American History: The Early Years Textbook Activities
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American History: The Early Years
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Chapter 10: The Federalist Era
"Early American Poetry"

Introduction
     In this chapter, you read about the issues that divided the country during the Federalist Era, such as states' rights, trade, and foreign policy. During this time, newspapers helped to shape public opinion. The Federalist Gazette of the United States and its anti-Federalist National Gazette were particularly popular. Philip Freneau, the editor of the National Gazette, wrote poetry as well as political editorials. Go on the Internet to read one of his most famous poems and consider the message it conveys.

Destination Title: Philip Freneau: "The Indian Burying Ground"
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Directions
Start at the Philip Freneau page of the Archiving Early America Web site.
  • Read the poem and answer the following questions.

1. Who are "the ancients"?


2. How does the speaker characterize them?


3. Who is the stranger? Why does the speaker address the reader this way?


4. What, in your opinion, is the poem about?
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