Analysis of an American Revolution Image

Focusing on Details: Discussion Topic

All documents and text associated with this activity are printed below, followed by a worksheet for student responses.

Introduction

Explore and analyze the following image related to the American Revolution. Answer the questions below.

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Worksheet

Analysis of an American Revolution Image

Focusing on Details: Discussion Topic

Examine the documents included in this activity and write your response in the space provided.

What is the action taking place?
Who is being punished and why?
Who is giving the punishment?
Where is the action taking place?
What do you think the effects of this type of punishment were for those who witnessed or heard about it?
Based on the background action in the image, what seems to be the colonial grievance at issue?

Your Response

Activity Element

The Bostonian`s Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring & Feathering. Copy of mezzotint attributed to Philip Dawe

Page 2

Conclusion

Analysis of an American Revolution Image

Focusing on Details: Discussion Topic

Were colonists justified in using force as a form of protest? Why or why not?

Your Response

Document

The Bostonian's Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring & Feathering. Copy of mezzotint attributed to Philip Dawe

10/31/1774

This is a copy of a mezzotint by David Claypoole Johnston, based on artwork attributed to Philip Dawe that was published in Britain by Robert Sayer and John Bennett. It was gathered as part of the George Washington Bicentennial Commission in 1931-1932. The Commission's purpose was to celebrate the birth and accomplishments of Washington, and to collect, preserve, and publish writings, artworks, and photographs pertinent to his life and times.

This primary source comes from the Records of Commissions of the Legislative Branch.

National Archives Identifier: 532889

Full Citation: Photograph 148-GW-1141; The Bostonian's Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring & Feathering. Copy of mezzotint attributed to Philip Dawe; 10/31/1774; The George Washington Bicentennial Commission, 1931 - 1932; Records of Commissions of the Legislative Branch, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/bostonians-paying-exciseman, April 19, 2024]