Experiential Exercise
1 Introduce the activity. You will assume the roles of historical figures and re-create a 1776 colonial town
meeting at which you will debate whether to declare independence from Britain. Loyalists and Patriots will each
try to persuade Neutralists to join their cause.
2 Assigned historical figure. You have been randomly given 1 of the 36
descriptions of historical figures cut from Student Handout 5: Historical Figures for
Colonial Town Meeting. You will read the descriptions of your character to understand
the characters’ views on independence. You will also quickly introduce your
character to the class to create a sense of camaraderie among the Loyalists, Patriots,
and Neutralists. Understand that this is not historically representative; most historians suggest
that nearly half the colonists supported the Patriot cause, 10 to 20 percent remained
loyal to Britain, and 30 to 50 percent were indifferent or neutral. Also, characters represented in this activity
never actually met as a group. In fact, some were never even in America, and one, Crispus Attucks, died before
1776. These figures were chosen to represent multiple perspectives on independence.)
3 Loyalists and Patriots must prepare for the town meeting. You will prepare the following materials to use
in your town meeting:
• Nameplates: Must display character’s name in large, easy-to-read lettering. Must
contain a quotation that represents the character’s view on independence. Color,
illustrations, or other graphics may be added. Will be affixed to the historical
figure’s desk during the town meeting.
• Propaganda: Must communicate key beliefs held by the historical figure. Must
use striking graphics and/or clever words or slogans to influence and sway the
Neutralists. Must be visible from a distance of at least 10 feet.
• Key ideas: Must list three to five key ideas supporting the historical figure’s view
on independence. Must be written clearly on the back of the propaganda. Must be
used in short speeches the historical figure will give during the town meeting.
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4 Neutralists must prepare for the town meeting.
• Nameplates: Must display character’s name in large, easy-to-read lettering. Must
contain a quotation that represents why the character is neutral. Color, illustrations,
or other graphics may be added. Will be affixed to the historical figure’s desk during
the town meeting.
• Two-sided Loyalist/Patriot sign: Must create simple, visually appealing graphic
symbols for Loyalists and Patriots, one on either side of a large piece of paper. Will
be used to indicate which way a Neutralist is being swayed during the town meeting.
• Key questions: Must prepare at least three questions to ask each side during the
town meeting. For example, Neutralists might ask Patriots, “If the colonies declare
independence, how will they govern themselves?” Neutralists might ask Loyalists,
“Don’t you think taxation without representation is unfair?”
5 Work in teams as they prepare for the town meeting. Loyalists, Patriots, and Neutralists move to different
areas of the classroom. Loyalists and Patriots to confer among themselves to develop propaganda and key ideas,
strategize for the meeting, and build unity. Neutralists may want to visit both sides to get
ideas for their two-sided Loyalist/Patriot signs and to develop key questions. The presence
of Neutralists in Loyalist or Patriot “territory” often spurs students to try to influence
them toward a position in advance of the actual meeting. This is welcome—it
builds intensity and urgency for the meeting.