The Most Famous Breakup Letter in American History

The Most Famous Breakup Letter in American History 10 th Grade History

Do Now • In your notebook, answer the following questions: 1. What do you already know about the Declaration of Independence? 2. What do you want to find out about the Declaration of Independence?

Timeline Proclamation Sugar Act of 1763 From King George III, forbade settlers from settling past the Appalachian Mountains 1764 Renewed tax imposed on imported sugar and molasses Stamp Act 1765 Used to raise revenue for British troops stationed in North America after the 7 Years War Boston Tea Boston Massacre Party 1770 Americans harassed British troops who fired into the crowd, killing 5 people 1773 Revolt against the Tea Act, which violated their right to “no taxation without representation” The Intolerable Acts 1774 A series of acts passed by the British Parliament to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party

We need to talk… 5 W’s: • Who was involved? • What did they do? • Where did they meet? • When was the document signed? • Why did they feel this was necessary?

The Breakup Letter When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. When it comes time for us to break up, it is only fair for me to explain to you the reasons why I think we shouldn’t be together anymore.

What were they really saying? • Split into partners • Read your assigned excerpt and translate it. • How would you explain what the document says to a friend in a different class? • After translating, identify what goal your excerpt sought to achieve

Exit Ticket • On your index card, write down something new that you learned about the causes of or grievances in the Declaration of Independence.