Student Resources
Teacher Resources

early american flag. Blue field with 13 stars in a circle on a field of red and white styripes

Patriot or Loyalist? A Revolutionary Decision

 
British Flag

Research Scenario
George Washington standing next to a table reading a document
 Independence Day is coming soon, and the Baltimore Sun would like to publish a special section on the Revolutionary War in Maryland.  As a new reporter for the paper, you jump at the chance to be involved!  Your editor feels this is an opportunity to tell both sides of the story, Patriot and Loyalist.  Furthermore, she would like you to decide, based on all that you learn:  If you had lived during the Revolutionary War, would you have been a Patriot, or would you have been a Loyalist?
Essential Question:

Which aspects of colonists personal lives had the greatest influence on the decision to become a Patriot or a Loyalist?
Task and Product
Patrick henry delivering his "Give me Liberty or give me death" speech

Your editor has asked you to work with a group of 5 writers to create a series of articles or a video debate on the following topics:

Maryland Patriots

Maryland Loyalists

The Price of Being Loyal to the King

African American Loyalists

MD Loyalists:  Where Are They Now?

When you are through, you each must write an additional editorial article explaining what your position would have been, Patriot or Loyalist, based on your personal circumstances.  

The most difficult part of a research assignment is knowing where to begin! You may feel overwhelmed by the assignment, the vast amounts of information, all the reading you will need to do, and the dcisions you must make in order to ace this assignment.

Check out the the Information Literacy Process Model for a step-by-step guide.
Assessments
Maryland State Seal		 Grading for this project will be based on daily participation as well as the final product. 

Research Process Assessments:
Questions
Assorted colonial american flags		 Essential Question:

Which aspects of colonists personal lives had the greatest influence on the decision to become a Patriot or a Loyalist?

Subsidiary Questions:

  • What were the differing beliefs of the Patriots and the Loyalists?
  • Did economic factors such as jobs and landownership influence a person's decision to become a Patriot or Loyalist?
  • How did religion influence a person's decision?
  • Why did African Americans choose to be Loyalists or Patriots?
  • Were there social issues that affected colonists' decisions as well (for example; treatment at the hands of other colonists or from family members)?
  • Do you consider this an easy decision or a difficult decision to make?

 

Gather and Sort
Three colonial patiots marching with a flag

Gather information about your topics from a variety of sources.



Sort your research findings using a graphic organizer.  You can use this organizer to take notes on people.   You can use this organizer to take general notes on Loyalists and Patriots.  Be sure to avoid plagiarism and keep track of your resources for a bibliography.

OrganizeAfrican American colonist writing a document

Analyze your research notes to determine if you have adequate information to to answer your subsidiary questions.

Synthesize your findings by preparing your first draft of your newspaper article. Can you answer these questions?

  • What new insights have emerged about your topics?
  • Which facts are the most compelling and would have the greatest impact on your audience?

Evaluate Review the checklist to make sure you have included all the information required. If you have not answered all the questions, go back and use the resources to find the missing information.
Conclusion





Governor's Palace in Williamsburg Virginia

Presentation:
 Now you have planned, searched and gathered your information about Patriots and Loyalists.  Using the information you have gathered, its time to get ready to go to press. Write your newspaper article and your editorial article and create your group newspaper.

Reflection:
Write a letter to a friend that explains your position as a Patriot or Loyalist. Make sure to mention in your letter which events influenced your decision the most.


Extension Activity:
Form a group with other classmates who are on the same side as you are. Prepare for a class debate between Patriots and Loyalists. Use your articles and letters to defend your points of view.