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Lesson

John Hancock (1737-1793)

Duration
60 min
Published
Nov 5, 2020
A man in 18th-century attire sits at a table with an open book and quill, against a draped background.
How did John Hancock work to support the Revolutionary cause? What was important about his partnership with Samuel Adams in resisting British tyranny?

Founding Principles

Liberty, Limited Government

Learning objectives

Students will:

  • explain the ways John Hancock worked to support the Revolutionary cause.
  • understand the reasons for Hancock’s reputation in the American colonies.
  • understand the partnership between Hancock and Samuel Adams in resisting British tyranny.
  • analyze the various purposes of the “Oration on the Anniversary of the Boston Massacre.”
  • evaluate the effectiveness of Hancock’s rhetorical strategies.
  • appreciate Hancock’s contributions to his country.

Materials

Student Handouts

Additional Teacher Resource

Lesson Components

ActivityHandout A: John Hancock (1737–1793)
ActivityHandout B: Vocabulary and Context Questions – John Hancock (1737-1793)
ActivityHandout C: In His Own Words: John Hancock on the Anniversary of the Boston Massacre
ActivityHandout D: Analysis: John Hancock on the Anniversary of the Boston Massacre
ActivityThematic Essay – John Hancock (1737-1793)

Lesson plan

60 minClick a phase to open it

Standards

Advanced Placement

  • CCE

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Related materials

Portrait of a man with white hair, wearing a dark coat with embroidery, set against a dark background.
FounderJohn Hancock

Hancock was a wealthy merchant whose bank account helped to finance the radical activities of the Sons of Liberty. Hancock himself became a thorn in the side of the British, who seized his ship, the Liberty, in 1768 and put a price on his head in 1775.