watch a documentary on join or die (john adam ) and aswer the questions attached . in this 2 attachments make sure you write 2 different papers for each attachment questions sheet. number each question and answer . both attachments can not be used as one essay paper or can not be combined of answers for both attachments . it has to have first part paper and second part paper both seperately writen .for example one student does / answers the 1st attachment questions and writes essay of it . the 2nd student does / answers the 2nd questions attachment sheet . and both presents thier essays seperately

John Adams and Independence

This episode explores the immediate background to independence: 1774-76. In the first episode, you watched Adams defend the soldiers accused of killing innocent Bostonians. The rule of law prevailed. That case earned him begrudging respect. How is Adams portrayed to the viewer in this opener? Discuss his strengths and weaknesses as a future leader of a young nation?
Why did the British march on Lexington and Concord? What was the outcome of those skirmishes in terms of moving forward the independence struggle?
Evaluate this statement: John Adams has not received the attention- say of a Thomas Jefferson-for being the leader of independence. Assess the impact of Adams had on uniting the voices to declare for independence.
Who were the major figures and their positions at the Continental Congress? What were the pros and cons behind declaring independence?

How do Franklin and Adams go about convincing the delegates to declare for independence? This is an exercise in comparison and contrasting the two men’s styles.

Discuss the background to the adoption and support for a Declaration of Independence. Review the document and define the quintessential values of this nation? How well have we lived up to these values?

Philadelphia July 3rd, 1776
… The hopes of reconciliation, which were fondly entertained by multitudes of honest and well-meaning though weak and mistaken people, have been gradually and at last totally extinguished. Time has been given for the whole people, maturely to consider the great question of independence and to ripen their judgments, dissipate their fears, and allure their hopes, by discussing it in news papers and pamphlets, by debating it in assemblies, conventions, committees of safety and inspection, in town and county meetings, as well as in private conversations, so that the whole people in every colony of the 13, have now adopted it, as their own Act. This will cement the Union, and avoid those heats and perhaps convulsions which might have been occasioned by such a Declaration six months ago.
But the day is past. The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.

What does Adams say about reconciliation? Did the changes taking places over the course of the winter of 1775-76 bode well for independence? Explain.
Do you think that Adams is optimistic about the future of the nation? Discuss.
Join or Die

1. You see the flag at several points in the film. Why the usage of the snake? Who was responsible for the Join or Die and what did it mean?

2. Describe the events that lead to the so-called Boston Massacre. Who were Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty and why did they seek to inflame the passions of Bostonians?

3. Before thrust into the spotlight of defending the soldiers, Adams was a struggling attorney. How did this case help his career? Be specific about who he was, his reputation and his counsel for the defense.

4. Discuss what really happened using the personages of Captain Preston, Hugh Montgomery and the crowd. Did Adams rely exclusively on the facts to defend them? Explain his role in the final verdict.

5. Talk about the relationship of John and Abigail. What is your sense of their relationship as partners in the coming of the American Independence Movement.

6. The story moves next to the Tea Party. What was happening around the events leading to the dumping of tea? Why was John Hancock a prominent figure?

7. How did England respond to the events in Boston? Describe the specifics of the Coercive Acts and the impact of those measures upon the populace.