Part 3 Vocabulary 
Monday, April 21, 2014
7:12 AM
Vocabulary Words and Definitions 
LIBERTY TREE
A regular meeting place for Patriots to express their viewpoints and protest the British interference in the colonies.  The tree was also used for hanging effigies, posting broadsides, distributing pamphlets, and hanging flags.  During the siege of Boston in 1775, a group of Loyalists cut down the tree and used it for firewood.
BROADSIDE
 A printed poster or public announcement, designed to catch a reader’s attention and declare the latest news, government proclamations, public service announcements, opinions or advertisements.
PAMPHLET
A printed leaflet or booklet, often containing political, philosophical or religious arguments, essays, and commentaries on current events.  Pamphlets were usually printed and distributed quickly and cheaply.
MARTYR
One who suffers or sacrifices something of great value – often one’s own life – for refusing to renounce a belief or standing up for one’s principles.
SPINNING BEE
A gathering of people, usually women, to encourage the production of yarn as opposed to importation.  Spinning bees were a popular forum for expressing opposition to heavily taxed British goods.
STAMP ACT
The Stamp Act of 1765, established by Parliament, imposed a tax on all public and legal documents including permits, contracts, newspapers, wills, pamphlets, and even playing cards.  Colonists protested the Act, claiming that it was not fair for Parliament to impose taxes on the colonies if the colonies were not represented in Parliament.  The Stamp Act was repealed on March 18, 1766.
Writing Assignment  
Write a sentence for each of these words.  
Martyr
Pamphlet
Broadcast
Liberty Tree
Sons of Liberty
Stamp Act
King George III
Spinning bee
Vocabulary Activity 
Activity: After reading and talking about the words or terms on the flash cards, read this letter Nat Wheeler sent to his parents back in Uxbridge shortly before the funeral of Christopher Seider. Use the cards and your memory to help you fill in the missing words and terms.
King George III
pennywhistle
Liberty Tree
broadside
martyr
pamphlet
spinning bee
Stamp Act
Sons of Liberty
My dear Mother and Father,
I do not wish to alarm you, but tensions here in Boston are rising by the day.  In my last letter I told you of the death of a young apprentice, Christopher Seider.  Preparations for his funeral are now underway, and many people in Boston have strong feelings about the incident.  I have heard several people call Christopher a __________, since his life was sacrificed in support of the Patriot cause.  I must decide if I agree.  It is a lot to think about.
My work does not provide me with much distraction, as Master Edes is busy printing information about the funeral.  He printed a __________ to give to people at the funeral, with Patriot opinions and essays about the current state of affairs with Britain.  Perhaps it will move the people of Boston to take further action.
Just a few days ago Master Edes had me post a __________ announcing information about the funeral to the people of Boston.  I was told to put the paper at a popular gathering place for Patriots, the __________.  I learned that it 
has been an important location for the Patriots.  After the __________ in 1765, when printed paper and documents were taxed, many gathered there to protest and voice their opinions.  I heard that several men, known as the __________, met there to protest violently, and even burned effigies of British officials!
I cannot help but sometimes question the actions of the man who wears the crown, __________.    It seems no matter what he does, the Boston is an unhappy town.   I do not believe that he and the redcoats will back down any time soon, and I worry about what will come next.
But please, do not fear that my days are filled only with talk of conflict and death.  Recently, Mrs. Edes allowed me to sit in on her __________, which was a great success.  She and the other Patriot women are committed to make their own yarn and cloth to avoid importing British goods.  In the few moments I have to myself, I am practicing new songs on my __________.  I am becoming quite good, and will play a song or two when I see you next.
I pray that you and Samuel are well, and that all is well on the farm.
Your loving son,
Nat