Summary: Students will analyze the colonial grievances that led to the American Revolution through a political cartoon, The Bostonian's Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring & Feathering, printed in London in 1774. This activity can be used at the beginning of a unit on the American Revolution when introducing or reviewing the economic and political causes of the Revolutionary War.
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
- ECONOMICS: What is the proper role of government in the economy? (Especially with regard to economic crises, national defense/security, health and safety of the people, and economic development and practices.)
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.EconEM.2.a: Explain how the United States economy emerged from British mercantilism
Link to Lesson: Political Cartoon Analysis: No Taxation Without Representation | DocsTeach