Week 8: If At First You Don't Succeed...Retreat!

 


Battle of Long Island. Gowanus Creek & Pond. General Stirling & Marylanders attack 
General Cornwallis’ troops allowing bulk of his force to escape. Artwork by Alonzo Chapell


George Washington seemed to have every odd stacked against him: untrained and often uneducated farmers and field hands for military troops, scanty supplies, little to no support from Congress, American Tories and military officers supplying intelligence to the enemy, oh, and did I mention, that with all this, he was merely trying to defeat the largest, most powerful military force in the entire world?! 

Even with all the roadblocks that Washington faced, he pushed forward. He knew he had God on his side, and he also knew that if he would give his all to the cause of liberty, that God would make up the difference, and preserve him to fight another day. The Battle of Long Island was a great example of this: outnumbered two to one, the Americans fought like the dickens to keep the British from taking over New York like they did Boston, but ultimately the British outmatched them, and the Americans were forced to retreat...and retreat...and retreat. 

During the Revolution, the road to victory would be difficult, with many setbacks and losses along the way, but those hardships would teach Washington, and the American people, that true success only comes with a lot of struggle and falling down, but you've just got to get back up and keep going. And for all the pain and trouble, in the end, the reward will be that much sweeter.

ASSIGNMENTS:

WRITING: How do you overcome roadblocks in your life?

READING: 
  • Read the American Crisis by Thomas Paine (pg. 23 in your binder). Make a vocabulary list by highlighting and looking up definitions of words you are unfamiliar with.
  • The Real George Washington is due January 13th. Keep notes on any insights or questions you have as you read to be prepared for the book discussion.
PRESENTATIONS: Thank you to Liya and Morgan for teaching us about Francis Marion and Life as a Prisoner. This week we will be pleased to hear from Kellen on Betsy Ross and the First Flag. Remember to use only notes on notecards, bring a stunning visual aid, and use at least three sources to gather your information from.

DEVOTIONAL: Braeden

AWARD REQUIREMENTS: Time is running out to earn those first semester ribbons! We have 6 classes left of this semester, so work on those memorizations, watch those movies, and finish those books! And don't forget there will be a party or field trip for those who complete the Declaration of Independence Journal! 

CANDY TRIVIA:

Which American Revolutionary soldier kept a seven-year diary account of the War, and is often quoted as an historical source? (Hint: he was played by an actor in the documentary we watched in class.)

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