Directions: Throughout this unit, students will watch HBO's John Adams, Episode 1: Join or Die (available on HBO and Prime). ​This first part of Episode 1: Join or Die will follow John Adams', as he defends a group of British soldiers accused of murder. As they watch, students will pause periodically to answer following questions related to the episode.

• 1. After John is asked to help defend the soldiers, he speaks with Abigail about whether or not to accept the case. What arguments are made for and against taking the case?
• 2. Do you think that John believes Captain Preston and his account of the events? Why or why not?
• 3. How do John and Sam differ in their views on the soldiers and what took place the night of the shooting?​

• 4. How does John describe the supposed "lawful assembly" to the court? What is he suggesting about the crowed?
• 5. After the night of the shooting, Paul Revere, a silver smith member of the Sons of Liberty created the image shown here. What are some of the biased or misleading elements used to depict the shooting?
• 6. How do you think this piece of propaganda helped shape colonial views of what happened the night of the shooting?
• 7. How does the testimony of Mr. Richard Palms (the rope maker) tell a different story than that of Mr. Gottard?

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