Homework Two Answers - Student Nine

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 two important trials that occurred were the Salem Witch trials and the Zenger trial. The Salem Witch trials set up the ruling that no spectral evidence nor touching tests were allowed in court trials. They also established that proof be based on higher standards of clear and convincing evidence. The testimonies of the witch trials were unreliable. Only after the Governor's wife was accused of being a witch, were these rulings established. Another trial that helped form our system of law was the Zenger trial. Embarrassing information about the Governor of New York was printed in the newspaper by a man named John Peter Zenger. The governor decided to sue the writer, charging him with liable. This case constituted the ruling that truth is a perfect defense against liable. This trial also established two new rights, the right of freedom of the press, and the power of the jury to ignore the law and hold in favor of a defendant, even if the law finds him guilty. This became known as “Jury Nullification.”

Terrific analysis, with only one minor correction required: as a result of the Salem Witch Trials, proof "beyond reasonable doubt" became the standard (this is even higher than the "clear and convincing" standard).

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

The two biggest causes of the Revolutionary War were unfair taxation without representation and the unnecessary stationing of British troops in the colonies. The colonists believed that the King did not have the right to make rules and enforce taxation, especially when they did not have someone in England to represent them. They wanted to be more independent and self reliant. They did not want the King's men enforcing laws upon them and getting involved when they had no right to.

Right. Excellent answers.

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.

The “Tea Party” of today takes its name from the Boston Tea party. Just as the Tea Party of the past was started to protest unfair taxation by England so did the Tea Party of today begin as a way to protest unfair taxation by our current government. Its sole purpose is to protest the criminal large amounts of money that our government takes from its citizens.

Superb answer, but note that the issue extends beyond taxation to other forms of government oppression, favoritism and wasteful spending. (Minus 1).

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

The Great Awakening helped to bring the colonies together in terms of beliefs, customs and practices. Johnathan Edwards and George Whitefield led the colonists in the new movement of “New Light” revivalism. People from various religious backgrounds and nationalities would come to hear these men preach. It helped in uniting the colonies for their later rebellion against Great Britain.

Good, but also mention the time period: primarily the 1730s and 1740s. (Minus 1).

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

The significance of the French and Indian War was that it gave England a great deal of territory west of the Appalachians. However, it also left England in great financial debt. This problem later led to the tension between the colonies and the Mother Country. Its name should have been the French and English war, because ironically the Indians fought on the same side as the French.

Excellent answer.

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.

Terrific answer! May use as a model answer.

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.

Yes, I do find political cartoons to be effective. They visually present the problems that the public at large are faced with and compare them to other more common problems. The political cartoon published by Franklin helped the colonists understand that if one of them fell to New France, then they would all fall. In the cartoon, I think the various states represented by the individual parts of the snake make clear the point, that if divided, the states would not survive.

Superb 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.

The Boston Tea party gives great evidence of all political issues being economic issues. The colonists were not happy with the tea tax which gave the East Indian Company the ability to import tea from their inventory to Boston Harbor. A group of colonists disguised themselves as Indians and boarded the ships. They dumped all the tea into Boston Harbor. This event sparked the flame of the American Revolution.

Terrific.

H5. Discuss any of the debate or discussion topics from the lecture. Was George Washington great, and if so, why?

George Washington was a great hero, and founding father of our Country. He was courageous and led this precarious yet united group of Colonies to victory in the Revolutionary war. He was not a very learned man, but he was very virtuous and he stuck to his principles. However, I think the most important reason that he is the most honored man in our history, is because of his love and faith in Almighty God and by virtue of his great humility, always giving credit for his victories to God.

Very well stated.

Alexa W

Grade: 88/90. One of the best homeworks in the class. Well done!--Andy Schlafly 23:24, 19 February 2011 (EST)