John Adams DVD Scene 1 Boston Massacre 1770

John Adams DVD Scene 1: Boston Massacre (1770) – (2: 20 – 8: 50 / 12: 45 – 14: 45) 9 min Describe how the Boston Massacre is portrayed / what do you see happen? Scene 2: Red Coats on Trial - (19 -25: 13, 26: 34 -31: 10, 34: 03 -38: 17, 39: 40 -42: 20) 18 min What arguments does John Adams use to defend the Red Coats? Scene 3: Tarred & Feathered / The Intolerable Acts (1774) – (48: 36 -52: 05, 54: 14 -58: 36) – 8 min Describe why & how the colonists protest & their punishment Scene 4: 2 nd Continental Congress: Internal debate (26: 42 -32: 00, 57: 24 -59: 27) – 8 min Three major issues discussed: 1. Formation of a Continental Army. 2. Appointment of George Washington to lead the Army. 3. Resolution to declare independence from Great Britain. Declaration of Independence: John Adams disqualifies himself from writing it on the grounds that he is too busy, but also that he is obnoxious, not that well liked, and not as good of a writer as Thomas Jefferson. Adams argues that T. J. should write it because he’s from the most powerful colony (Virginia) and because he’s a great writer. Scene 5: 2 nd Continental Congress: Declaring Independence (1: 07 – 1: 19, 1: 22 – 1: 28) – 18 min John Dickinson (PA) argues AGAINST a resolution for Independence: Too risky / Not prepared / Trading the rule of Britain for whoever must help them (France) John Adams (MA) argues FOR a resolution for Independence: Risky but worthwhile / Formation of a republic / To call that land their country / To be free Colonies holding out AGAINST Independence: Delaware, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New York Outcome of the final vote for independence: • 12 votes FOR / 0 votes AGAINST / 1 colony ABSTAINED (New York)