Paul Revere -- the Midnight Rider (Biography)
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Biography Paul Revere: The Midnight Rider As a leader of the Sons of Liberty, he risked death as a courier and spy and helped organize the Boston Tea Party. A master silversmith—his work is still admired today—he used his skills to engrave powerful propaganda, enraging British rulers. Paul Revere: The Midnight Rider tells Paul Revere’s complete story, following the famed patriot into the war, where he served as a Continental Army colonel, and beyond, to his prosperous life as an early American industrialist. Paul Revere: The Midnight Rider would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, American folklore, Political Science, and Civics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school. Discussion Questions 1. The story of Paul Revere’s midnight ride is part history and part myth. What is a myth? How do myths transmit cultural mores? What myths are part of your culture? 2. Paul Revere is an American folk hero. What is a folk hero? Why do cultures need folk heroes? Who are some of the other folk heroes of American history and culture? 3. Paul Revere served as an apprentice in his father’s shop. What is an apprentice? What is the role of apprenticeship in skilled labor? 4. In 18th century Boston, one’s class and position in life was evident by what clothing she or he wore. How could clothing distinguish the different classes? Does today’s clothing distinguish between the classes? 5. Why did Great Britain increase taxation of the American colonies in the 1760s and the 1770s? 6. Paul Revere was a man of many skills and talents. What were some of the things at which Paul Revere excelled? 7. The Freemasons are long established in America. What was Paul Revere’s role in the Freemasons? 8. Every school child is familiar with the story of the Boston Tea Party. Why was this famous American event an act of “political theater?” 9. In the 1770s, Great Britain passed the Intolerable Acts. How did these acts help to provoke the American Revolution? 10. Discuss Paul Revere, the man, and Paul Revere, the myth. Why has the story of Paul Revere’s ride risen to mythic proportions? 11. What was Paul Revere’s contribution to the American Revolution, and to American history? Extended Activities 1. Design articles of clothing for an 18th century gentleman or lady, and clothing for a mechanic or goodwife. How would your designs emphasize the differences between the classes of the wearers? 2. Paul Revere engraved political cartoons that enraged the British and provided political commentary and satire for the current events of his time. Draw a political cartoon that draws on some of the current events of today. ©1996-2007 A&E Television Networks. All Rights Reserved .