Homework Two Answers - Student Eight

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

The Salem Witch Trials and the Zenger Trial were important trials that occurred in the colonies between 1690 and 1750. The Salem Witch Trials revealed the paranoid nature of the Puritan people but also set the standard that a person must be convicted with the higher standard of “clear and convincing evidence”. The Zenger Trial brought the Freedom of the Press to the state of New York through the work of Andrew Hamilton. This right has been a cornerstone of the American world and the power of the press is even now a very influential tool in this country.

Terrific answer, which could become a model answer. But note that the Salem Witch Trials helped set the legal standard for conviction to be even higher than "clear and convincing evidence": the evidence must prove the allegations "beyond reasonable doubt."

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?

Ohio wasn’t one of the original colonies but its acquisition by Quebec brought great tension to the relationship between the colonies and the King.

Interesting response, but Ohio is not in the northeast. (Minus 1). Not the state expected ("Vermont" was the intended answer), but your answer is highly informative. Here's a link to more information about Ohio history: [1]

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

The Great Awakening was a spiritual revival of unbelievable proportions that laid a religious foundation for America. The sermons of Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield banded the colonies together, forming a single common ground for the land to rally behind. Without this period the Revolution might have not even happened. so great was the impact of the Great Awakening.

Good, but include a bit more detail, such as the time period for the Great Awakening (1730s and 1740s). (Minus 1).

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.

Political cartoons are incredibly effective for spreading an idea to the masses. Art is a powerful visual message that evokes emotion and in this way one can see it’s value. The cartoon in the lecture, a depiction of the Albany Plan of Union as a snake in pieces, each named after a state called to join the union. Beneath the snake are the words “Join or Die,” symbolizing the need for unity. I find that although such a simple picture, it depicts the stresses of the times. It inspired unity or obliteration, victory or death, a rallying point for those who read it. This was a precursor to the “Don’t Tread on Me” cartoon that brought the colonies together in the Revolutionary War.

Fantastic answer, will likely become a model answer. You're right about the effect of political cartoons. (Note: "it's" should be "its" in your answer).

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.

"All political issues are actually economic issues." I pointed this out last semester when our Homeschool group was going through American Government and it always seems to hold true, even during the Revolutionary War. It wasn’t for justice that the events began to take form that led to the Revolutionary War it was the economic policies that the British were passing that caused such turmoil. The excessive taxing was hurting the once relatively free economy of the land and as such everyone felt the strain. It was the regulations against the economy that made the colonies demand representation in Parliament and then led the colonies in separating from the source of their economic problems.

The power of a government is little when compared to the might of the economy. Many systems of government have tried to suppress the economy or control it only to have their institutions collapse upon themselves. Indeed even the young United States almost fell apart because of a threat to the economy of the south. The freeing of slaves would crush the south’s economy in ways at the time the north couldn’t imagine and thus it led to the Civil War, America’s bloodiest conflict. The Civil War, despite what we want to believe, wasn’t fought for the slaves, but over economic situations and results that the South feared to face. Even to this day we have presidents and representatives being elected entirely on how they claim they can help the economy.

America was very focused on the revolution in Egypt last week not so much for the liberty the people were protesting for, but instead because of the Suez Canal through which we receive roughly one-third of our oil. We are worried more about the effect on our economy than the rights the Egyptians desired. I know this just by speaking to people I encountered over the last week. I asked what they are worried about and oil was the single major issue. All issues in the end are bound to money in some way or another.

Superb analysis about the significance of the economy and economic issues, which can have greater influence than they should!

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

Debate: Should England have been able to impose direct taxes on the colonies?

Yes they should. As the governing body they had the full right to create legislation that profited the empire as they saw it. However there are also consequences for the government’s actions and the Revolutionary War was the response of the people to the government. A government must learn to act with the people if it wishes to be in power for long.

Terrific answer.

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.

Fantastic answer, could become a model answer.

James G.

Grade: 68/70. Several of the best answers in the class!--Andy Schlafly 22:32, 19 February 2011 (EST)