Benjamin Harris is a name that is not as well-known as some of the founding fathers of the United States, but he played an important role in the development of American journalism. Educating students about Harris can be a valuable way to teach them about the history of journalism and the importance of free speech.
Harris was born in England in 1640 and immigrated to Boston in the early 1680s. He established a printing business and began publishing a newspaper called Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick. This newspaper was the first multi-page newspaper published in the colonies, and it was intended to provide news about the colonies as well as news from England and other parts of the world.
Unfortunately, Publick Occurrences was shut down after only one issue. Harris had not obtained the necessary permission from the British authorities to publish the newspaper, and its content was considered too critical of the government. Despite this setback, Harris continued to publish other newspapers, including the Boston Gazette, which became one of the most important newspapers in the colonies.
Harris’s contributions to journalism were significant not only because he established the first multi-page newspaper in the colonies but also because he supported freedom of the press. He believed that newspapers should be free to report news without fear of censorship, and he was willing to challenge the government’s attempts to control the press.
Teaching students about Benjamin Harris can provide them with a better understanding of the important role that the press plays in society. His commitment to freedom of the press serves as an inspiration for journalists today, as they continue to report the news and hold those in positions of power accountable.
In addition, studying Harris can provide students with a more comprehensive view of colonial history. It is easy to focus on well-known figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, but there were many lesser-known people who made important contributions to the development of American society.
Finally, studying Harris can also help students develop critical thinking skills. They can examine the role that the press plays in shaping public opinion and consider the ways that the government can use its power to control the press. This can encourage them to think about the relationship between the government and the press today and consider how they can support freedom of the press in their own lives.
