Chapter 2: Origins of American Government "Patrick Henry—American Patriot"

Introduction

Students have learned about why the colonists grew resentful of British rule, the ways in which the colonists united to achieve independence, and the new government they created following the revolution. In this lesson they will read and analyze Patrick Henry's famous address at the Second Constitutional Convention.

Lesson Description

Students will navigate the Colonial Williamsburg Web site to find the text of Patrick Henry's speech and answer four questions pertaining to Henry's beliefs and arguments. Then they will create a poster inciting their fellow colonists to unite against the British.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to analyze a primary source and extract the main ideas of the text.
2. Students will be able to compare conflict resolution today with conflict during the colonial period in history.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. The colonists had petitioned, remonstrated, supplicated, and prostrated themselves before the throne—in other words, they had begged and pleaded for some resolution.
2. He believed that it was one's responsibility to search for the truth. He said that it was natural for people to want to shut their eyes and ears to an unpleasant truth, but he himself wanted to know the whole truth, painful though it may have been.
3. He mentioned the actions of the British over the past ten years and pointed out that the presence of the British fleet and armies in the colonies did not indicate that the British were interested in a peaceful resolution.
4. Answers will vary. Students may say that since the colonies had already tried other peaceful measures, war WAS the only option left. Conflicts today affect more than just the countries fighting; they affect the whole world. Therefore the role of peacekeeping organizations like the United Nations have become more important.
5. Students' posters will vary.