Tuesday/Wednesday, October 4/5, 2011

Homework

Read the excerpt from Thomas Paine's common sense.

In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet titled Common Sense. This pamphlet was among the first to promote independence from Great Britain. In it he challenges the authority of the British monarch.

“The nearer any government approaches to a Republic, the less business there is for a King. It is somewhat difficult to find a proper name for the government of England. Sir William Meredith calls it a Republic; but in its present state it is unworthy of the name, because the corrupt influence of the Crown, by having all the places in its disposal, hath so effectually swallowed up the power, and eaten out the virtue of the House of Commons (the Republican part in the constitution) that the government of England is nearly as monarchical as that of France or Spain. Men fall out with names without understanding them. For 'tis the Republican and not the Monarchical part of the Constitution of England which Englishmen glory in, viz. the liberty of choosing an House of Commons from out of their own body — and it is easy to see that when Republican virtues fail, slavery ensues. Why is the constitution of England sickly, but because monarchy hath poisoned the Republic; the Crown hath engrossed the Commons.”

-Thomas Paine

Read the excerpt from Thomas Paine's Common Sense. Make an analysis chart, like the one on page 660, in which they summarize the underlying assumptions and biases of Thomas Paine.

Agenda

Bell Work

Review American Revolution Timelines

PowerPoint Notes

Writing Assignment

Bell Work:

1. Which of the following events was fundamental in spurring the American Revolution.
   a. The Boston Tea Party
   b. The Boston Massacre
   c. The passage of the Stamp Act
   d. The signing of the Declaration of Independence
2. Why was the constitution created?
   a. The Articles of Confederation were failing
   b. The Articles of Confederation were so strong
   c. The founding fathers were planning on creating a constitution after the Revolutionary war was over
   d. George Washington wanted to be king

Review Timeline of American Revolution

Class will review timelines. Students will tell Mr. Palacios, what order to place events on the timeline.

American Revolution PowerPoint

Students will take notes on the PowerPoint on the American Revolution 

Writing Assignment

The American Revolution was heavily influenced by enlightenment thinkers.

Though it caused a lot of problems for the colonists, it allowed for a new independent country to be born.
In a well developed paragraph, explain why you think the U.S.A. Becomes a symbol for freedom around the world.
In a second well developed paragraph explain, what you think the effects of the American Revolution will be on the rest of the world.