Homework One Answers - Student Nine

1. Which time period(s)in American History do you expect to enjoy studying the most and why?

I expect to enjoy studying about the American revolution and the formation of our government. The American revolution has so many inspiring stories about courage perseverance and leadership that I think modern day America needs to recall. In particular modern day America needs to remember the religious principles on which our country was founded.

That's Lecture 2! It is a fascinating and inspiring part of American History.

3.Christopher Columbus, is he overrated or not given enough credit?

I think Christopher Columbus is truly not given enough credit for what he did. When he was a young boy of ten, he started to learn how to be a navigator and how to sail. He set off on a dangerous voyage across uncharted waters and risked his life for the later realized discovery of America. He was also largely responsible for bringing Christianity to the new world. Thus I think Christopher Columbus was and still is a remarkable figure in American History.

Excellent answer.

5.Why do you think Philadelphia became the most populated city in North America by the mid-1700s, and the second most populated city (after London) in the entire British Empire?

I think Philadelphia became the most populated city in North America, because it was located in the state of Pennsylvania, where religious freedom was expressed. William Penn, the founder of this colony founded it on one principle, which was freedom of religion for all. He advertised this in Europe and thus attracted many people to come and settle in Pennsylvania.

Superb explanation.

6.Pick one of the questions or topics from the lecture, and explain your view. Do you think the Vikings really had a colony in Newfoundland, and why might one be skeptical about that claim?

I think the Vikings did have land in Newfoundland and established a colony. However, due to the face that there is little evidence of this, which can make one skeptical, I think it was a small colony and it was not intended to be a permanent one.

Good answer, but might say a bit more, such as why the Vikings would establish a colony and why it would disappear. (Minus 1)

7.In what ways did the colonies help build the economic strength of England?

The colonies helped to build the economic strength of England by producing things like tobaccco and corn, which England could sell for less. The colonies also shipped materials such as crops and minerals to England that they could then sell to other countries for much for money then it cost to produce them.

Good, but seems slightly off. The colonies produced the unfinished goods (raw materials) for England, which then used manufacturing to produce finished goods, which were then sold back in the colonies and all around the world.

8.Spain settled America before England did. So why is the United States an English-speaking nation, rather than a Spanish speaking nation?

America is an English-speaking nation because after England destroyed the Spanish Armada in 1588, England had the potential to gain control of the oceans and world trade. Thus England was able to protect it's newly formed colonies from the influences of other European countries.

Good point, but there are additional reasons too. See model answers when complete. (Minus 1)

H.2. Was it expensive to establish a colony? If so, who paid for it?

Yes, I think it was expensive to establish a colony. Someone willing to do so would have to have some form of grant of money, probably from the King or other rich nobles to use for a ship, supplies, provisions and crew members. For the people who were seeking a new life in America it was not expensive, but for those seeking to establish a colony, it was.

Good.

H.3.Pick out ant mystery of your choice prior to or during this period, and discuss it.

I think the "Lost Colony" failed because of disease and illness, or perhaps by natural disasters. Due to its location, the colony could have been destroyed by a hurricane. Another possible explanation is the people could have perished because of it's swampy location. Infection and disease would have been highly probable.

Could be. Excellent answer.

H.4.Identify one or more colonies for which the King of England revoked their charters and retook control over them. Why?

The King of England revoked the charters and retook control over Virginia, because the colony was disordered. Virginia was enslaving workers and growing tobacco.

Right.

H.5.Discuss any of the debate or discussion topics from the lecture. Were the puritans right to be strict and to expel people of other religions?

I do not think the Puritans had the right to expel people of other religions from their colonies. The whole reason that they came to America was to have religious freedom to purify the church from within. This religious freedom did not however extend to people outside of their religion. Since every human being is made in the image and likeness of God, people should be treated with respect and dignity, no matter what religious background they come from. Thus the Puritans did not have the right to expel people of different religions from their colony, because they were not fulfilling the very mission that they began, which was religious freedom.

Good answer, but it's not completely correct to say that the Puritans wanted religious freedom. They wanted their religion in control. (Minus 1)

Alexa W

Superb work - You did one more honors question than required, so I'll count your best 3 honors answers. 88/90. Great start! (One grammatical correction: often you wrote "it's" when it should be "its".)