PLYMOUTH Re-Decisions

In the study of history, we find there have been numerous crucial decisions with great enough impact to alter the very course of history. 

Many U.S. citizens today can trace their family back to the sailing of the Mayflower. In our first set of Re-Decisions, we will face numerous challenges from this time period to see how we would answer the very same questions that those in history were forced to answer.

Instructions:

For this exercise, each of you will play the role of a leader or group of people in the early 17th century. When it is your turn, you will turn to your "advisors" in class to aid in your answer.

1. After understanding the decision you need to make, go around the room and ascertain the opinion of your advisors.

2. If you are aware of the history, the decision, and the outcome, forget what you know. You are not trying to make the same decision, only the best decision, whether it is the same or different.

3. Once you've heard everyone's opinions, announce your decision, saying "that's my final answer."

4. The teacher will reveal what the actual historical decision of the leader was.

A video clip may be provided to portray the actual historical decision.

CLASS DISCUSSION: Compare your decision with the actual history. Do you think your decision was better or worse than that which actually happened?

In order to put all this in context, you may wish to take a look at one or both of these presentations