Understanding the Massachusetts Spy and Colonial Newspapers

Overview

In this lesson students will compare and contrast a modern newspaper with the May 3, 1775 issue of the Massachusetts Spy to understand the similarities and differences between newspapers of the colonial era and those of today. They will also do a close reading of the account of the Battles of Lexington and Concord printed in the Massachusetts Spy. By the end of the lesson students should have an understanding of the style and importance of colonial newspapers, as well as a sense of the part bias and propaganda played in the colonial media and how that helped spur the American Revolution.

Materials

Worksheet