July 2013

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George vs. George: The American Revolution as seen from Both Sides

By: Rosalyn Schanzer

Rosalyn Schanzer's George vs. George brings to life both sides of the American Revolution. There are two enemies, both named George: George Washington, the man who freed the American colonies from the British; and George III, the British king who lost them. Was King George a "Royal Brute" as American patriots claimed? Or was he, as others believed, "the father of the people?" Was George Washington a traitor, as the king's supporters claimed? Americans remember and celebrate him as "the father of his country?" Who was right? History teaches us that there are two sides to every story.

Activities

  1. On Independence Day, we commemorate the adoption of our Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and more. Most communities have fun 4th of July activities to attend or you can enjoy some of these traditions as a family!

  2. As a family, discuss how George vs. George teaches us that there can be two sides to a story. What were the two sides in the American Revolution? Why would America consider King George a royal brute and why did the British think that George Washington was a traitor? How do you think King George and George Washington became enemies?

  3. George Washington and our founding fathers are some of the most interesting and important figures in American history. You can visit your local library to find books about the men and women whom you read about in George vs. George, including Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock and Patrick Henry, and to learn more about our unique American history!

  4. The month of July is a great time to remember our Service Members who work to preserve our Nation's independence. As a family write a letter to a currently deployed soldier to thank them for their service. Operation Gratitude will walk your family through the process! Visit their website to learn more: http://www.operationgratitude.com

  5. Reading historical documents can be a great family activity, because you can learn important information while practicing literacy skills. As a family, read The Declaration of Independence or Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech that he gave in 1775 and talk about why these documents are important to our nation's history.