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Summary and Objective
In this activity, students in groups will read excerpts from writings by or about New England Patriot, Loyalist, and Neutralist residents during the period of the American Revolution. The goal of this activity is to allow students to see the alternative perspective of an important historical issue: independence from Great Britain or loyalty to the crown. Students will understand that the political issues of the day were complicated and choosing any side was risky.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Student groups will each examine one of these four documents and discuss the issues facing New Englanders who may or may not have declared themselves Patriots, Loyalists, or Neutralists during the time of the American Revolution. Students will respond to the following questions:
Step 2.
Using your knowledge of the issues of the day, what might have made people support independence or remain loyal to Great Britain?
Step 3.
What political, financial, and social problems existed for those declaring themselves Patriots, Loyalists, or Neutralists?
Step 4.
What about people who did not take sides? Why were they undecided and did this pose problems?
Step 5.
How would you have "handled" life with a close relative or friend who disgreed with your viewpoint about a very important issue during this time period?
Step 6.
Post Activity: Students could brainstorm a controversial topic list. Choose a topic. Find someone with an opposite view, and defend that view in a debate.
Step 7.
Another activity could be to read and discuss the play, Patriot and Tory: The Children by Neil C. Fitzgerald. See Cobblestone, August, 1987. Vol. 8 No. 8.
Step 8.
Students could also write and produce their own play, incorporating all that they have learned.
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