johnny tremain 9 12
Before You Read
Johnny Tremain Chapters 9–12
FOCUS ACTIVITY
Do you think that an individual can play an important role in historical events? Do you think that a small number of people who are deeply committed to a cause have the power to change the course of history? Why or why not?
Share Ideas
In a small group, discuss the questions listed above. Challenge group members to support their ideas and opinions with specific examples from history or from the real events and characters described in the novel. Share your group’s ideas with the rest of the class.
Setting a Purpose
Read to find out how Johnny and other characters play important roles in historical events.
BACKGROUND
Time and Place
Bostonians responded with outrage to the closing of their port and the arrival of British soldiers and warships. The Committees of Correspondence that Sam Adams began in the early 1770s evolved to play an even more active role. In September 1774, all the colonies except Georgia sent representatives to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The Congress decided on a boycott of British goods and promised to stand together in defense of Boston. One result of this promise was the forming, arming, and training of colonial militias. The Congress also prepared a summary of its complaints for King George. The king, however, was not interested in reviewing these complaints and sent more soldiers and ships to Boston.
Did You Know?
Colonial militiamen had no uniforms and had to supply their own guns and ammunition, as well as food and other accessories. Many had learned to shoot while hunting for food or fighting Native Americans in the countryside. They were hardly prepared for the organized and almost polite method of warfare practiced by the British army, in which soldiers lined up on opposite sides of the battlefield and advanced toward the enemy, shooting. Though the militiamen’s rifles were accurate, they held only one shot and often lacked the bayonets (knives) attached
Johnny Tremain Chapters 9–12
FOCUS ACTIVITY
Do you think that an individual can play an important role in historical events? Do you think that a small number of people who are deeply committed to a cause have the power to change the course of history? Why or why not?
Share Ideas
In a small group, discuss the questions listed above. Challenge group members to support their ideas and opinions with specific examples from history or from the real events and characters described in the novel. Share your group’s ideas with the rest of the class.
Setting a Purpose
Read to find out how Johnny and other characters play important roles in historical events.
BACKGROUND
Time and Place
Bostonians responded with outrage to the closing of their port and the arrival of British soldiers and warships. The Committees of Correspondence that Sam Adams began in the early 1770s evolved to play an even more active role. In September 1774, all the colonies except Georgia sent representatives to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The Congress decided on a boycott of British goods and promised to stand together in defense of Boston. One result of this promise was the forming, arming, and training of colonial militias. The Congress also prepared a summary of its complaints for King George. The king, however, was not interested in reviewing these complaints and sent more soldiers and ships to Boston.
Did You Know?
Colonial militiamen had no uniforms and had to supply their own guns and ammunition, as well as food and other accessories. Many had learned to shoot while hunting for food or fighting Native Americans in the countryside. They were hardly prepared for the organized and almost polite method of warfare practiced by the British army, in which soldiers lined up on opposite sides of the battlefield and advanced toward the enemy, shooting. Though the militiamen’s rifles were accurate, they held only one shot and often lacked the bayonets (knives) attached