Name: _____________________
Date: ____________
Section: _______
John Adams, Part II: Independence, A Viewer’s Guide
Introduction:
Over the next few classes, you will be watching part of a mini-series.
While the whole mini-series focuses on the life and actions of John Adams, the
episode you will be watching is the second part, about the signing of the
Declaration of Independence and John Adam’s role in it. Please read over the
background information to be prepared to watch the documentary in class.
Background information:
John Adams was a Patriot from Quincy, Massachusetts, located less than
ten miles south of Boston. Although he heavily favored independence from
Britain, he also defended Captain Thomas Preston following the Boston
Massacre. He did so out of his love of freedom and the ideals of democracy,
and helped reduce Preston’s charges from murder to manslaughter (think back
to the play you acted out and the assembly we had).
Adams had a wife, Abigail. Abigail is known for her intellect, and the
advice she gave John, both in person, and through their letters. She remained
in Quincy with their four children while John traveled throughout the colonies
during the 1770s.
The episode you will be watching begins with the Second Continental
Congress in 1775. You will quickly observe that Adams is a strong advocate for
independence from England. He has strong ideals and as a Bostonian,
understands the unfairnesses and injustices placed upon him and his family and
friends by the British. Acts like the closing of the port of Boston and General
Gage’s raids to search for weapons has angered him. Thus, when he speaks to
the Continental Congress, he is often outspoken and frustrated. Adams often
spoke that way in Congress, and was not good at being polite or making friends.
During this episode, Adams tries to convince the Congress to vote for
separation from England. He faces many obstacles. For instance, many
delegates support reconciliation with England, not independence. Also, many
of the delegates were slow to act. Adams complained at the slow speed with
which they discussed ideas and passed resolutions. Furthermore, the 13
colonies were not united as one. There was a major risk of independence
leading to a separation of colonies going their own way, not the unity of them
coming together. Lastly, while all of this is happening, Adams must react to
the shots at Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill, the forming of
the Continental Army, and the siege of Boston. The episode culminates in July
of 1776, when the Congress debates, and ultimately agrees, on signing the
Declaration of Independence (spoiler alert).
Cast of Historical Characters (based on how they look in the documentary):
John Adams
Abigail Adams, pictured
With her children
John Dickinson, a
delegate from Pennsylvania
who does not support
independence. Rather, as a
Quaker, he supports a nonviolent reconciliation with
England.
Thomas Jefferson, a
soft-spoken delegate
from Virginia who
ultimately drafts the
Declaration of
Independence.
Colonel George Washington
Richard Henry Lee,
the delegate from Virginia
who proposes the idea of
independence to the Congress.
Edward Rutledge, from
South Carolina, who
initially opposed the idea
of Independence.
Dr. Benjamin
Franklin
Historical note
on attire:
During this
time period, it
was considered
appropriate
and
fashionable to
wear a wig if
you could
afford it.
Wealthy men
would have a
formal wig
with curls and
a more casual
wig. They also
would have
walking sticks,
just to show
status.
Important Note:
Tomorrow in class, there will be a five question pop quiz on this
information. The questions will be easy ones, designed to show me that you’ve
done the reading tonight. So, please make sure you’ve carefully read over the
information on these first three pages. Lastly, the rest of this packet is made
up of the questions you will be answering during the movie, so do not answer
them now.
Questions (no complete sentences needed):
1. During the dinner scene at the beginning, John Adams criticizes the
Continental Congress. What is his major problem with the committee?
2. While John Adams is in the field with his son, a rider comes by. What
warning does he give out?
3. John Adams rides out to the woods. What battle has just taken place?
4. Mr. Dickinson says that he agrees that the colonists have lost their
natural rights. While Adams wants to break away from England, what
does Dickinson suggest instead?
5. Why do you think New England votes no on the petition, but the Middle
and Southern colonies vote yes?
6. Why does Benjamin Franklin encourage Adams to speak with Virginia?
7. What event does Abigail Adams and her children witness?
8. Who does Adams nominate to lead the new Continental Army?
9. While they are standing in the snow, Abigail tells John that she is mad at
the Continental Congress for a variety of reasons. What are some of her
grievances, and why does she have them?
10. Why are the members of the Congress so frightened and worried by the
proclamation from King George III?
11. What does Richard Henry Lee of Virginia propose to the Congress?
12. What does Benjamin Franklin mean when he says, “The question is not
whether by a Declaration of Independence that we should make
ourselves something we are not, but whether we should declare a fact
something which already exists.”
13. What was the Congress’ decision about Lee’s resolution to declare
independence?
14. What are John Adams’ three reasons for wanting Thomas Jefferson to
write a declaration of independence?
15. What are some of the reasons why Dickinson is worried about passing the
resolution on independence?
16. Why does Adams believe that independence is worth those risks?
17. What is Adams’ strategy to get a unanimous vote for independence
(specifically, what will he do about New York and Pennsylvania)?
18. Why do you think the men so silent after declaring independence?
19. Complete sentence answer: If you were at the Congress, how would you
vote? What would be your reasoning?