Town+Hall+Meeting

=Town Hall Meeting - Oct. 22/23= (email me if you are unsure how to proceed) You all know that all colonists didn't have the same reaction to laws passed by Parliament. In fact, they were as diverse as the colonists themselves. As parliament passed more laws on the colonies, they became divided. Eventually colonists were divided into three primary groups: Patriots, loyalists, and neutralists.

__ Activity __ 1. You will assume the roles of historical figures and re-create a 1776 colonial town meeting at which you will debate whether to declare independence from Britain. Loyalists and Patriots will each try to persuade Neutralists to join their cause.

2. You will be randomly be given the role of an historical figure for your colonial town meeting. After you receive your role, read the descriptions of your characters to understand the characters’ views on independence. Then quickly introduce your characters to the class to create a sense of camaraderie among the Loyalists, Patriots, and Neutralists. This is not historically representative; most historians suggest that nearly half the colonists supported the Patriot cause, 10 to 20 percent remained loyal to Britain, and 30 to 50 percent were indifferent or neutral. Also, the characters represented in this activity never actually met as a group. In fact, some were never even in America, and one, Crispus Attucks, died before 1776. These figures were chosen to represent multiple perspectives on independence.

3. Patriots and Loyalists will prepare the following materials to use in your town meeting:
 * **Nameplates**: Must display character’s name in large, easy-to-read lettering. Must contain a quotation that represents the character’s view on independence. Color, illustrations, or other graphics may be added. Will be affixed to the historical figure’s desk during the town meeting.
 * **Propaganda**: Must communicate key beliefs held by the historical figure. Must use striking graphics and/or clever words or slogans to influence and sway the Neutralists. Must be visible from a distance of at least 10 feet.
 * **Key ideas**: Must list three to five key ideas supporting the historical figure’s view on independence. Must be written clearly on the back of the propaganda. Must be used in short speeches the historical figure will give during the town meeting.

4. Neutralists must prepare the following for the town meeting: > > >
 * **Nameplates**: Must display character’s name in large, easy-to-read lettering. Must contain a quotation that represents why the character is neutral. Color, illustrations, or other graphics may be added. Will be affixed to the historical figure’s desk during the town meeting.
 * **Two-sided Loyalist/Patriot sign**: Must create simple, visually appealing graphic symbols for Loyalists and Patriots, one on either side of a large piece of paper (A4 or A3). Will be used to indicate which way a Neutralist is being swayed during the town meeting.
 * **Key questions**: Must prepare at least three questions to ask each side during the town meeting. For example, Neutralists might ask Patriots, “If the colonies declare independence, how will they govern themselves?” Neutralists might ask Loyalists, “Don’t you think taxation without representation is unfair?”

5. Loyalists, Patriots, and Neutralists move to three different areas of the classroom. Loyalists and Patriots will work to develop propaganda and key ideas, strategize for the meeting, and build unity. Neutralists may want to visit both sides to get ideas for their two-sided Loyalist/Patriot signs and to develop key questions. When Neutralists are in Loyalist or Patriot “territory”, feel free to try to influence them ahead of the meeting, but don't overdue it.

6. **Conducting the town meeting**: You will be dramatically welcomed as distinguished historical figures to the town meeting. Hernandez will act as moderator to allow a Loyalist to make an argument against independence, a Patriot to rebut, and a Neutralist to ask a follow-up question. Patriot will then be allowed to make an argument for independence, a Loyalist to rebut, and so on. we will continue with this format until all students have voiced all key ideas. The short speeches and rebuttals made by Loyalists and Patriots should reflect the key ideas they prepared. Neutralists will be encouraged to use their two-sided signs throughout the meeting to indicate which way they are being swayed at the moment. Students are expected to become impassioned, argumentative, and loud, not unlike participants in actual colonial town meetings. At the end of the town meeting, Neutralists will join the side whose arguments they found most convincing.