Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of the activity. Have you ever felt like you’re being treated unfairly or that your rights are being ignored? How do you think people would react if they were in a similar situation? What do you know about the American Revolution and the events that led to it? How do you think the colonists felt when they were being taxed without having any representation in the government?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image and describe what you see. What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Do you think it’s related to the American Revolution or something else entirely? What clues can you find in the image that might give you a hint about the topic?
Introduction:
Please read the introduction to the activity, which describes the rising tensions in Boston as Sam Adams and John Hancock lead protests against British taxation. As you read, think about how the events described might be connected to the questions we discussed earlier.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, Ruthless General Snuffs Out The Rebellion (S1, E2) | Sons of Liberty | Full Episode. As you watch, pause the video at the following points:
- When General Gage arrives in Boston and begins to take control of the city
- When John Hancock’s house is seized by General Gage
- When the colonists plan to steal gunpowder from a British silo in Concord
At each pause point, discuss the following questions:
- What do you think will happen next in the story?
- How do you think the characters feel about the events that are unfolding?
- What do you think is the main conflict or problem in the story so far?
Key Vocabulary:
Review the key vocabulary terms related to the activity, including:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Tory | A person who supports the British government during the American Revolution | The colonists proposed a boycott of Tory shops to protest British taxation |
| Boycott | To refuse to buy or use something as a form of protest | The colonists organized a boycott of British goods to protest taxation |
| Quartering | To house soldiers in the homes of local residents, often without their consent | General Gage began quartering British soldiers in the homes of Boston residents |
| Militia | A group of citizen soldiers who are not part of the regular army | The colonists formed a militia to defend themselves against the British army |
| Redcoats | A nickname for British soldiers, who wore red uniforms | The colonists were on the lookout for Redcoats as they prepared for battle |
| Gunpowder | An explosive substance used in firearms and other weapons | The colonists planned to steal gunpowder from a British silo in Concord |
| Silo | A structure used to store grain or other materials, often used to store military supplies | The British stored gunpowder in a silo in Concord, which the colonists planned to steal |
| Rebellion | An act of resistance or defiance against a government or authority | The colonists’ rebellion against British taxation and rule led to the outbreak of war |
| Oppression | The act of treating someone unfairly or cruelly, often by exerting power or control over them | The colonists felt that they were suffering under British oppression and sought to resist it |
| Independence | The state of being free from the control or influence of others | The colonists fought for independence from British rule and the right to govern themselves |
Grammar Focus:
The grammar focus for this activity is the use of the present perfect tense to describe past actions with a connection to the present. Review the examples provided, such as “Tensions have risen in Boston as Sam Adams and John Hancock lead protests against British taxation” and “General Gage has arrived in Boston, replaces Governor Hutchinson, and begins to take control of the city.” Practice using the present perfect tense to describe actions that started in the past and have a connection to the present.
Grammar Quiz:
Complete the grammar quiz to practice your understanding of the present perfect tense. Choose the correct answer for each question:
- By the time General Gage ________ in Boston, the colonists had already begun to protest against British taxation.
- A) arrives
- B) has arrived
- C) arrived
- D) had arrived
- The colonists ________ a meeting in Philadelphia to unite the 13 colonies against British oppression.
- A) have been holding
- B) hold
- C) held
- D) are holding
- By next year, the colonists ________ against British rule for over a year.
- A) will have been fighting
- B) are fighting
- C) fight
- D) have fought
- Samuel Adams ________ a warrant for John Hancock’s arrest, which led to a series of violent clashes.
- A) has issued
- B) issues
- C) had issued
- D) was issuing
- The British ________ the colonists’ rebellion, labeling them as thugs and outlaws.
- A) have discussed
- B) discuss
- C) discussed
- D) are discussing
Answer Key:
- D) had arrived
- C) held
- A) will have been fighting
- C) had issued
- A) have discussed