A Republic of Drivers

1. Look at the two paintings belowand their captions.
Work in pairs. Discuss:
a.What do these two paintings have in common?
b.What story or eventdo you think connects them?

Painting 1. George Washington, First President of the United States

George Washington, Gilbert Stuart, c. 1821, in National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

George Washington was born in 1732 and he died in 1799. He was the leader of the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) which resulted in the independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. His role was instrumental in the foundation of the American democracy and the creation of the new country. 

Painting 2. Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Watson and 25th Regiment of Foot

Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Watson, Giuseppe Chiesa, date unknown, in National Army Museum, London. 

The color of the uniforms of British soldiers explains why they were nicknamed “redcoats.” Later, when the War of Independence started, American Patriots coined more negative nicknames such as “lobsters” or “bloody backs.”

2. Recap.
Based on the pictures and what you have just learnt:
a.What do you think this video will show?
b.Why do you think these historical figures appear in a car commercial?
c.What kind of tone will be used (serious, funny, patriotic, tragic)?

Revolution on Wheels - Video

Revolution on Wheels - Video Worksheet

1. First viewing.Watch and react.
Watch the video without taking notes.
a.What was the mood or feeling of the commercial?
b.What surprised you?
c.What part do you remember best?

2. Second viewing.Watch with a focus.
As you watch the video again, fill in the chart below. In the column on the left, note the elements you saw or heard and in the column on the right, imagine what each elementsuggests, symbolizes, or represents. You can draw the chart in your notebook, fill it in online or download it.

3. Discuss the message.
Talk in small groups:
a.Why do you think the ad represented soldiers, flags, and George Washington?
b.What is the company trying to say about America and cars?

Revolution on Wheels - Create-Your-Ad Worksheet

Your Turn to Create Your Own Ad! –A Modern Product Meets American History
In groups, create a short ad to promote a modern product using American historical icons.

1. Your mission.
a.Choose a modern product.
Examples: smartwatch – electric bike – video game – eco-bottle – sneakers – AI assistant – etc.
b.Choose a historical American icon and a symbol or event.
Examples: the Statue of Liberty – Mount Rushmore – the U.S. flag – the Moon Landing - the Hollywood Sign – etc.
c.Combine the two.
Imagine the historical figure or symbol is promoting your modern product. Ask yourself:

What value or idea connects the two?
Why would this person love this product?
What message do you want to send?

2. Create your ad.
a.Visuals. Draw or describe what we see: setting, characters, colors.
b.Slogan. Write a short, powerful line, like in a real ad.
c.Script. Add 1-2 short spoken lines for voiceover or characters.
d.Mood. Is it funny? Serious? Inspirational?

A Republic of Drivers

A Republic of Drivers - Anticipation Worksheet 1

Ford and the Motor Industry - Pre-Reading Worksheet

Ford and the Motor Industry - Reading Worksheet

The U.S. Interstate Highway System - Pre-Viewing Worksheet

The U.S. Interstate Highway System - Video

The U.S. Interstate Highway System - Video Worksheet

Revolution on Wheels - Pre-Viewing Worksheet 2

Revolution on Wheels - Video

Revolution on Wheels - Video Worksheet

Revolution on Wheels - Create-Your-Ad Worksheet

A Republic of Drivers - Recap