Learn It Part 2
In the following activity, you will review a number of texts that are organized sequentially, comparatively or using the cause-and-effect format.
To begin, review the background information for each primary source document. Next, read an excerpt from the primary source document and then review an explanation about the document’s format.
A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North-America on the Causes and Necessity of Their Taking Up Arms (July 6, 1775)
Background: During the 1770s, British colonies in North America were becoming increasingly unhappy with their conditions under British rule. Among their complaints were the lack of representation they had in British Parliament and the high taxes they were forced to pay on needed goods. Laws such as the Sugar Act and Stamp Act reminded colonists that they were subjects of the British crown, regardless of their distance from Europe. The passage of a series of laws known as the Intolerable Acts in 1774 were especially harsh. The Intolerable Acts punished the city of Boston for being the center of revolutionary activity and the site of the Boston Tea Party. In response, many leading colonists began coordinating their efforts and organized a Continental Congress in Philadelphia. They used this first congress to discuss their efforts and present their demands to Parliament. By this time, they felt that their struggle necessitated arming themselves against the increasing presence of British soldiers and political restrictions. In the following document, the Continental Congress announces their intention to arm themselves to defend their security.
Click on the title below to read an excerpt from A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North-America on the Causes and Necessity of Their Taking Up Arms (July 6, 1775). This document lists the sequence of events that led members of the Continental Congress to announce their intentions to organize an armed militia. When you have finished reading the excerpt, click on the next box to learn more about how the text is organized sequentially.
Common Sense (January 9, 1776) by Thomas Paine
Background: Later in the Revolutionary period, tensions continued to rise. Thomas Paine, a pro-revolutionary from Britain, authored a series of publications criticizing the British monarchy and their treatment of the colonies. In January 1776 he published Common Sense, a pamphlet in support of independence. Common Sense was read by thousands of patriots and Europeans, and was used as propaganda against the British. Many claim it was one of the most important steps in the drive towards independence since it was distributed and read by many throughout the colonies and Europe.
Click on the title below to read an excerpt from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and examine how the document is organized. The passages below are taken from the middle chapter of the publication. When you have finished reading the excerpt, click on the next box to learn more about how the text is organized comparatively.
Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)
Background: The Revolutionary period culminated with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This document asserted the grievances of the Continental Congress and colonies, and was presented to King George III of England after its signing on July 4, 1776.
Click on the title below to read an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence and examine how the document is organized. When you have finished reading the excerpt, click on the next box to learn more about how the text is organized using the cause-and-effect format.
Go on to the Try It page to practice identifying the format of documents.
