History Lab

Day OneRS#29

History LabShould the colonists have revolted against Great Britain?How do real historians figure out what happened in the past?They conduct research using documents from the past.

Let me show you what I mean.Analyze this historical painting.Generate your own questions to get to the truth.

4 Did you miss any questions?1. Who painted this?2. Who was the painter painting for?3. Who is in the painting?4. What does this painting show?5.Where does the scene in this painting take place?6. When was this painting created? When does the scene take place?7. Why did the painter choose to paint this scene?8. How did the painter create this painting?9. Whats the main action the foreground?10. Why was this section highlighted?11. What else and who else do you see in the background? 12. What perspective does this represent?5Battle of Bunker Hill by John Trumbull

6Trumbulls Own Words". . . This painting represents the moment when (the Americans having expended their ammunition) the British troops became completely successful and masters of the field. At this last moment of the action, Gen. Warren was killed by a musket ball through the head. The principal group represents him expiring, a soldier on his knees supports him, and with one hand wards off the bayonet of a British grenadier, . . . Col. Small . . . is represented seizing the musket of the grenadier, to prevent the fatal blow, . . . Near this side of the painting is seen General Putnam, reluctantly ordering the retreat of these brave men; ... Behind Col. Small is seen Major Pitcairn, of the British marines, mortally wounded, and falling in the arms of his son, . . . Under the heel of Col. Small lies the dead body of Col. Abercrombie. Gen. Howe, who commanded the British troops, and Gen. Clinton, . . . are seen behind the principal group."

Who Was John Trumbull?June 6, 1756 November 10, 1843an American artist during the period of the American Revolutionary Warhis Declaration of Independence was used on the reverse of the two-dollar bill.soldier in the American Revolutionary War (sketched plans of British works and witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill)appointed second personal aide to General George Washington

What do you remember about the American Revolution and the Battle of Bunker Hill? Does this painting depict this event accurately? Is there any other information we can glean from this picture that we didnt already know?

What focus questions do we need to ask in order to answer our overarching question?Should the colonists have revolted against Great Britain?Focus QuestionsWhose perspective did John Trumbull represent?Are there other perspectives to consider?Who else was living in the colonies at that time?What was the white female perspective?What was the white male perspective?What was the enslaved African perspective?What was the Native American perspective?What was the Patriot perspective?What was the Loyalist perspective?What was the neutral perspective?

What sources can we use to find the answers to our focus questions?

Possible SourcesInternetTextbooksLibraryExpertNewspapersPaintingsDiariesPamphletsSongsSpeechesSome sources will be primary and some will be secondary?

Whats the difference between the two? Is one better to use than another?Primary Sourcesare artifacts, documents, recordings, or other sources of information that were created at the time under study. It serves as an original source of information about the topic.Examples of Primary SourcesDiaryRecordingLetterPaintingFilmEmailsPhotographsMusicArtPoetryClothingBuildingsDNA

Secondary Sourcesprovide interpretation and analysis of primary sources. Secondary sources are one step removed from the original event or "horse's mouth."Examples of Secondary SourcesEncyclopediaNewspaperMagazineTextbookLiterary CriticismCommentariesLets Get Started! Ill show you how historians perform close readings on the documents they use.What was the white male perspective?

Here is your first document:

Let me show you how to think like a historian.You must follow the clues to find the answers you seek. What is the white male perspective? Do they think the colonies should revolt from Great Britain?

Hmmfirst I notice that its a sort of book. No wait! Its a pamphlet!

I see the word America, so Im thinking it has to do with our country. When I look closer, it says, addressed to the inhabitants of America, so the author is writing this to everyone in America.

I notice the title, Common Sense. I know that Common Sense is an important text that greatly influenced peoples opinions during the Revolutionary period. I even notice the date on the bottom that says, 1776. Hmmthats when the Declaration of Independence was written.

I also notice a photograph with the words Thomas Paine underneath. I know this is the author of this text.

Now that I have examined the front cover, its time to look inside. When we read documents as historians, we want to think about what the text is trying to tell us. Specifically, we are trying to discover the white male perspective about whether the colonists should have revolted against Great Britain.

Lets read the first paragraph. Of Monarchy and Hereditary SuccessionIn the early ages of the world, according to the Bible there were no kings; the consequence of which was, there were no wars; it is the pride of kings which throws mankind into confusion. Holland, without a king hath enjoyed more peace for this last century than any of the monarchical governments in Europe

Wow, Paine really seems to dislike kings. Of Monarchy and Hereditary SuccessionIn the early ages of the world, according to the Bible there were no kings; the consequence of which was, there were no wars; it is the pride of kings which throws mankind into confusion. Holland, without a king hath enjoyed more peace for this last century than any of the monarchical governments in Europe Kings = WarsHmI dont knowSounds like an opinion. Does Paine include facts to back that up? Of Monarchy and Hereditary SuccessionIn the early ages of the world, according to the Bible there were no kings; the consequence of which was, there were no wars; it is the pride of kings which throws mankind into confusion. Holland, without a king hath enjoyed more peace for this last century than any of the monarchical governments in Europe I wonder if we could find sources to back that up.Lets read paragraph 2. Government by kings was first introduced into the world by the people who didnt know God. It was the most prosperous invention the devil ever set on foot for the promotion of worshipping kings rather than GodHow disrespectful is the title of sacred majesty applied to a worm, who in the midst of his splendor is crumbling into dust!

Wow! What an attitude!Paine uses really strong language here.Government by kings was first introduced into the world by the people who didnt know God. It was the most prosperous invention the devil ever set on foot for the promotion of worshipping kings rather than GodHow disrespectful is the title of sacred majesty applied to a worm, who in the midst of his splendor is crumbling into dust!I get the feeling that Paine wouldnt follow a king because he says that kings were created by people who dont believe in God. I wonder why he hates them so much. Lets keep reading.Lets read paragraphs3 and 4. Another evil which attends succession is that the throne can be held by a minor at any ageThe same national misfortune happens when a king worn out with age and frailty enters the last stage of human weakness. In both these cases the public becomes a prey to every villain who can interfere successfully with the aged or youthful king/queen.

Lets read paragraphs3 and 4. In short, monarchy and succession have laid but the world in blood and ashes. It is a form of government which God is against, and blood will result.Well, that answers our question! Paine says a monarchy is evil because kings and queens inherit the throne at any ageso you could have a really young king or a really old king. Then the public becomes prey to villainous people in the kings court who try to take advantage of the kings age. Another evil which attends succession is that the throne can be held by a minor at any ageThe same national misfortune happens when a king worn out with age and frailty enters the last stage of human weakness. In both these cases the public becomes a prey to every villain who can interfere successfully with the aged or youthful king/queen.

Paine doesnt seem to have faith in the process of a monarchy. He believes they just result in blood.In short, monarchy and succession have laid but the world in blood and ashes. It is a form of government which God is against, and blood will result.Lets read the next paragraph.Thoughts on the Present State of American AffairsBut Britain is the parent country, say some. Then the more shame upon her conduct. Even beasts do not devour their young, nor bloodthirsty people make war upon their familiesEurope, and not England, is the parent country of America. This new World provide protection for the punished lovers of liberty from EVERY PART of Europe. They fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monsterMONSTERS! Look at the word choice again. I can tell Paine is ashamed of his country because hes using a metaphor to compare Britain to beasts eating their children, bloodthirsty people making war on their families, and monsters. Thoughts on the Present State of American AffairsBut Britain is the parent country, say some. Then the more shame upon her conduct. Even beasts do not devour their young, nor bloodthirsty people make war upon their familiesEurope, and not England, is the parent country of America. This new World provided protection for the punished lovers of liberty from EVERY PART of Europe. They fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monsterSo if Britain is the parent country, then the colonies are the children. Paine is trying to paint a visual image of the relationship between Britain and the coloniesits not a very healthy one!Thoughts on the Present State of American AffairsBut Britain is the parent country, say some. Then the more shame upon her conduct. Even beasts do not devour their young, nor bloodthirsty people make war upon their familiesEurope, and not England, is the parent country of America. This new World hath provided protection for the punished lovers of liberty from EVERY PART of Europe. They fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monsterLets read the last two paragraphs.I challenge the warmest supporter of peace with Great Britain to show a single advantage that this continent can reap by being connected with Great BritainOur corn will fetch its price in any market in Europe, and our imported goods must be paid for

A government of our own is our natural right.Paine doesnt think that the colonies need to be dependent on Britain anymore. He believesI challenge the warmest supporter of peace with Great Britain to show a single advantage that this continent can reap by being connected with Great BritainOur corn will fetch its price in any market in Europe, and our imported goods must be paid for

A government of our own is our natural right.So what is commonsense to ThomasPaine?It is common sense that the colonies should rule themselves. It does not make sense for the colonies to be ruled by a king.

Based on Paines text, what is his perspective on whether the colonies should revolt against Great Britain? Paine thinks the colonists should revolt, because he believes the colonies should rule themselves instead of being ruled by a king. He finds fault with monarchies and thinks that kings cause war and the worshipping of false idols. Also, old and young kings can be manipulated by evil people who will destroy the country. Basically, monarchies go against God and cause bloodshed and it is only natural that the colonies have the right to their own government.So, what strategies do historians use to analyze historical documents?Lets write them in a chart to hang in our classroom.

Strategies Historians Use to Analyze Historical DocumentsIdentify the type of documentIdentify the author and any relevant information about the authorIdentify the date and historical contextIdentify the audienceIdentify the purpose for writingLook for clues in the text that help to identify the authors perspectivesWord choiceToneFacts and opinionsInferencesConnect the text back to the titleHeres a mini poster for you:

Lets make a folder to keep our logs in.NameShould the colonists have revolted against Great Britain?

Heres our big questionHeres your mini poster. Glue it on.Dont forget your name!At the end of our unit we will have a debate about whether the colonists should revolt from Great Britain. Save all your work in this folder so you will be able to refer back to the documents we will study.AssessmentDo you agree with Paine? Explain why or why not, using specific text support from Common Sense.

Thumbs up? Thumbs down?

Should the colonists have revolted against Great Britain?What was the white male perspective?Wrap Up Discussion: How much progress have we made so far in answering the focus question?Do you think Paines perspective represents the only white male perspective?What could we as historians do to gain a better understanding of the white male perspective?