8th Grade Colonists v Great Britain

As part of our history unit on the growing tensions between the colonists and Great Britain in the 1760s, eighth graders each assumed the role of a historical figure.  Each student researched a person and then wrote a persuasive speech from his or her character’s perspective.  In a spirited debate, the Patriots and Loyalists attempted to convince the Neutralists to join them.  Fantastic arguments were made by both sides, but in the end the Loyalists won the support of the Neutralists.  Despite this victory for the Loyalists, the Patriots should know their efforts were not in vain.  As Thomas Jefferson said, “When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.”