In Congress Assembled

LESSON FOUR: Early Congress Proclaims Holidays

One of the most lasting historical effects of Congressional decision-making is the establishment of national holidays. This lesson highlights early examples of Congress declaring special days of thanksgiving and remembrance.

Preliminary Activity:

Distribute a copy of the original broadside "In Congress. December 11, 1776...". Read along as the teacher recites the first paragraph of the manuscript, and points out the early form of the letter "S". Work individually or in pairs to transcribe the second paragraph of the broadside. (The transcribed version of the broadside could be printed on the reverse of the copy of the manuscript to facilitate this task).

Consider such questions as:

• What is the "just and necessary war" to which Congress refers?
• When and where did the battles of that war begin?
• When did the Americans declare their independence from Great Britain?
• What are the recommendations Congress makes to the United States?
• According to the tone of this document, how do you think the war was going at the time it was written?

Discussion:

Working in pairs, study the two additional documents: "Proclamation: Whereas, in just punishment..." and "State of New Hampshire. In Committee..." and respond in small groups or as an entire class to questions such as:

• When was the document produced?
• Where was the proclamation disseminated?
• What seemed to be the course of the War for Independence at the time?
• Which country is the "ally" mentioned in the documents?
• What dates did the Continental Congress suggest for holidays?

Culminating Activity:

Brainstorm modern-day holidays which are reminiscent of those suggested in 1779 and 1782. Why do we commemorate special days?

Extension Activity

Documents:

1. "In Congress. December 11, 1776..."
2. "Proclamation: Whereas, in just punishment..."
3. "State of New Hampshire. In Committee..."

Examine the degree of religiosity contained in all three documents, and discuss how and why such references differ from the language of modern legislation.