Assignment: American Revolution Debate
Three sides for the debate:
Loyalists
Oppose the Patriots.
Defend law and order, maintaining liberty, rights, and the constitutional
government, allegiance to the king, and patriotism. Oppose the radicals and their
illegal activity. Oppose separating from the empire. Stress the benefits of staying
in the empire. Advise being patient and continuing to negotiate with the imperial
government. You are afraid of the tyranny that can come at the hands of a radical
mob. Once the war has begun, you are ready to fight for king and country.
Patriots
Oppose the Loyalists.
Defend liberty, rights, and a return to constitutional government. Oppose the
defenders of the royal government. Advocate separating from the king and the
empire. Stress the tyrannical measures that have been inflicted upon colonists by
the imperial government. Advise against being patient with a corrupt and greedy
power, because what is lost today can be lost forever. Once the war has begun,
you are ready to fight for liberty and independence.
Moderates
Explain your position and why you have not chosen either side. Point out the
pros and cons with both sides. You do not want revolution and civil war. Be
ready to deal with both sides putting pressure on you to join their side. Even
after the war has begun, you hope that there will be compromise and conciliation.
You hope the war will soon be over and that peace will be restored. You do not
want to fight with either side.
The Issue—Questions- The debate will address the following questions--these
are the instructor's questions to be addressed during the debate:
1. Who has violated law, the constitution, and the liberty and rights of citizens
the most, the imperial government or the Patriots?
2. Should the colonies separate from the British empire?
3. Should there be war or conciliation?
Assignment:
Choosing sides- The class will be divided into Patriot, Loyalist, and Moderate.
We will assign sides in class.
Readings- Read the selections on the Documents page (on line) to prepare for
all sides of the debate but especially your side.
Choose a Role -Choose an historical group role. Ones we will be using for the
debate:
Patriot Boston Smuggler
Loyalist Georgia Frontiersman
Moderate Pennsylvania Quaker
Patriot Virginia Indebted Tobacco Farmer
Loyalist small merchant
Moderate--trying to decide--farmer
Patriot New England Congregational Minister
Loyalist Anglican Minister
Moderate German
Loyalist British Company Agent
Patriot Waterfront "Liberty Boy"
Moderate--switch sides--NJ farmer
Patriot NY tenant farmer
Loyalist NY tenant farmer
Gender- In any of these, you can play a male or female role. For example, with
the Loyalist British Company Agent, you could be male, the agent, his brother, or
son, or female, his wife, sister, or daughter.
Choose a Medium- Choose a medium to express your ideas. This is in addition
to speaking up and participating in the debate. On the day of the debate, you will
have this prepared, based on your role and will turn it in at the end of the debate.
Speech
Pamphlet or public letter
Diary or private letter
These would be good mediums to use if you are assuming a feminine role. You
could be a woman keeping a diary or writing a letter to a friend or family member.
Debate- You will need to make a statement or respond during the debate at least
4 times:
A. Comment at least once asserting your position (Patriot, Loyalist, or
Moderate).
B. Address at least one of the instructor's questions.
1. Who has violated law, the constitution, and the liberty and rights of citizens
the most, the imperial government or the Patriots?
2. Should the colonies separate from the British empire?
3. Should there be war or conciliation?
C. Listen to the debate and respond at least twice criticizing and countering the
views of the opposing students.
Patriots need to respond at least once to a Loyalist and once to a Moderate.
Loyalists need to respond at least once to a Patriot and once to a Moderate.
Moderates need to respond at least once to a Patriot and once to a Loyalist.
Dramatic Time- To bring all of the issues forward, we need to set the debate
after the revolution has begun, after the war has started, after the rebellion is
underway and Patriots are denouncing the king. Spring and early summer of
1776 is a good time- leading up to July 4, 1776.
Grade- Your grade will be based on the following:
Debate role: Taking an active part in the debate. Remember to definitely meet
the required minimum 4 statements (1 comment on your position, 1 answer to a
question, 2 responses to other students). Stay in historical context.
Take the assignment seriously. Don't just make short remarks. Give well
thought out comments and replies. Your comments should be informed by the
readings. You should give reasons for your opinions. When you disagree with
someone, tell why.
It is essential that the debate remain civil. Do not use ad hominem abusive
language. Do not get personal. Respond only to a participant's ideas. If you fail
to follow this rule, your comments will not count and you will get "0" credit for the
debate.
Medium Expression piece- you will receive a grade on the item you produce.
You will need to state your opinion and express your ideas, based on your
position and role.
Speech
Pamphlet or public letter
Diary or private letter