Road to Revolution: Patriotism or Treason?
Focusing on Details: Discussion Topic
All documents and text associated with this activity are printed below, followed by a worksheet for student responses.Introduction
Closely examine this image depicting the tarring and feathering of a tax collector. Then answer the questions below.Name:
Class:
Class:
Worksheet
Road to Revolution: Patriotism or Treason?
Focusing on Details: Discussion Topic
Examine the documents included in this activity and write your response in the space provided.
- Write down descriptive words or phrases that come to mind when you see this picture.
- Imagine this picture appeared in a London newspaper. How would this look to a British citizen living in London?
- You are the man on the left with the tea kettle. What are you doing and why?
- What is the significance of a noose next to the term “Liberty Tree”?
Your Response
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Activity Element
The Bostonian`s Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring & Feathering. Copy of mezzotint attributed to Philip Dawe, 1774.
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Conclusion
Road to Revolution: Patriotism or Treason?
Focusing on Details: Discussion Topic
Do you think that this image was created by a loyalist or a patriot? Cite specific evidence in your explanation.Your Response
Document
The Bostonian's Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring & Feathering. Copy of mezzotint attributed to Philip Dawe
10/31/1774
This is a copy of a mezzotint by David Claypoole Johnston, based on artwork attributed to Philip Dawe that was published in Britain by Robert Sayer and John Bennett. It was gathered as part of the George Washington Bicentennial Commission in 1931-1932. The Commission's purpose was to celebrate the birth and accomplishments of Washington, and to collect, preserve, and publish writings, artworks, and photographs pertinent to his life and times.
This primary source comes from the Records of Commissions of the Legislative Branch.
National Archives Identifier: 532889
Full Citation: Photograph 148-GW-1141; The Bostonian's Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring & Feathering. Copy of mezzotint attributed to Philip Dawe; 10/31/1774; The George Washington Bicentennial Commission, 1931 - 1932; Records of Commissions of the Legislative Branch, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/bostonians-paying-exciseman, April 16, 2024]The Bostonian's Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring & Feathering. Copy of mezzotint attributed to Philip Dawe
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