Appeals to British Brethren

Worksheet Description

This worksheet features an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence that discusses the colonists’ attempts to reach out to their “British brethren” before declaring independence. It includes four questions designed to engage students with the text: the meaning of the term “brethren,” why the writers chose this word, how the British failed the colonists, and the purpose of including this passage in the Declaration. The task encourages students to analyze the language and arguments used by the American Founding Fathers to justify their separation from Great Britain. It guides students through a close reading of the text, prompting them to consider the implications of the words and the colonists’ perspective on the events that led to the decision to declare independence.

The worksheet aims to teach students about the historical context and the rhetorical strategies employed in the Declaration of Independence. It encourages critical thinking by asking students to interpret the language used and to infer the reasons behind specific word choices. Additionally, it seeks to provide an understanding of the colonists’ grievances against the British government and their efforts to resolve issues before resorting to independence. By analyzing this passage, students learn how to dissect historical documents to better understand the motives and sentiments of the people involved in their creation.