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UNIT 2: LITERATURE INTHE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

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NOTEBOOK CHECK #1 INTRODUCTION

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION In the mid-1760s, unrest began to develop in Great Britain’s colonies. A long war with France had left Britain in debt. To raise money, the British government passes a series of unpopular laws, including taxes on a variety of everyday items. By the mid1770’s, resentment over these taxes was leading to political violence and calls for colonial self-rule. In April 1775, the British colonial government in Massachusetts ordered troops to the towns of Lexington and Concord to control unrest. The first battles of the revolutionary war were fought

there between America militiamen and British soldiers. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, asserting the colonists’ right to self-government and establishing the United States of America to defend their independence. The Americans fought a long war with the British, who finally accepted American independence in 1783.

HIGHLIGHT THE ANSWERS TO EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN THE TEXT. LABEL THEM WITH THE NUMBERS. INCLUDE ADDITION INSIGHTS BELOW. (1) What action did the British government take in the mid 1760s that caused the American colonists to become angry?

(2) How did the American colonists react to this?

(3) What is the name of the war that this reaction eventually led to

(4) When were the first battles of this war fought and why?

(5) What document did the Second Continental Congress sign on July 4, 1776, and what was its purpose?

THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE As human beings grow, they experience the challenges and rewards of becoming independent. Maturity brings both greater responsibilities and greater rights. Separated by a long, dangerous sea voyage from Britain, the American colonists became used to managing their own affairs. As colonial society developed, many Americans came to believe that this growth in responsibility should be matched with an increase in political and economic rights. In time, this belief would lead to revolution—resulting in a break with Britian, a long war, and full independence.

A “Natural Aristocracy” The culture of the American colonies was shaped by the practical, self-reliant, pioneer spirit of settlers who had left their homelands to seek a better life. As the French

born American, Michel Guillaume Jean de Crevecoeur observed , “He is an American who, leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds.” The career of Benjamin Franklin reflected the American Colonists’ ability to rise in the world. He began life as one of seventeen children in a poor family. He ended as a successful business man, an influential politician, and a famous writer and scientist.

“The war is inevitable—and let it come!”

--Patrick Henry

“’Sloth, like rust, consumes faster than labor wears, while the used key is always bright.” –Benjamin Franklin

Another important factor in the maturing of American colonial society was an emphasis on self-improvement through education. New England’s puritans, for example, established a system of public schools, believing that learning was a defense against evil. The combined effect of a bold, enterprising spirit coupled with education was the emergence in the American colonies of an outstanding political leadership, which one of those leaders, Thomas Jefferson, called a “natural aristocracy” of virtue and talent.

Political RightsPhilosophical ideas helped to direct the American colonists’ moves toward revolution. During the 1700s, America came under the influence of the European cultural movement known as enlightenment. Enlightenment thinkers believe that natural laws apply to social, political, and economic relationships. Among the ideas of the Enlightenment was the concept that human beings possessed certain natural or “inalienable” rights, basic rights that could never be taken away. Thomas Jefferson believed that the colonists had a natural right to be free. He also believed that they had a

right--indeed a duty-- to end what he saw as Britain's tyrannical control of the colonies by establishing their own independent government. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson eloquently expressed the fundamental ideas behind the American Revolution and fiercely denounced British injustice.

Women's Lives In colonial America, law and custom gave men greater authority and importance than women in politics and in the household. A married woman, in particular, had fewer legal rights and was almost completely under her husband's control. Despite their legal limitations, many colonial women work ed outside their homes, running farms and businesses. Women also played a vital role in the movement for American independence by organizing boycotts of British goods. During the Revolutionary war, women continued to make important contributions to the American cause both on the home front and on the battlefront. However, the full exercise of the political rights they helped win would be denied them for another 140 years.

HIGHLIGHT THE ANSWERS TO EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN THE TEXT. LABEL THEM WITH THE NUMBERS. INCLUDE ADDITION INSIGHTS BELOW. (6) Why did colonists who settled in the New World believe they deserved the political and economic rights that they ended up fighting Britain for?

(7) How does Benjamin Franklin’s career reflect the American colonists’ ability to rise in the world?

(8) Why was education so important in American colonial society?

(9) Explain the cultural movement known as the Enlightenment.

(10) Who helped lead the colonists to fight for an end to Britain’s rule over them? How did he do this?

Notebook Check 2excerpt from Poor Richard’s Almanack by Benjamin Franklin

LITERARY ELEMENT

Aphorism:___________________________________________________________________________

If you would keep your secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend. The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise. He that cannot obey, cannot commandNo gains without pains. Tis easier to prevent bad habits than to break them. A rolling stone gathers no moss.Today is yesterday’s pupil.Most fools think they are only ignorant (* uneducated uninformed)An empty bag cannot stand upright.Well done is better than well-saidWhat you would seem to be, be really.Honesty is the best policy Dost though love life? Then do not squander time; for that’s the stuff life is made of. Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.A penny saved is a penny earned.Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.Buy what thou hast no need of; and e’er long thou shalt Sell thy necessaries not to oversee workmen is to leave them your purse open Fish and visitors smell in three days Quarrels never could lifelong if on one side only lay the wrong Love thy neighbor yet don't pull down your hedge

(5) In your opinion, which of Franklin’s aphorisms gives the most valuable advice? Why?

(6) The colonists found useful advice in the aphorisms of Poor Richard’s Almanack. Which of Franklin’s aphorisms do you think would be most relevant in today’s society? Why?

(7) Which aphorism do you think would have been most relevant to the colonists’ struggle for independence. Explain.

HIGHLIGHT/REFERENCE THE ANSWERS TO EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN THE TEXT. LABEL THEM WITH THE NUMBERS. INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS BELOW.

(1) According to Franklin, how can a secret be kept from an enemy?

(2) Rephrase, in your own words, the advice given in the second aphorism.

(3) What does Franklin say will sink a great ship? What do you think he meant by this aphorism?

(4) What does Franklin say in the final aphorism? Why might he mean by “don’t pull down your hedge”?

Notebook Check 3excerpt from The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was constantly trying to improve his life, and he practiced thirteen virtues over and over again in an attempt to become a better person. Below you will find those thirteen virtues. Your job is to paraphrase each of them into ordinary language to make them easier to understand. 1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

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2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

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3. Order: Let all your things have their places: let each part of your business have its time.

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4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

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5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself. i.e. waste nothing.

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6. Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

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7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

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8. Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

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9. Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

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10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.

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11. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable.

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12. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of

your own or another’s peace or reputation.________________________________________________________________________

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13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

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Then you will take a quiz at http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/exp_virtue.html to see just how virtuous you are, according to Franklin’s standards.

Your Result: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Notebook Check #4 excerpt from THOMAS PAINE’S THE CRISIS NO. 1ABOUT THE AUTHOR/BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Thomas Paine anonymously published a pamphlet called Common Sense in January 1776. It was a cry for complete independence from Britain. In this pamphlet, Paine stated that England, the mother country, was “devouring her young.” Paine’s pamphlet became extremely popular, and when he enlisted in George Washington’s army, he started writing the first of a series of sixteen pamphlets called The Crisis. Washington ordered this first pamphlet to be read aloud at every military campground. Paine’s writings were based on ideas that were developed in Europe during the Age of Enlightenment. These rights included the belief that if the government, which the people voluntarily submitted to, went beyond its bounds, then the people could voluntarily end it.

LITERARY ELEMENTS

Tone:

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Objective:

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Subjective:

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THOMAS PAINE’S THE CRISIS NO. 1

December 23, 17761 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. What we obtain too cheap,

The Stamp ActIn March 1766, the Stamp Act of 1765 was repealed. This had been the fourth Stamp Act passed by the British Parliament. It had levied a tax on, among other things, all legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, and playing cards in the American Colonies. The colonists were so incensed by the taxes that they threatened the tax collectors. The resistance was strong enough that the tax was never enforced.

we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.

2 Whether the independence of the continent was declared too soon, or delayed too long, I will not now enter into as an argument; my own simple opinion is, that had it been eight months earlier, it would have been much better. We did not make a proper use of last winter, neither could we, while we were in a dependent state. However, the fault, if it were one, was all our own; we have none to blame but ourselves. But no great deal is lost yet. All that Howe has been doing for this month past, is rather a ravage than a conquest, which the spirit of the Jerseys, a year ago, would have quickly repulsed, and which time and a little resolution will soon recover.

3 I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by

every decent method which wisdom could invent. Neither have

I so much of the infidel in me, as to suppose that He has relinquished the government of the world, and given us up to the care of devils; and as I do not, I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up

to heaven for help against us: a common murderer, a highwayman, or a house-breaker, has as good a pretence as he.

4 'Tis surprising to see how rapidly a panic will sometimes run through a country. All nations and ages have been subject to them. Britain has trembled like an ague at the report of a French fleet of flat-bottomed boats; and in the fourteenth [fifteenth] century the whole English army, after ravaging the kingdom of France, was driven

back like men petrified with fear; and this brave exploit was performed by a few broken forces collected and headed by a woman, Joan of Arc. Would that heaven might inspire some Jersey maid to spirit up her countrymen, and save her fair fellow sufferers from ravage and ravishment! Yet panics, in some cases, have their uses; they produce as much good as hurt. Their duration is always short; the mind soon grows through them, and acquires a firmer habit than before. But their peculiar advantage is, that they are the touchstones of sincerity and hypocrisy, and bring things and men to light, which might otherwise have lain forever undiscovered. In fact, they have the same effect on secret traitors, which an imaginary apparition would have upon a private murderer. They sift out the hidden thoughts of man, and hold them up in public to the world. Many a disguised Tory has lately shown his head, that shall penitentially solemnize with curses the day on which Howe arrived upon the Delaware.

5 …Quitting this class of men, I turn with the warm ardor of a friend to those who have nobly stood, and are yet determined to stand the matter out: I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake. Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it. Say not that thousands are gone, turn out your tens of thousands; throw not the burden of the day upon Providence, but "show your faith by your works," that God may bless you. It matters not where you live, or what rank of life you hold, the evil or the blessing will reach you all. The far and the near, the home counties and the back, the rich and the poor, will suffer or rejoice alike. The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light. Not all the treasures of the world, so far as I believe, could have induced me to support an offensive war, for I think it murder; but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to "bind me in all cases whatsoever" to his absolute will, am I to suffer it? What signifies it to me, whether he who does it is a king or a common man; my countryman or not my countryman; whether it be done by an individual villain, or an army of

them? If we reason to the root of things we shall find no difference; neither can any just cause be assigned why we should punish in the one case and pardon in the other. 

READING AND RESPONDINGHIGHLIGHT THE ANSWERS TO EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN THE TEXT. LABEL THEM WITH THE NUMBERS. INCLUDE ADDITION INSIGHTS BELOW.

(1) Discuss what kinds of “times” Paine is discussing in the first line of the excerpt: “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

(2) Analyze Paine’s reasoning in the first paragraph. What are some different comparisons he uses to illustrate his point?

(3) Why does Paine compare taxation without representation to slavery?

(4) According to Paine, what gives something its value?

(5) Does Paine seem objective and removed or subjective and emotional when he says, “Whether the independence of the continent was declared too soon, or delayed too long, I will not now enter into an argument; my own simple opinion is, that had it been eight months earlier it would have been much better”?

(6) To whom does Paine compare the English king? What emotions does Paine appeal to when describing the king?

(7) What connection do you think Paine sees between the panics in European history Paine

describes and the experience the colonists were facing?

(8) What does Paine feel is missing from the colonists’ struggle when he mentions Joan of Arc?

(9) Which Americans does Paine criticize in the opening of his essay ? Which Americans does he praise?

(10) From whom is Paine seeking help?

(11) What does Paine imply about those people who do not act? How does this contribute to his

tone?

(12) What are three qualities of people who pursue their principles?

(13) Paine suggests that this is not an “offensive” war. Why does he feel this way? Why do you think Paine might have chosen this analogy as his final argument?

(14) When is war justified, according to Paine?

(15) Summarize what Paine is saying from the statement “Not all the treasures of the world” to the end of the excerpt.

Notebook Check #5 SPEECH TO THE SECOND VIRGINIA CONVENTION by Patrick HenryABOUT THE AUTHOR/BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Patrick Henry was one of the leaders of the American colonists who stood up to the British parliament when it passed a series of taxes on the colonies. Henry’s Speech to the Second Virginia Convention established him as a forceful proponent of liberty.

LITERARY ELEMENTS

Rhetorical Question

Figures of Speech

BOX UNFAMILIAR TERMS. DEFINE THEM WITH SYNONYMS OF THE SAME PART OF SPEECH. HIGHLIGHT WORDS WITH STRONG CONNOTATION, HIGHLIGHT THE ANSWERS TO EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN THE TEXT. LABEL THEM WITH THE NUMBERS. INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS BELOW.

St. John's Church, Richmond, VirginiaMarch 23, 1775.

1 MR. PRESIDENT: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

1) Based on the first paragraph, what tone do you expect the rest of the speech to have?

2 Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be

2) In classical mythology, a siren was a sea goddess who lured sailors to their doom with her beautiful song. What does Henry compare to the siren’s song? Why do you think he uses this metaphor?

of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

3 I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves, and the House? Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free² if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending²if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon

3) What is being compared in the underlined metaphor?

4) Highlight what Henry says about Britain’s military and naval forces. Why does he introduce this point?

5) Explain the purpose of the underlined rhetorical question.

6) What is the purpose of the metaphor underlined here.?

7) Why do you think Henry refers to past events in the underlined passage?

until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

4 They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable²and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

8) Why does he use the rhetorical questions here?

9) Explain the extended metaphor underlined here.

5 It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace²but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

10)What is the effect of the rhetorical questions here?

11) Henry suggest that the colonists have only two choices – liberty or death? In your opinion, are these the only options? Explain.

Why would the colonists’ choices be so limited?

12) Name an idea or belief that Henry wants his audience to accept, based on that final paragraph.

13) What was Henry’s immediate purpose in giving this speech?

Notebook Check #6 The Declaration of Independence

BOX UNFAMILIAR TERMS. DEFINE THEM WITH SYNONYMS OF THE SAME PART OF SPEECH. HIGHLIGHT WORDS WITH STRONG CONNOTATION, HIGHLIGHT THE ANSWERS TO EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN THE TEXT. LABEL THEM WITH THE NUMBERS. INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS BELOW.

The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only. He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to

1) PREAMBLE: What reason(s) did the Founding Fathers give for their decision to write out a declaration?

2) STATEMENT OF BELIEFS: What beliefs did the Founding Fathers declare they held?

3) LIST OF COMPLAINTS: What are a few of the complaints? Are any specific events mentioned? If not, is the information given sometimes sufficient to figure out to which events the complaints refer?

encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offencesFor abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned

4) STATEMENT OF PRIOR ATTEMPTS TO REDRESS GRIEVANCES: In what way(s) did the framers claim to have already tried in addressing the complaints?

them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

5) DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: What will change in the colonies as a result of the Declaration?

Notebook Check #7 The Rhetoric of Revolution (p104) (1) In addition to George Washington and his army, who else is credit given to for the United States gaining independence from Britain? What did these people do?

(2) List three types of persuasive appeals. (A)

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(3) The term “rhetorical devices” is just another name for ______________________________________ devices.

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RESPONDING AND THINKING CRITICALLY(1) What answers is Patrick Henry expecting to his rhetorical questions quoted on the bottom of page 104? Explain.

(2) What connotation is suggested by Thomas Jefferson’s phrase “swarms of officers”?

(3) What message does the cartoon convey about a speaker’s ability to sway audiences?

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ON SELF IMPROVEMENTIf there was any one theme throughout Ben Franklin's life, it was self-improvement. He was born into a family of seventeen children as the son of a poor candle and soap maker. He had less than two years of formal education and began his young adulthood entirely on his own in Philadelphia. Yet he became a wealthy man by eighteenth century standards and one of the most respected intellects of the Western world.

He was a model for the rags-to-riches story of the self-made man. Franklin's entire life reflected his belief in self-improvement, and from adolescence until his death at eighty-four, he worked constantly to improve his mind, his body, and his behavior.

Mind: Self-education

While apprenticed at his brother James' printing shop, Franklin decided to improve his writing abilities. He created a number of methods designed to make him a better writer. He studied the writings of authors whose style he liked and practiced writing essays in the same style. He would also rewrite essays by famous writers, seeking to improve them. Another method he devised was writing the paragraphs and sentences of an essay on slips of paper, shuffling the slips, and finally attempting to reassemble them in the correct order.

Also during his apprenticeship, Franklin was exposed to a variety of books and read everything that he could get his hands on. Not only was Franklin an avid reader, he loved to discuss what he read. One of the reasons Franklin formed the Junto in 1727 was to have a ready forum in which to explore and discuss intellectual topics. The members of the Junto sought to improve their minds and their world. They helped one another in business and found ways to help others in their community.

Franklin's seemingly endless curiosity helped him maintain a spirit of lifelong learning. He continued his scientific inquiries, he corresponded with some of the greatest minds of the eighteenth century, he met with scholars and scientists in every country he visited, and he even learned French rather late in life.

Body: Physical ActivityWhen most people think of Ben Franklin, they don't usually think of an athlete. However, Franklin was an early proponent of physical fitness. In an age when few people knew how to swim, Franklin taught himself how to swim. He was an avid swimmer all his life and even contemplated becoming a full-time swim instructor. Benjamin Franklin is the only founding father in the Swimming Hall of Fame.

During his first trip to England, Franklin found work in a print shop where most of the apprentices and journeymen spent much of their time getting drunk. Franklin knew that the mind and body was much more productive when it was not impaired by alcohol. Instead of drinking beer, Franklin decided to drink water and encouraged his co-workers to follow his lead. Although he wasn't successful at convincing all his colleagues to change their ways, Franklin's clear-headed work and productive physical strength (most printers would carry a single tray of heavy lead type; Franklin was known for usually carrying two trays) were recognized, and he was promoted.

Franklin wanted to improve his mind and his health and found a practical way to do both at the same time. Books were very expensive in Franklin's day, and as a youth, he didn't have much extra money. Franklin decided to become a vegetarian. He believed that eating a vegetarian diet was healthier than a diet filled with meat. In addition, meat was much more expensive, so by becoming a vegetarian, Franklin could save money to spend on books.

Behavior: Moral PerfectionAs a youth, Franklin didn't always behave responsibly. At the age of 20, he decided to change the direction of his life by embarking on a course of what he called "moral perfection." He created a list of four resolutions to follow. He resolved to become more frugal so that he could save enough money to repay what he owed to others. He decided that he would be very honest and sincere "in every word and action." He promised himself to be industrious "to whatever business I take in hand." Lastly he vowed "to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a manner of truth" and to "speak all the good I know of every body."

Out of these four resolutions, Franklin came up with a set of thirteen virtues, which he practiced methodically. He wrote each of the virtues down in a book and practiced one of the virtues for a week, trying to perfect it. At the end of the week, he would evaluate his performance. At the end of thirteen weeks, he would start back on the first virtue again.

Centuries before it became fashionable, Ben Franklin somehow understood the importance of a holistic approach to the self. His self-styled methods of personal improvement made an important connection between mind, body, and spirit.

“Benjamin Franklin. Wit and Wisdom. Self Improvement.” pbs.org. PBS, 2002. Web. 7 Sept. 2010.

Read the article titled “BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ON SELF IMPROVEMENT”and then answer the following question.

After reading the article, discuss how Benjamin Franklin was constantly working to improve his mind, body and spirit.

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