Directions: Read the following newspaper descriptions and the mock editorials about the Boston Tea Party. Identify which of the four mock newspapers might have printed each editorial.
In London, England, there is a newspaper called the London Daily Reporter. The editor agrees with British government concerns about the American colonists, especially the rebellious Patriots.
In the colonial town of Marble Head, there is the Marble Head Observer, whose editor is neutral.
In Boston a Patriot is the owner of the Liberty Tree. The editor strongly supports the idea of independence.
The Loyal George is run by a Loyalist in Trenton, New Jersey. He believes that colonists should be loyal subjects of his royal highness, King George III.
Rally, Mohawks!
In Boston, on December 16, 1773, hundreds of cheering onlookers saw the valiant efforts of 150 brave Patriots, who were disguised as Mohawk Indians, take part in a marvelous protest against the Tea Act passed by the detestable British government. Using their axes and making triumphant whooping sounds, these fine men split open the tea chests stored on the detested British ships in the Boston Harbor. They then dumped the hateful tea into the water, making a fine brew for his monstrous majesty, George III. The admirable Sons of Liberty have truly struck a marvelous blow for freedom!
Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Joseph Warren, the highly esteemed leaders of the Patriot group known as the Sons of Liberty, denied knowledge of who was involved in the excellent job of tea dumping, but felt the incident sent a wonderful message to the loyalist scum of Boston: Beware of Patriots’ Justice!
#1 The name of this newspaper is the ___________________________________
Tea Dumped into Boston Harbor
In Boston, on December 16, 1773, hundreds of onlookers saw an unknown group in action at the Boston Tea Party. About 150 men disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians and took part in a protest against the Tea Act passed by the British. Using their axes and making wild whooping sounds, they split open the tea chests stored on British ships in the harbor. They dumped the tea into the water.
Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Joseph Warren, leading members of the group known as the Sons of Liberty, were spotted in the vicinity. They had “No Comment” when asked whether their group was involved. The editor of this newspaper must caution both radical groups, the Patriots and the Loyalists, to refrain from causing any more violence. Most citizens only desire peace and safety in our beloved colony.
#2 The name of this newspaper is ____________________________________.
Wicked Unrest in the Colonies
In Boston, on Dec. 16, 1773, hundreds of the ungrateful American colonists watched as a terrorist group of 150 unlawful American rebels disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians in order to destroy valuable boxes of tea. These rude colonial bumpkins were violently protesting the Tea Act and our government’s tax on tea. Using their axes and imitating the unsophisticated Indians’ war cries, the disloyal, wild provincials split open the tea chests and dumped the tea into Boston Harbor.
Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Joseph Warren were discovered near the vicinity of this act of disobedience against the colonists’ loving father, King George III. These leaders of the secret group, the Sons of Liberty, refused to deny this shameful act. These uncultured colonials are behaving like selfish children toward their mother country. Do they not realize their duty to England? They should be honored to be allowed to be a part of our beloved empire and understand their duty to pay for their own governance and protection.
#3 The name of this newspaper is ____________________________________.
Hang the Cowardly Rebels
In Boston, on Dec. 16, 1773, hundreds of shocked onlookers jeered as 150 scruffy rebels disguised as Mohawk Indians basely protested against the Tea Act and the legal taxation of tea by our honorable British government. Using their axes and making ridiculous whooping sounds, the craven mob split open the tea chests stored on lawful British ships in the harbor. Then the lily-livered agitators dumped the extremely valuable contents into the waters.
Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Joseph Warren, the leading turncoats of the illegal group of malcontents known as the Sons of Liberty, were spotted skulking in the vicinity. Of course, the sniveling cowards denied all responsibility for the appalling episode of unwarranted violence against His Majesty’s government. These rebels need to be reminded that not all colonists agree with their point of view. There are many of us who respect His Majesty and the British government.
The name of this newspaper is _____________________________.