Transcript Unit 2: A nation is born - Thomasville High School

UNIT 2:
A NATION IS BORN
Early National Literature (1750-1800)
What does this quote suggest about “Americans”
at this point in history?
“The fate of unborn millions
will now depend under
God, on the courage and
conduct of this army. Our
cruel and unrelenting
enemy leaves us only the
choice of brave resistance,
or the most abject
submission. We have,
therefore, to resolve to
conquer or die.”
- George Washington
I. Readings Covered During this Unit
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
The Crucible
1. Arthur Miller
F.
Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist
Papers
1. Various Authors
G.
from Poor Richard’s Almanack
1. Benjamin Franklin
from The Interesting Narrative H.
of the Life of Olaudah
Equiano
1. Olaudah Equiano
Unchained Memories – Slave
Narratives – Federal Writer’s
Project
Various Arthurs
The Declaration of
Independence
1. Thomas Jefferson
To His Excellency, General
Washington
1. Phillis Wheately
from Letters From an
American Farmer
1. Michel-Guillaume Jean de
Crevecoeur
1.
II. Names and Terms to Know
A.
1.
2.
B.
1.
2.
E.
War over extra taxes
War over independence
F.
1.
2.
1.
Ratified in 1787
Bill of Rights
G.
H.
I.
Added after Constitution
Added because of fear.
Declaration of
Independence
1.
Constitution
C.
D.
Enlightenment
Reason over faith
Period of intellectual
development
The American Revolution
Written out of anger to
King George III
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Paine
The Federalist
Phillis Wheately
III. Setting the Scene -
In the following video, William L. Andrews gives
a brief preview of the political climate existing
during this time period. As you’re listening, read
page 126-127 silently.
IV. Important Dates to Remember
A.
1753
1.
B.
1760
1.
C.
Parliament’s Tea Act prompts Boston Tea Party
1774-1775
1.
F.
Stamp Act passed by Parliament; Colonies protest
1773
1.
E.
France gives up claim to N. America territory
1765
1.
D.
Benjamin Banneker (African-American) builds first clock
First Contintental Congress meets; American Revolution begins
1776
1.
Declaration of Independence created, signed, & adopted.
Important Dates to Remember
G.
1781
1.
H.
1783
1.
I.
1st U.S. Census: 757,208 black slaves – 20% of population 8% are free
1793
1.
2.
George Washington elected President of the United States
1790
1.
1.
Constitution drafted
1789
1.
K.
Noah Webster’s Spelling Book published
1787
1.
J.
Gen. Cornwallis surrenders to George Washington
Eli Whitney invents cotton gin
1800
1.
2nd U.S. Census: 5,308,483 – total U.S. Population
V. Quick Historical Background
By 1750, 4th and 5th generation living in US; happy
with English rule.
Mid-1760s-1770s became unhappy because of
regulations imposed by King George III and
Parliament
18th Century called THE AGE OF REASON
A.
B.
C.
1.
2.
VALUE REASON OVER FAITH
MAJOR SHIFT FROM PURITAN INFLUENCE
Writers like Jefferson, Franklin, and Paine were
considered part of the ENLIGHTENMENT
D.
1.
Value of Reason over that of Faith
V. Quick Historical Background
E.
Failed Government
1.
F.
1st Attempt at government (ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
aka “LEAGUE OF FRIENDSHIP” failed.
CONSTITUTION AND BILL OF RIGHTS WAS ACTUALLY
OUR 2ND ATTEMPT AT CENTRALIZED GOVERNMENT.
VI. Literature of the Period
A.
B.
C.
D.
Public writing was produced during “The
REVOLUTIONARY Period”
By 1776, 30 newspapers were established
By Washington’s inauguration, 40 magazines and
almanacs created.
Politics speeches and debates turned into literature
1.
2.
James Otis – “Taxation without representation is tyranny.”
Thomas Paine – Common Sense sold 100K copies in 1 month.
VI. Literature of the Period
A Promise and a Paradox

The Promise
The revolution created two things: 1) a new person (“American” and
2) a new country “United States.”
 Writers like Benjamin Franklin - wrote the 1st great American
literary class – The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin



Was the 1st great American success story AKA Rags to Riches
The Paradox
Contradiction of Freedom for Colonists but Slavery for the Slaves.
 1789 – Franklin made petition to Congress to abolish Slavery
 Olaudah Equiano wrote his Slave Narrative
 Phillis Wheatley wrote her book of poems
 Proved that slaves were not a bunch of babbling idiots but great
thinkers, orators, and writers.

VII. Benjamin Franklin – from Poor Richard’s
Almanack – Interesting Facts




Official Occupation – A Printer
Loved being anonymous – 2 of his 3 works he created fictitious
authors
By age 16 writing anonymously in his brother’s paper as
SILENCE DOGOOD
Published his Almanack from 1732-1757


Almanack consists of homespun sayings or APHORISMS




Written as an lasting quest for SELF-IMPROVEMENT
Short says with a message AKA BOOK OF PROVERBS
Played crucial role in drafting DoI
Per George Washington – Franklin: “Father of his country.”
Successful scientist –

Created lightning rod, bifocals, stove, studied earthquake
Thomas Jefferson –
The Declaration of Independence






3rd President
Violinist, artist, brilliant writer
While serving in Virginia’s House of Burgess, was
outspoken defender of human rights
Emerged as a leader during Revolutionary period
Loved to read and owned 6,400
As you are reading the Declaration of Independence,
realize that Jefferson is writing to persuade “Americans”
and the British to think and act in a specific way – LIKE
FREE CITIZENS
The next slide is a video/audio
representation reading of The
Declaration of Independence.
I advise you to take notes. There WILL be a
QUIZ on FRIDAY.
The Declaration of Independence –
Hollywood Style -