Allies at Last

Word Wise

alliance

occupy

treaty

America has been fighting the war with England unassisted for a while now.  It would be helpful if an ally could step in and help.  In fact, an ally with a strong naval force to counteract the British fleet would be splendid.  France would be an excellent addition to the Patriot force - ironic since many of the Patriots (including George Washington himself) fought against the French just a few years prior.

Liberty's Kids

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Today, we met two figures in American history that you may not have known before:  John André and Peggy Shippen.

Philadelphia Freedom

John André

One of the most interesting figures of the American Revolution worked on the British side of the war.  John André was his name.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica:

Sent to America in 1774, André became chief intelligence officer to the British commander in chief, General Sir Henry Clinton, in New York City. From May 1779 he carried on a secret correspondence with Arnold, who had become disillusioned with the American cause. In August 1780 Arnold was appointed commandant of the fort at West Point, New York, which, at a meeting with André on September 21, he agreed to surrender for £20,000.

Of course, that's probably enough spoilers for the time being.

The Storm

Peggy Shippen

Here's a story of a lovely, manipulative lady, perhaps responsible for turning her husband (later) Benedict Arnold against the Patriot cause.  For now, however, Miss Shippen is more interested in John André.

Both André and Shippen were invested in manipulating other people.  One, a gentleman, respected even by General Washington, and the other, a young lady from a prominent American family.

It just seems wrong that these two were so at home in Benjamin Franklin's house in Philadelphia.  Where will their schemes take them?  Perhaps they will spin out of control as they continue to work for the good of the British Empire.

Newport, Rhode Island

Find Newport, Rhode Island and you will have found the location of a great center for religious liberties, a concept that, by the way, 

Freedom of Religion

While the United States Constitution addresses the freedom of religion in the First Amendment, at this point in history, the Constitution has not been written or accepted.  The freedom of religion cited by Moses Michael Hays and others was still in the trial stages for our country and has been through a few more trials since.

Moses Michael Hays

Very few people have heard of Moses Michael Hays, but his part of the Revolutionary story is interesting because it gives a different angle to consider.

• What about Hays interactions with Patriots can be attributed to bravery?
• Would it have difficult to be Jewish in a predominantly Christian society?
• Would it be difficult to be Muslim the United States today?  Why?
• Would it be be difficult to be a Christian in a society where more and more people do not believe in God?
• Are there other religions that may feel oppressed or persecuted in today's society?
• What, specifically, does the first part of the First Amendment say?
• What does the first part not say?
• What else will be included in the First Amendment?

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While We're on the Subject

Here's some more interesting information:

What Is the Smallest State?

Paris, France

France has long been an ally of the United States.  Though, we have our differences of opinion from time to time, our nations have remained friendly.

Treaty of Alliance

In our school, we work hard to make sure students know how to greet one another and get along with each other.  We do not make formal treaties with each other as individuals, but there is an expectation for us to tolerate differences and differences of opinion.  Just as Benjamin Franklin had to greet the French with diplomacy, we also have an obligation to treat one another with respect and resilience.

It's time to review the expectations of our Core Behaviors and keep them fresh in our minds for the future.

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