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American Centuries > Lessons > History Lessons By Teachers > Paul Revere’s Engraving of the Boston Massacre

Paul Revere’s Engraving of the Boston Massacre

Details

Author
Chantalle Sole
Topic/Subject Area
Art, Music, Literature, Crafts; Media, Periodicals, Communication; Military, Wars, Battles; Politics, Government, Law, Civics
Historical Era
Revolutionary America, 1763–1783
Grade Level
Elementary (K–5)
Creation Date
2012
Last Revision Date
2024

Related items

About This Lesson

Summary and Objective

Students will analyze the people, objects and setting in Paul Revere’s engraving of the Boston Massacre. They will understand that the engraving was not an accurate portrayal of the incident and that the engraving may have influenced more people to join the Patriots’ views against the British.

Students will understand that the Boston Massacre was a major event leading to the American Revolution.

Materials & Resources

Collection Items

Teaching Plan

  1. Students will read about and discuss the Boston Massacre.
  2. Students will analyze Paul Revere’s engraving of the Boston Massacre in groups of two. They will answer the following questions. What time of day does the event take place? How do you know? In what season does it appear the event took place? How are the British standing? What are the colonists doing? What color is the man lying on the ground? Why do you think there is a dog in the picture? Look at the name of the building on the right. That building did not exist. Why do you think Paul Revere chose to include it in his engraving?
  3. Students will visit websites provided by the teacher to answer the following questions:
    • What do you think Paul Revere was trying to accomplish when he printed this picture?
    • Do you agree or disagree with the engraving? Why?
    • Was this an accident or a planned event? How do you know? Use specific examples.
  4. Students will reflect and view the engraving again, and look for inaccuracies.
  5. Students will gather and discuss the inaccuracies and how they may have influenced some of the colonists’ views.