Homework Two Model Answers

1. Two important trials or series of trials occurred in the colonies between 1690 and 1750. What where they, and why were they significant?

Two important trials were the Salem Witch trials and the Zenger Trial. In Massachusetts, these witch trials, took place when a supposed civilian was accused or confessed to be practicing witch like activities. The conclusion was the banning of spectral evidence. And punishing someone for a crime has to have evidence that goes “beyond reasonable doubt”. John Peter Zenger was charged with, seditious libel, after embarrassing the governor. Andrew Hamilton led a compelling argument and the jury decided to nullify the law. This established the power of jury nullification and eventually Americas freedom of the press. Also it reinforced our right to a jury trial. (Kyle)

The Salem Witch Trials-they were significant because through them, legal standards were formed and trials became more structured. It was no longer permissible to convict someone based on spectral evidence. The Zenger Trial-this trial was extremely significant because it laid the foundation for the first, fifth, six and seventh amendments besides giving the jury the power to nullify a law in order to declare the defendant not guilty. (Gabrielle)

2. What do you think were the two biggest causes of the Revolutionary War, and why?

The most immediate cause of the Revolutionary War was the colonists’ anger at Britain for suddenly imposing what seemed like tax after tax, after the hands-off period of Salutary Neglect. During that period, the colonies had developed their own independent culture, and as they became more similar to each other, they slowly became different than England.

Another major factor causing the Revolution was the distance of the colonies from England. Because of this distance, the colonists had to settle for “virtual representation” in Parliament. But even true representation would be difficult. But without true representation, the colonists argued, England could not impose taxes and regulations rightfully. Therefore, it seemed that separation was the surest way to resolve the political and legal disputes between the colonies and England. (Addison)

1: The colonists were accustomed to much independence and self-determination, and British efforts to regulate and make taxes were bitterly opposed by the colonies.

2: British burdens (like religious freedoms and taxes) hurt nearly all the colonists in all walks of life. (Dylan)

3. Look at the map of the American colonies in the lecture. Which northeastern state was not one of the original 13 colonies, and what significant event happened there?

Neither Vermont nor Maine were colonies, although parts of what was then Massachusetts and New Hampshire would be incorporated into them. Ethen Allen led his “Green Mountain Boys” to capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. (Nathan)

The taking of Fort Ticonderoga by the green mountain boys took place in what would later become Vermont. (Jon S.)

4. The "Tea Party" today takes its name from which event? Explain how that event connects to the views of the Tea Party Movement today.

Today’s Tea Party [obtained] their name from the event that took place when Massachusetts revolted against Britain’s Tea Act. Circumstances and the way in which each chose/choose to accomplish their goals are different. However both shared the parallel thought that excessive taxes were wrong as well as the ultimate authority of a nation are the people. (Kyle)

5. Explain and discuss the Great Awakening, and its effect in uniting the colonies.

The Great Awakening was a huge spiritual revival that happened in the early to mid 1700s. It united the colonists together in their practices and beliefs, and brought them together as one body through Christ. (Elise)

The “Great Awakening” was a marvelous spiritual revival that took place in the colonies in the 1730's to the 1740's. The “Great Awakening” helped to unite the colonies through rousing speeches that were delivered by brilliant men such as Jonathan Edwards, and George Whitefield. (Johnny)

6. What was the significance—and the outcome—of the French and Indian War? Should it have a different name?

The French and Indian War was based off of the dislike between the French and English, which had carried over into America. The Indians would usually side with the French, based off of their trading relation with them. This war continued for seven years until Britain, France and Spain finally signed the Treaty of Paris. The name of this war should probably be the French and English war because they were the ones who were really fighting. (Daniel N.)

7. Describe several of the laws passed by Britain during the time period leading up to the Revolutionary War, and their effect on the colonies.

The first law passed by England was the Proclamation Act, which imposed an enormous burden on the colonies. Colonists needed new land to grow valuable crops of tobacco, corn, rice, indigo and wheat. However, this law confined them to their existing land. The second law was the Sugar Act, which imposed taxes on sugar, it also placed stricter regulations on all shipping, put a stop to the colonies rum imports, and lowered molasses tariffs. The third law was the Stamp Act. This required that legal papers, cards, dice, newspapers, degrees, land documents and appointments to office bear stamps showing that coin tax had been paid. A fourth law was the Quartering Act. This required colonial governments to house British troops at their own expense. This act stated that all soldiers were to be furnished with supplies by the colonies, without paying anything for them. The fifth law was the Declaratory act which gave Britain the right to legislate the colonies in the future. A final set of laws were called the Townshend Acts which placed taxes on paper, lead paint and tea. These acts attempted to cause division within the colonies by imposing certain taxes upon them. (Alexa)

The Sugar Act, which taxed all sugar and stopped the import of rum. The Stamp Act, which taxed all use of paper, including legal document, playing cards, etc. The Proclamation Line, which made it so the colonist could not settle beyond the Appalachians. These, among many other acts greatly angered the colonist, because they had no say in the laws that were being passed but they still had to obey them. (Kacki Ruth)

8. "But where says some is the King of America? I'll tell you Friend, he reigns above, and doth not make havoc of mankind like the Royal Brute of Britain...let it be brought forth placed on the divine law, the word of God; let a crown be placed thereon, by which the world may know, that so far as we approve of monarchy, that in America THE LAW IS KING." When and who do you think wrote that for the ordinary colonist? Explain.

I would guess Thomas Paine wrote that in his famous pamphlet common sense in 1776. Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense was a work designed for the ordinary colonist which argued against Monarchy, and Britain's oppression of America. This quote underlines one of Common Sense's key messages (that kings do not have a divine right) so it is easy to tell that it was in Thomas Paine's Common Sense. (Paul R.)

Honors Questions (answer any 3)[edit]

H1. Do you find political cartoons to be effective? Discuss in the context of the cartoon illustrated in the lecture, and note what you find to be effective or ineffective about it.

In order for political cartoons to be effective one needs to be up on current events. As most people at the time were well informed of the state of affairs the political cartoon was effective in uniting the colonist. The cartoon was drawn to unite the colonist during the French and Indian war but its greatest effect was in the American Revolution. (Anthony F.)

This cartoon was one drawn by Benjamin Franklin in 1754. It represented the disunity of the colonies, and was an effort to get them to unite, otherwise they would be powerless. The reason there are only eight parts and not thirteen is because New England grouped four colonies, and Delaware and Georgia were left out. In the 1700s, there was a myth that a snake that was cut into pieces would come back to life if the pieces of the snake were put together before sunset. (Joseph)

H3. "All political issues are actually economic issues." Discuss this in the context of the conflicts leading up to the Revolutionary War, with reference to at least one specific dispute.

Money does find its way into all political issues. Every conflict leading up to the American Revolution was entangled with money in some way shape or form. The greatest conflict erupted after the French and Indian war. The enormous debt resulted in numerous taxes like the Tea Act. (Kyle)

H4. Identify two similarities, and two differences, between the cultures of colonial America and England around 1770.

Similarities: Both countries had a similar cultural heritage, and the well elite of both countries had generally read the same books, wore the same clothes, and enjoyed the same music and dances.

Differences: Americans society at the time was less divided by wealth, nobility, and education than English. Also Americans were more universally literate, cultured, and interested in the political issues of the day than in England. (Nathan)

H5. Discuss any of the debate or discussion topics from the lecture.

Debate: George Washington. Was he great, and if so, why?

I have to say that of all the actions he took over his life the one thing I love about George Washington was the action he didn’t take. When the colonists won the Revolutionary War, George Washington was offered the crown of the colonies. It was at this moment that he did what is entirely against human nature, he refused. He turned down power for the betterment of the people he cared for, selflessly pushing away authority. The only other person who turned down such an offer that I can recall is Jesus Christ himself who denied the world when offered by the devil. I hold George Washington to be the exemplar of a statesman, one who is truly after the best for the people of whom he represents. He turned down earthly power and God rewarded him with glory. (James G.)