Compelling Question: How does a person become a traitor?
Staging the Question: Read Aloud "Treason of the Blackest Dye..."
Discuss: What is treason? What was the attitude toward treason in the 18th Century?
Standards and Practices:
New York State Social Studies Framework: 4.3d, 7.3d, 11.2b
Social Studies Practices:
Gathering, Interpreting and Using Evidence
Chronological Reasoning
Supporting Question 1: What was Major John Andre doing near Tarrytown on September 23, 1780?
Formative Performance Task:
Andre's Boot: Analyze the documents found in Andre's boot. Share the evidence with members of the group. Determine what Andre was doing near Tarrytown, NY on September 23, 1780.
Featured Sources:
Supporting Question 2: How did Benedict Arnold feel about his experience in the Continental Army?
Formative Performance Task:
Read and analyze the letter from Benedict Arnold to Colonel Varick. Read for tone and content. Generalize about Arnold's overall attitude toward his service in the Continental Army using evidence from the letter.
Featured Sources:
Letter Benedict Arnold to Colonel Varick about Rewarding for Merit, October 30, 1776
Supporting Question 3: Based on the evidence, was Benedict Arnold guilty of Treason?
Formative Performance Task:
Corroborate the evidence. Determine of Arnold was guilty of treason and list the evidence that supports your conclusion.
Featured Sources:
Letter from Arnold offering West Point
Notes from documents in Andre's Boot
