Warm-Up

Debate Overview Opening statements Debate which will include questions from moderator(s) Rebuttal from groups Closing statements

Opening Statements One student in the group will make an opening statement. Setting the tone for the debate, the students should have a prepared speech (one to two minutes). Opening statements should include the group’s opinion with a brief overview of the supporting evidence.

Debate Each group will be assigned an event that led to the Texas Revolution. Your group will defend you event and why it was the reason the Texas Revolution began. Groups will be asked question by the moderator. After the group responds to the questions, other groups can raise their orange sheet of notebook paper if they would like to give a rebuttal.

Closing Statements Another student will give the closing statement. The planned closing statements (one to two minutes) should restate the opinions with strong supporting evidence

Activity Write an opening statement - Opening statements should include the group’s opinion with a brief overview of the supporting evidence Research topic. Get as much information as you can. Textbook tshaonline.org Write a closing statement - should restate the opinions with strong supporting evidence

Debate Teams Team #1 – Stephen F. Austin’s Arrest Team #2 – Law of April 6, 1830 Team #3 – Fredonian Rebellion Team #4 – Mier y Teran’s Report Team #5 – Battle of Gonzales

Debate Dos Be polite and courteous. Listen attentively Be respectful and supportive of peers. Avoid inappropriate noises. Speak only when recognized by the moderator. Allow others to express their opinions; do not monopolize the debate. Use grammatically correct language. Speak clearly, slowly, and loud enough to be heard by the audience. Speak with passion and excitement.

Opening Statements Each group will be given 1 – 2 minutes for their opening statements.

Question #1 This question is for any group EXCEPT Battle of Gonzales group The Battle of Gonzales marks the start of the Texas Revolution. How can you argue that your event is more important than the Battle of Gonzales?

Question #2 This question is for the Law of April 6, 1830 team. Some argue that the Law of April 6, 1830 was only written because of the Mier y Teran report. How do you argue that the Law of April 6, 1830 was the biggest contributor to the start of the Texas Revolution?

Question #3 This question is for the Mier y Teran’s group. Some historians believe that the Mier y Teran’s report would have never occurred if it wasn’t for the Fredonian Rebellion. How do you respond to their argument? How can you defend that your event was the biggest contributor to the start of the Texas Revolution?

Question # 4 The question is for the Battle of Gonzales group. Since you believe the Battle of Gonzales is the most contributing event of the Texas Revolution, do you think the revolution would have begun if Mexico had not asked for their cannon back?

Question #5 Any group EXCEPT Stephen F. Austin’s group. Why is your event more important than Stephen F. Austin’s arrest?

Question #6 The question is for Stephen F. Austin’s group. Stephen F. Austin was against the start of the Texas Revolution. Once he was arrested he changed his mind. How do you respond to people who say the Texas Revolution would have begun with or without Stephen F. Austin?

Question #7 In 1834 Texas there were: ◦ 30,000 U.S. Immigrants ◦ 7800 Mexican born immigrants ◦ 5,000 slaves Based on the rate the American population was, some historians believe the Texas Revolution was going to happen no matter what? How do you respond to them?

Closing statements Each group will give their closing statements.