The Lessons of 1704

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Author:

Charlene Galenski, Kathleen Klaes, Lynne Manring

Subject:

Humanities, Social Sciences

Institution Name:

Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association

Collection:

Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association

Grade Level:

Primary

Abstract:

In The Lessons of 1704, students learn the basic skills needed to do research and to "read" primary and secondary sources, to see what they can reveal about the cultural characteristics and attitudes of the English, French, and Native Americans in the Deerfield area in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. At the same time, they learn about the attitudes and behaviors of these three groups toward one another. Then, they use what they have learned to analyze the 1704 attack on Deerfield and the various events that led up to it. Their study of cultures and attitudes not only helps them understand how Queen Anne's War affected the peoples of the Deerfield area, but also it helps them understand why conflicts happen and how they can escalate. The unit then leads students through an analysis of a wide variety of "accounts" of the attack, from contemporary writings, to an early 20th century movie, to late 20th century "action figures." These "accounts" all reflect a distinct point of view, which students learn to "read" and understand. Throughout, the unit encourages students to question motives and attitudes before reaching conclusions about the causes and effects of an important event in American history.

Course Type:

Learning Module

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Activities and Labs, Curriculum Standards, Lesson Plans

Media Format:

Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

Conditions of Use:

Custom Permissions

Copyright Holder:

Copyright 2008 Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield, Massachusetts