At then end of the semester, students will have to write a comprehensive essay that addresses the question, did freedom and/or opportunity, democracy and/or liberty expand or contract from the beginning of American history to the end of the Civil War. To help us prepare for this final assignment, students will write a speech from the perspective of the great-grandchild of the character you were assigned in the Bacon’s Rebellion Game. Pretend that you are to deliver this speech on the eve of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Thus, for example, if you were Governor Berkeley, you will pretend to be his grandchild and write a speech on whether you think freedom/liberty/opportunity/democracy has expanded and/or contracted for you. While you are expected to present a cogent argument, you MUST support your assertions with specific examples drawn from the text and class discussions. You may also do some internet research but please note that you will need to think critically and imaginatively to answer this question well. I played Thomas Matthews so write it in his character perspective.
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