Reacting to the Past:

Patriots, Loyalists, and Revolution in New York City, 1775-1776

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Introduction

It is April 1, 1775. The residents of the British colony of New York are involved in a political and social struggle of enormous intensity, in which the future of millions of people on a continental scale seems contingent on the actions and reactions of every member of that society. For ten years, the actions of the British government (levying taxes, instituting regulations, sending in military troops) have led to many colonial responses of defiance, which have produced repeated political crises and escalating confrontations involving violence and intimidation. The legitimacy of the existing political and economic system of the British empire is now under attack…

The vast majority of New Yorkers, formerly lacking in much political enthusiasm or principles beyond self-interest, now face a choice of two factions… The Patriots are now passionately opposed to the existing British government, believing that the British have spent the previous decade plotting to destroy colonial rights and liberties. The Loyalists are just as passionately committed to the British government’s defense, claiming it ensures the rule of law and provides prosperity, protection, and justice amid chaos and disorder. The Moderates — undecided men, women, and slaves — will be swayed to the Patriot or Loyalist side by a combination of principle, self-interest, and opportunistic desire to join the side whose success is most assured.

In our role playing game, you will have the chance to make the decisions that will sway the battle to your side and determine the fate of your country.

Bill Offutt, Reacting to the Past, 3

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The Game

For one week, students will become the leaders of the New York Colony and debate the issues surrounding the questions of American Independence and war from 1775-1776. In this game you will need to truly BECOME your character and argue your perspectives from their historical point of view. This is a game, however, so you will have the chance to change history if you so choose. Below is a list of example topics for debate (although you are neither limited to this list, nor required to follow it):

  1. Whether the colony of New York will participate in the Continental Association as a response to the Coercive/Intolerable Acts, and if so, how it will be enforced.

  2. Whether courts in New York City should be reopened (against the will of King George III), and if so, under what personnel, laws, and oaths.

  3. Whether troops will be raised for the defense of New York, the colonies, or both, and if so, which characters will be mobilized for this service.

  4. Whether New York should be committed to a plan of reconciliation with the British or to independence.

Secondary Issues (if Independence is declared):

  1. Should women be given the right to vote?

  2. Should slavery be outlawed?

  3. How should the economy function now that the British mercantilist system has ended?

  4. Should New York contribute soldiers to a Continental Army, or should New York use only militia to protect itself and not fight with the other colonies?

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Assignment

  1. Read the Game Rules, Procedures, and Assignments

  2. Receive your Role Assignment

  3. Write your Historical Role Report (click here for the assignment)

  4. PLAY THE GAME (you are graded upon your active participation). For the game you must have at least ONE PREPARED SPEECH, and you are encouraged to give numerous impromptu speeches and prepare news reports and propaganda campaigns.

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Points of Order

  • The game will be far more successful (and way more fun) if you stay in your historical character (and yes, you can come in costume).

  • Your HISTORICAL ROLE REPORT must be completed before our reenactment time begins in class.

  • You must have at least one PREPARED SPEECH that you will type and hand in. This prepared speech could be a resolution to pass a motion or make an amendment, create legislation, or argue in favor of removal of the king or other major changes. Impromptu speeches are recommended in order to make you an active participant, and to sway the National Assembly to accept your propositions (this is how you win the game).

  • You should create group chats, host political club meetings (at coffee shops for instance), create short written manifestos for distribution, propaganda leaflets, broadsides and social media campaigns in an effort to win the game. While we are in the 1775-1776 time period, you can use modern methods to get your ideas out there.

  • Click here to find the GUIDE TO PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. These are the rules of keeping order within the game.

Role Assignments:

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS YEAR’S LIST OF ROLE ASSIGNMENTS

Game Master -- Citizen Fairbanks

PATRIOT FACTION

  • Alexander Hamilton

  • Robert Livingston

  • Alexander McDougall

  • Isaac Sears

  • John Morin Scott

(Additional Patriots)

  • Abraham Brasher

LOYALIST FACTION

  • James Delancey

  • Frederick Philipse

  • James Jauncey

  • Robert Murray

(Additional Loyalists)

  • Christopher Billop

MODERATES

  • John Polhamus

  • John Cuyler, Jr

  • Johannes Snyder

(Additional Moderates)

  • John Williams

THE CROWD

  • Laborers

    • Isaac Deane

    • George Robert

    • John Forster

  • Women

    • Margarite de la Montagne

    • Prudence Holman

    • Mary Pearsee Willett

  • Slaves

    • Joseph Bartlet

    • Joseph Collins

    • Thomas Foster