In this inquiry, students will explore persuasive media used in the American Revolution such as pamphlets and political cartoons before analyzing how these sources appealed to different emotions and values. In a group activity, students will identify and categorize emotional appeals and tactics used in various propaganda pieces before determining which tactics were utilized in those pieces.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How did propaganda fuel the American Revolution?
Standards
D2.His.13.6-8: Evaluate the relevance and utility of a historical source based on information such as maker, date, place of origin, intended audience, and purpose.
Instructional Snapshot
Before class begins, teachers should hang the five sources around the room to prepare for a gallery walk activity.
Teachers may begin class by reminding students that propaganda has been used to manipulate or compel individuals towards collective causes throughout history. Teachers can then introduce the main ways propaganda influences behavior (appeals to fear, authority, or prejudice, and demonization & parody).
Pass out the student organizer and explain that students will move around the room in a gallery walk to gain information on five different examples of propaganda used in the American Revolution. Students should collaborate with their peers in small groups to identify core ideas from each source. Next, students will deliberate with each other to identify which piece of propaganda they believed was the most effective.
Lastly, students will produce a claim that answers the compelling question: How did propaganda fuel the American Revolution?
Formative Tasks
COLLABORATE: Students will collaborate with each other in a gallery walk to collect information about propaganda during the American Revolution.
DELIBERATE: Students will deliberate in groups to identify which piece of propaganda they believed was the most effective.
PRODUCE: Students will produce a claim that answers the compelling question: How did propaganda fuel the American Revolution?
Sources
American Revolution Propaganda source set, Library of Congress
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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