one free-response essay on Friday. If you miss the review you are still required to take the test on Friday. 

By thursday, prepare a review sheet on your own or with your group on material covered in Chapters 1-3, focusing on the questions I provided on the Objectives hand out on Monday.