Social Studies Tuesday October 2, 2012 WARM UP—News Notes WARM UP #2—How did the colonists react to Parliament’s Tea Act? KEY QUESTIONS—Describe what rights were threatened by the Intolerable Acts and determine if these acts really were unbearable for the colonists. Why or why not? Tape or glue your handout notes onto page Inbox people take up HW from yesterday

The Intolerable Acts The Boston Tea Party infuriated the British Parliament. In an attempt to clamp down on colonial resistance, Parliament passed a series of laws to punish the Massachusetts colony. The British called these laws the Coercive Acts, but they were so harsh that the colonists called them the Intolerable Acts. The colonists believed these laws were a direct attack on their traditional rights and liberties.

The Intolerable Acts The Intolerable Acts: Closed the port of Boston until colonists paid for the destroyed tea Banned Massachusetts from holding town meetings Replaced the elected council with an appointed one Increased the governor’s power over the colonists Protected British officials accused of crimes in the colonies from being tried by the colonists

The Intolerable Acts In 1774, delegates from all the colonies met in Philadelphia to decide what to do next. At this meeting, which was called the First Continental Congress, delegates voted to ban all trade with Britain until the Intolerable Acts were repealed. They also called on each colony to begin training troops. The First Continental Congress marked a key step in American history. They were determined to uphold colonial rights and this meeting planted the seeds of a future independent government. The delegates agreed to meet again in seven months.

The Intolerable Acts The colonists hoped that another trade boycott would force Parliament to repeal the Intolerable Acts, but Parliament stood firm and even sent more troops to the colonies. By the end of 1774, some colonists were preparing to fight. In Virginia, Patrick Henry delivered his most famous speech, calling for war: “Gentleman may cry peace, peace—but there is not peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?...I know not what course others may take; but as for me, GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH.” -Patrick Henry

Social Studies Class Discussion—Were the Intolerable Acts necessary? Answer today’s KQ—Describe what rights were threatened by the Intolerable Acts and determine if these acts really were unbearable for the colonists. Why or why not?

Analyzing Political Cartoons What do you notice first that really stands out? What people or objects are shown? What words do you see? What do you see that might be a symbol? What do you notice that you can’t explain? What is happening in the cartoon? What message or issue do you think the cartoon is about?

Social Studies Discuss your cartoon answers with a neighbor Assignment: Choose one of the following events: Townshend Acts, Quartering Act, Tea Act of 1773, Intolerable Acts Construct an illustration, political cartoon ,or poem that either supports or protests one of the above historical events. Take the viewpoint of either a patriot or a loyalist. On illustrations and cartoons include words to help illustrate or explain your art and message.