An Address of the Convention of Representatives of the State of New York to Their Constituents, December 23, 1776

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Introduction

In August 1776,  British forces invaded Long Island, overwhelmed the fledging continental army under General George Washington and went on to occupy New York City by the end of September. The Provincial Congress was not deterred. It urged New York’s citizens to fully support the rebel cause despite the military setbacks. It issued an appeal to the public in December 1776, a rallying cry for patience and courage.

Learning Standards

11.2 CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS (1763 – 1824): Growing political and economic tensions led the American colonists to declare their independence from Great Britain. Once independent, the new nation confronted the challenge of creating a stable federal republic. (Standards: 1, 5; Themes: TCC, GOV, CIV, ECO)
11.2b Failed attempts to mitigate the conflicts between the British government and the colonists led the colonists to declare independence, which they eventually won through the Revolutionary War, which affected individuals in different ways.
Students will examine the purpose of and the ideas contained in the Declaration of Independence and consider its long term impacts.