A First Case for Freedom of Speech
BACKGROUND
In 1735, forty years before the war with England officially started, New York printer Peter Zenger dared to print articles critical of the British-appointed governor of colonial New York. When he was brought to trial, and emerged victorious, it was a huge victory for freedom of the press. That victory would later be remembered, and incorporated into the American Bill of Rights.
WHAT TO DO
· Read The Printer’s Apprentice. In this book, Peter Zenger’s case is told through the eyes of a boy in training to become a printer.
· After reading the story, choose to either be on the staff of William Bradford’s New York Gazette, or to work for Peter Zenger on the New-York Weekly Journal.
· Put together an issue of your newspaper that might have come out the week of Peter Zenger’s trial.
· Your paper may be typed or neatly written on white lined paper.
BACKGROUND
In 1735, forty years before the war with England officially started, New York printer Peter Zenger dared to print articles critical of the British-appointed governor of colonial New York. When he was brought to trial, and emerged victorious, it was a huge victory for freedom of the press. That victory would later be remembered, and incorporated into the American Bill of Rights.
WHAT TO DO
· Read The Printer’s Apprentice. In this book, Peter Zenger’s case is told through the eyes of a boy in training to become a printer.
· After reading the story, choose to either be on the staff of William Bradford’s New York Gazette, or to work for Peter Zenger on the New-York Weekly Journal.
· Put together an issue of your newspaper that might have come out the week of Peter Zenger’s trial.
· Your paper may be typed or neatly written on white lined paper.