Assignment: Students pretend that they are a representative to the Stamp Act Congress. At this meeting the delegates will be writing a letter to King George III voicing their anger over Parliament’s harsh taxation policies. This letter should be forceful yet respectful, remember at this point you are angry at Parliament, not the King. You are appealing to him for help.
Format: Your essay should follow the following format:
Paragraph #1 Thesis Paragraph: This essay must begin with a solid purpose statement that explains to the King the reasons for writing this letter. You should briefly identify the three issues that you will be writing about; the Proclamation of 1763, the Sugar Act, and the Stamp Act. You should conclude this paragraph with a pledge of loyalty to the King and ask for his help dealing with Parliament’s harsh taxation policies.
Paragraph #2: In this paragraph you should discuss you disappointment over the Proclamation of 1763. You should spell out exactly what the Proclamation of 1763 was, and explain that you can appreciate his help in protecting the colonists from Indian attacks. But let him know what your position is, explaining that your colonial charters had given you the right to the land. Also say that you believe that this act was instituted more to keep good relations with the Indians for trade. Explain that you and your neighbors will ignore your order and move west, and that you consider the use of the British military to stop you as an insult.
Paragraph #3: In this paragraph you should discuss the Sugar Act of 1764. Explain as completely as you can in this paragraph what the Sugar Act was and what was taxed. Explain that this tax was instituted to pay for the cost of the French and Indian War. Explain why you feel that you should not have to pay for the cost of the War, and describe what you believe the reasons were that the war was fought.
Paragraph #4: In this paragraph you should discuss the Stamp Act of 1765. You should thoroughly explain what the Stamp Act was, what would be taxed under this Act, and why you dislike this tax. Explain that this law violated your right as a British citizen to be taxed only by representatives that you elected. You should end this paragraph by telling the King that this act violated “No Taxation without representation.” Explain what actions the colonists have taken such as setting up Committees of Correspondence to communicate with other colonies. What actions did the Sons of Liberty take?
Paragraph #5: Concluding paragraph: In this paragraph you should summarize your main points of this letter. Explain briefly that each of these acts is unfair and you will not tolerate such infringements on your personal freedoms. Explain that if nothing is done to help the colonists may be forced to take drastic actions such as declaring their independence.
Due Date: Friday, Oct. 31, 2008