My Brother Sam is Dead

Historical Fiction

What is Historical Fiction?

• Includes stories that are written to portray a time period or convey information about a specific time period or an historical event.

• Time period is usually 30 years in the past

• Authors infer from historical records how people of the time thought

What is the most important aspect of Historical Fiction?

• Setting is the most important literary element

• The information about the time period must be accurate, authentic or both.

• Authors must research time period thoroughly

• Settings may be real or imaginary

What about Characters?

• May be imaginary

• May have actually lived in the time period

• If they are fictional, the author created them for the telling of the story

• The central character may be subjected to divided loyalties within a larger historical conflict the reader is familiar with

My Brother Sam is Dead Summary

Loyalty

Town Hall Meeting

Loyalists vs. Patriots

Who are you and what do you believe?

Loyalists“Long Live King George!”

• What is a loyalist?– A loyalist is a person living in the 13 colonies who supports the British and

all their taxes and laws.• Who are some loyalists?

– Joseph Brant– Logan– King George III– Thomas Hutchinson– Reverend Samuel Seabury– Peter Van Schaack– Peter Oliver– John Connolly– Lord Frederick North– Rebecca Franks– Margaret Shippen Arnold– Molly Brant– Joseph Galloway – Ambrose Serle

Patriots“Give me Liberty, or give me

Death!”• What is a Patriot?

– A Patriot is a person living in the 13 colonies who sides with the rebels and desire freedom from Britain.

• Who are some Patriots?– Thomas Paine– Samuel Adams– John Adams– Patrick Henry– Benjamin Franklin– Thomas Jefferson– Seymour Burr– Crispus Attucks– Jonathan Shipley– Mary Katherine Goddard– John Andrews– Dicey Langston– Mercy Otic Warren– Nathanael Greene

Neutralist

• What is a Neutralist?– A Neutralist is a person that does not side with or

favor Loyalist beliefs or Patriot beliefs.• Who are some Neutralists?

– The Earl of Effingham– James Allen– Richard Henderson– Patience Wright– Ann Lee– Peter Bestes– Felix Holbrook– Chester Joie

Town Hall Meeting Overview

• You will assume the role of a historical figure and re-create a 1776 colonial town meeting at which you will debate whether to declare independence from Britain. Loyalists and Patriots will try to persuade Neutralists to join their cause.

Loyalists and Patriots• Read the information about your character & decorate name tag (include a quote)• Be prepared for a brief introduction of your character• Make a detailed sign that will be used in the debate. The sign doesn’t have to be

about your character. It should promote the idea of independence or remaining loyal to Britain.

• On the back of the sign, write 4-5 arguments that can be used in the debate. • Speak at least two times during the town meeting.

• Neutralist • Read the information about your character & decorate a name tag (include a

quote)• Be prepared for a brief introduction of your character• Make a simple two sided sign. One with a symbol depicting a Patriot and one a

Loyalist. • Write 3-5 questions for each side that can be used in the debate. • Prepare a T-chart keeping a tally during the debate so you can decide which side

swayed you.

Neutralists

• Read the information about your character & decorate a name tag (include a quote)

• Be prepared for a brief introduction of your character

• Make a simple two sided sign. One with a symbol depicting a Patriot and one a Loyalist.

• Write 3-5 questions for each side that can be used in the debate.

• Prepare a T-chart keeping a tally during the debate so you can decide which side swayed you.

Front Back

Down With the Crown

Key Ideas

1.Taxation without representation is unfair.

2.We have the right to govern ourselves.

3.A small island shouldn’t rule a large continent.

Patrick Henry

“Give me Liberty or give me Death.”

Name Plate

1) Question One

2) Question Two

3) Question Three

FRONT BACK

T-CHART

P L 1) Question One

2) Question Two

3) Question Three

Requirements for the Town Meeting

• Patriots/Loyalists:– Name plate: name, quote, picture– Sign: picture showing your side and 4-5 arguments as to why your views are the right views.

• Neutralists:– Name plate: name, quote, picture– Sign: two sided (one with patriot picture the other with a loyalist picture), 3 questions for the patriots, 3 questions for the loyalists, t-chart

Thought Questions

• Why is it important to have public gatherings where people can voice their opinions and views?

• How could problems like these affect a town or community?

• How could problems like these affect a family?