Homework Two Answers - Student Six

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 first were the Salem Witch Trials, which were significant because the legal system became more strict and efficient afterwards. The second was the Zenger Trial. It was significant because the right of freedom of the press was formed, and the Jury was given the ability to ignore the law and side with the defendant by saying he is not guilty.

Terrific answer, which may become a model answer.

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

Over the course of a few years, the many different laws (acts) that were created gradually upset and angered the colonists, which eventually led up to the Revolutionary War. In my opinion, this was the biggest cause. Another reason being that the British were apparently quite stubborn, and the colonists were simply getting tired of being pushed around by them.

Well said. But note that the British were far more powerful, and "colonies" are stepchildren of the mother country, so I'm not sure the term "stubborn" is the right word. Perhaps "tyrannical" is a better description.

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?

Vermont was not one of the original colonies, and the capture of Fort Ticonderoga by the "Green Mountain Boys" was the significant event.

Perfect answer!

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 takes its name from the Boston Tea Party, which happened in 1773 when a group of colonists rebelled against Britain and threw 350 chests of tea off into the Boston Harbor. This event and the Tea Party Movement today are both opposed to taxation and believe there should be less government spending.

Superb and succinct answer.

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.

Terrific, and your answer is the first in the class to mention the time period for the Great Awakening.

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

One of the laws was the Sugar Act, which caused all sugar to be taxed. It also stopped imports of rum. This act took place shortly after the Salutary Neglect ended, and the colonists didn't want to pay extra money on simple things like sugar. There was also the Stamp Act, the Proclamation Line (which stopped colonists from settling any farther west than the Appalachians), as well as the Quartering Act. The colonists slowly grew more and more irritated with these new laws, and began protesting against the King. These acts had various effects on different colonists. Some were bound by unity [The Sons of Liberty], and some were just simply outraged.

The effect was negative on all the colonists, of course, so I would word this phrase differently: "These acts had various effects on different colonists." perhaps "These Acts caused a various forms of opposition." But the substance of your answer is excellent.

Elise F.

Grade: 60/60. The first perfect homework this week!--Andy Schlafly 21:28, 19 February 2011 (EST)