​Background Information

• ​1175 unrest due to Intolerable Acts

• ​Boycott of British goods were being voted on in many parts of the Colonies.

• ​British soldiers were invading the colonies.

• ​Virginia Convention met from March 20-27, 1775.

• ​March 23, 1775 Henry called for Virginia to raise an army, which was treasonous, but he felt it was necessary.

• ​27 days later the Battles of Lexington and Concord happened.

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​What Happened?

• ​Used the simple and straightforward classical strategies of an argument to get the powerful and wealthy delegates present to vote to take a military stance.

• ​Even though the delegates had much to lose, they still voted to accept his recommendations.

​Exordium

• ​First 2 paragraphs to form the introduction.

• ​Engages the audience.

• ​Prepares them for the message.

• ​Explains the purpose behind the Speech.

​https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/historical_perspectives_on_argumentation/classical_argument.html

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​Narratio=Statement of Fact Confirmatio=Statement of Argument

• ​Third paragraph

• ​Provides Statement of Fact (Narratio)

• ​Provides statement of argument (Confirmatio)

• ​Contextualizes the argument through the Narratio by presenting any background Information

• ​Lays out in order the evidence to support the thesis in the Confirmatio.

​Refutatio

• ​4th Paragraph

• ​Refutes all counter arguments

• ​Shows how any argument against is negative proof.

• ​Acknowledges other opinions and have merit, but also shows why those claims either are valid (concede) or you can point out the flaws in their reasoning.

• ​Uses words like Despite, While,

​Peroratio

• ​The final paragraph

• ​Forms the conclusion

• ​May perform several purposes"

  • ​To restate an argument

  • ​To amplify reasoning

  • ​To inspire an audience

  • ​To rouse emotional responses