Summary
The American Revolution and the founding founders are two parts of U.S. history celebrated on July 4. But two centuries later, 1776 was a rallying cry for rioters disrupting a national election at the Capitol. It's an example of how the politics and rhetoric around the founding have become ideological tools and can eclipse the actual history involved. For a transcript of this story, click here . News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.Five Facts
- What is the significance of 1776 to members of the current militias mentioned in the piece?
- How is nationalism different from patriotism?
- When did conservative Americans say U.S. society being to change in a way that encouraged them join militias and similar groups?
- Why is there an increasing social and political divide among Americans in more recent history?
- What is the role of historians in helping more Americans understand history?
Focus Questions
Should the Founding Fathers be celebrated? Why or why not? News analysis : Why did journalist Lisa Desjardins interview these particular two individuals in her discussion of the current political divide? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?For More
What students can do: Learn more about the American Revolution and the early republic through an investigation of primary and secondary resources at Journalism in Action .STUDENT VIDEO OF THE DAY (October 7, 2020)
This lesson was written by Fariya Farah, a senior at Amherst College and NewsHour Classroom’s intern, with editing by Victoria Pasquantonio. Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.
