Do You Hear the People Sing?

While American delegates were gathered at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, the seeds of another revolution were being planted across the Atlantic Ocean. Like the American Revolution, the French Revolution was inspired by Enlightenment philosophers and a dedication to the ideals of liberty and equality.

Exorbitantly high taxes, national debt, and a mostly apathetic monarch pushed the French working class and peasantry to demand changes. When these demands were not met, radicals chose instead to dissolve the government and form an entirely new one. The French Revolution was a radical assault on France's traditional institutions—the monarchy, the Church, feudalism—and thoroughly transformed French society.

How did the French Revolution end the blood reign of kings in France and lay the foundation for a new republican system of government?

We the People...

DBQ: How can understanding the principles of the Constitution help citizens participate effectively in a democratic society?

Over the past several decades, the checks-and-balances of our government have been increasingly tested in ways our founding fathers never anticipated. How has the US Constitution changed over time and continued to remain eternal ?

Why is it so difficult to amend the Constitution? 

What was the last meaningful attempt to amend the Constitution?

Joeseph Plumb Martin: The Experiences of a Common Soldier

Washington could command the army—but who actually had to fight the war?

Would you join?  Why or why not?

Who was Joseph Plumb Martin? What was his experience? Would it change your opinion?

If ordinary people were essential to winning the Revolution, what did they have the right to expect from the new government after the Revolution was over?

Why George Washington?

 

The Obvious Choice to Lead the Continental Army

Now that we've studied the leaders of revolutionary movements in England, France, and Latin America, let's take a look at George Washington and why he was uniquely qualified to lead the Continental Army during the American Revolution.  Watch the video linked above and then type your answers to these questions:

1) What previous experience did George Washington have in leading troops?

2) What colony was Washington from?

3) Why were some of the delegates at the Second Continental Congress hoping to have someone from Washington’s colony be commander?

4) How did Washington gain his wealth?

5) What did Washington wear to the Second Continental Congress that might have shown his “ambition” to be Commander?

6) What does the video say about Washington’s height? Why do you think his height affected what people thought of him?

7) List two adjectives that historians used to describe Washington’s character.

8) Washington was described as having a “ruthless and intense focus.” What does this mean to you?

9) What makes a good leader?

10) Think about some of the characteristics that you said make a good leader. How does George Washington compare?

To Tell the Truth

 Three contestants claim to be the same person. Four celebrities question the contestants, then vote for the one they think is the real person. This simple game has endured as a TV classic for over 45 years. Today's assignment pays tribute to the show that asked the burning question... 

 "Will the real ________ please stand up?" 

 With your group you are each to choose a fact for the historical figure assigned you. Use your Biography Handout as a resource. All of your facts should be made false except one. After presenting  your facts in front of the class they will try to guess which is true.  The more realistic/ believable your facts the better chance you have of fooling your classmates and winning the game. 

  

 Do you have what it takes TO TELL THE TRUTH (1969-1978) (2018+)?

Thomas Jefferson

Napolean Bonaparte

Toussaint Louverture

Simón Bolívar

José de San Martín

Miguel Hidalgo

Common Sense

"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."    

On January 9th, 1776, the pamphlet "Common Sense" was published in Philadelphia. The pamphlet immediately becomes a bestseller, selling tens of thousands of copies across America. In "Common Sense," Thomas Paine, the author and violent foe of aristocracy and monarchy, attacks the King and Parliament and offers Americans an alternative to British rule: true independence.

Diction and Pathos in Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

Paine’s groundbreaking pamphlet Common Sense is not only one of the best selling publications in American history; it was the intellectual spark that lit the fuse for the American Revolution.

So why did only six people show up at his funeral?

In contrast with many of the other Founding Fathers, who came from money, Paine was born into humble circumstances in England. His life was a roller coaster of ups and downs. He won great praise but his writings also generated a great deal of controversy.

Thomas Paine died in New York in 1809. Because of his controversial writings against orthodox religion in The Age of Reason, the local Quaker cemetery refused to let him be buried there. He was buried instead on his farm. In 1819, an English journalist named William Cobbett dug up Paine's bones. Cobbett wanted to give Paine a hero's reburial in England. The plan failed, the British public did not care, and the bones remained in Cobbett’s possession when he died. After that, the bones were scattered and lost.

Should Paine be honored with a musical like Alexander Hamilton?

The Adventures of Thomas Paine’s Bones

You Say You Want a REVOLUTION?

This song was released in 1968. What was it about?

We are about to study revolutions that happened roughly 1750–1900.

Why might people separated by almost 200 years use the same word—"revolution"—to describe political change?

Read the introduction to Chapter 15 and then answer these questions:

WHAT IS A REVOLUTION?

What does "revolution" mean?

Why do people want revolutions?

What are people usually trying to change?

Can a revolution be peaceful?

Is revolution always a good thing?

Who decides whether a revolution is justified?