The most famous example of propaganda in United States history is the Paul Revere print of the Boston Massacre. The fact that we still refer to this incident as a massacre is proof of that.
The real story of the 'Boston Massacre' is more complicated than a bunch of soldiers indiscriminately firing into a peaceful crowd of Boston citizens. As we examine the evidence as revealed in the trial of the soldiers and find out the true story we need to ask ourselves why would Revere lie? What purpose did it serve? Who benefitted from the false narrative and who was harmed?
Your assignment will be to create a print using the facts of the incident. Obviously the medium we are using will make details very difficult so keep that in mind as you work on the design.
EQ: Why did Paul Revere create his famous Boston Massacre print?
Engage:
Explore:
- Vocabulary: massacre, mob, cudgel, deposition, manslaughter, engraving, print, propaganda, brayer, art
- John Adams miniseries video of Boston Massacre
- Boston Massacre Wikipedia
Explain:
- What is propaganda?
- Why did Revere create an inaccurate print of the Boston Massacre?
- Do you think the soldiers were justified when they fired into the crowd?
- What do you think was the effect of John Adams representing the soldiers on his career?
Evaluate:
- Students will create a factual print of the Boston Massacre.
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