Fake News and the Massachusetts Spy, 1775

From his home office, James David Moran, Vice President for Programs and Outreach at the American Antiquarian Society, discusses printer Isaiah Thomas and the publication of the May 3, 1775, issue of the Massachusetts Spy. In this issue, Thomas describes the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Our presenter shows that such wartime accounts of the American Revolution were far from objective. Massachusetts Spy lesson plan

This educational video explores themes discussed in The News Media and the Making of America, 1730-1800, the 2021 NEH summer institute.

Primary sources, listed in order of appearance
The following primary sources were discussed in this video.

Timestamp Thumbnail Access Title Item details
0:20 The Massachusetts spy for May 3, 1775 Enlarge image Massachusetts spy AAS catalog record
2:30 Battle of Lexington. Enlarge image Battle of Lexington. AAS catalog record
5:44 A Narrative, of the excursion and ravages of the King's troops Enlarge image A Narrative, of the excursion and ravages of the King's troops under the command of General Gage AAS catalog record

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