Your task is to explore the events leading up to and consequences resulting from the signing of the Declaration of Independence from the point of view of a reporter working for an early Philadelphia newspaper. As a group, you will detail the sequence of events, reactions of the public and get exclusive interviews with delegates, their families, and everyday colonists. You will end your piece with an editorial offering your support or critique of the actions taken by our young government.
Each group member will ‘interview’ a specific person representative of different social groups/political influences of the time (ex: delegate’s wife from Virginia, recent British immigrant from England, John Hancock, etc.) and relate their sentiments and reactions to actions taken by our government. Each ‘interviewee’ should have sufficient background provided about their way of life and provide a logical stance as to their support/critique of the American government. As a group, you will write your editorial after your group comes to a mutual consensus.
You may publish your articles/interviews in a newspaper format or role play your interviews for the class.
PA State Standards Addressed:
8.2.6.A: Explain the social, political, cultural, and economic contributions of individuals and groups from Pennsylvania.
8.2.6 B Describe the importance of significant historical documents, artifacts, and places critical to Pennsylvania history.
8.2.7.A: Identify the social, political, cultural, and economic contributions of specific individuals and groups from Pennsylvania.
8.2.7.B: Identify the role of local communities as related to significant historical documents, artifacts, and places critical to Pennsylvania history.
8.3.6.A: Explain the social, political, cultural, and economic contributions of individuals and groups to United States history.
8.3.6.B: Explain the importance of significant historical documents, artifacts, and places critical to United States history.
8.3.6.D: Explain how conflict and cooperation among groups and organizations have impacted the history and development of the U.S.
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