Introducing 

Prezi AI.

Your new presentation assistant.

Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.

Loading…
Transcript

Unit Two

Ancient Rome VS America

Writings of the Founding Fathers

William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

A General History: The Rise of Caesar

Keep note of how you see the following in the play:

The Republic of Rome

The Triumvirate

A riddle: Who has the most power in the world and why?

•Courts, Judges, Justices?

•Congress, politicians, lobbyists?

•Rich CEOs and Corporations?

•Police, National Guard, Army?

As Caesar grew up he became a great orator, politician and military leader with the financial backing of Crassus (the richest man to ever live on the planet) and political backing of Pompey (great general). These three gained the common people’s and nobles’ respect by providing stability to Rome.

Triumvirate fell apart when Crassus died out east and the majority his money went to his family. Then Julia, wife of Pompey and daughter of Caesar, died in childbirth- severing the last political tie.

  • Rome was a Republic- ideally “State is Public/Owned by the People”
  • Politicians grew corrupt and began killing people to get what they wanted
  • This trend started with the Senate and was followed by the Military
  • The rise of Roman Generals led to a string of bloody civil wars. Most notable are those between Sulla and Marius (uncle to Julius Caesar). When Marius was defeated Sulla almost killed a young Julius Caesar, but didn’t because he was begged not to.

Executive Branches (Martial Enforcers) are the only branches that actually wield power. But are the most expensive.

“If you want peace prepare for war.”

Themes in the play:

1.Qualities of a Leader

2.Friendship

3.Suicide

4.Fate and Superstition

List 5 facts from the YouTube video that you didn’t previously know, found interesting, and/or think will be important things to know before you start reading Julius Caesar.

Write at least 5 facts that you didn't previously know or found interesting...

Use this video as another way of learning the colonists grievances as listed in "The Declaration of Independence."

Quick Historical Background

18th Century called THE AGE OF REASON

  • VALUE REASON OVER FAITH
  • MAJOR SHIFT FROM PURITAN INFLUENCE

  • By 1750, 4th and 5th generation living in US; happy with English rule.

  • Mid-1760s-1770s became unhappy because of regulations imposed by King George III and Parliament

Taking Rome

Gaul

Caesar's Rome

After defeating all of his enemies, Caesar becomes the dictator of Rome. Most of the common people love and adore him because he provides stability. Many of the nobles, while they may like Caesar as a man, despise his ambition and his establishing of a line of dictators in Rome.

  • At this point Caesar had a lot of debts and is the governor Gaul. At the end of his term Caesar is supposed to return to Rome, but because of his debts he can’t without ruining his own political career.
  • After many years Caesar defeats Rome’s oldest enemy the Gauls. Looting after the battles and being able sell survivors as slaves make Caesar very wealthy.

  • When Caesar’s term in Gaul is done the senate, under the control of Pompey, orders Caesar to disband his army before he crosses the Rubicon River. Caesar knew that because Pompey was now his enemy if he went into Rome without his army he would be killed or put in prison.

  • Caesar looks at his veteran, well-trained, extremely loyal army and refuses to follow the orders of a Senate he did not respect. Breaking one of Rome’s oldest laws, Caesar commands his army to cross the Rubicon and marches on Rome. Pompey doesn’t have time to assemble his army, so he and those senators loyal to him flee south. After much pursuit, Caesar and his army defeat Pompey’s army. After running for many years Pompey is assassinated, as ordered by Caesar.

Unit Essential Questions:

  • What defines a good leader?
  • What role do the common people play in a revolution?
  • Is America the new Rome and are we destined to the same outcome?

Keep Notes on the following topics.

1.Are the conspirators justified in killing Caesar? (Find evidence for and against)

2.What are the strengths and weaknesses as a leader displayed by Caesar and Brutus?

3.How do the characters use language to twist meanings and to achieve their own ends?

Given an example for each of the following characters.

  • Caesar
  • Brutus
  • Cassius
  • Antony
  • Portia
  • Decius

Writers like Jefferson, Franklin, and Paine were considered part of the ENLIGHTENMENT

  • Value of Reason over that of Faith
  • Failed Government
  • 1st Attempt at government (ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION aka “LEAGUE OF FRIENDSHIP” failed.

  • CONSTITUTION AND BILL OF RIGHTS WAS ACTUALLY OUR 2ND ATTEMPT AT CENTRALIZED GOVERNMENT.

Writing Activity:

Julius Caesar once famously said:

“Ven Vidi Vici” or “I came, I saw, I conquered.”

In your opinion, what does this quote mean? Have you ever conquered something with courage? What was it? If you have not had a personal experience with this, describe a time when someone else did.

What does this quote suggest about “Americans” at this point in history?

“The fate of unborn millions will now depend under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choice of brave resistance, or the most abject submission. We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die.”

- George Washington

Literature of the Period

The Promise

The revolution created two things: 1) a new person (“American” and 2) a new country “United States.”

Writers like Benjamin Franklin - wrote the 1st great American literary class – The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

  • Was the 1st great American success story AKA Rags to Riches

Public writing was produced during “The REVOLUTIONARY Period”

By 1776, 30 newspapers were established

By Washington’s inauguration, 40 magazines and almanacs created.

Politics speeches and debates turned into literature

  • James Otis – “Taxation without representation is tyranny.”
  • Thomas Paine – Common Sense sold 100K copies in 1 month.

The Paradox

Contradiction of Freedom for Colonists but Slavery for the Slaves.

1789 – Franklin made petition to Congress to abolish Slavery

Olaudah Equiano wrote his Slave Narrative

Phillis Wheatley wrote her book of poems

Proved that slaves were not a bunch of babbling idiots but great thinkers, orators, and writers.

Act III Videos

We will answer the questions by:

Studying the following texts:

  • William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar"
  • Writings of the Founding Fathers and others from the Colonial period
  • Articles comparing America to Ancient Rome

Comparing Similar Themes

Watch the following videos and answer the questions about media bias in your unit packet.

Remember:

to complete your pre-reading activities in your packet!

Learn more about creating dynamic, engaging presentations with Prezi