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The second trial (this one a series of trials) is the Salem Witch Trials.  This was when mass hysteria broke out in the Puritans’ Massachusetts colony after several young girls displayed symptoms that looked uncannily like demonic possession.  The significance of this trial is not clear.  It did not exactly cause the downfall of the Puritan colony, so it was not immediately significant.  It is often used today to warn against religious (or political) hysteria, but the Trials were not as bad as they seemed; even the Puritans eventually realized that they had gotten out of hand.  Perhaps its greatest significance is as a mystery, as in what caused the “possession” symptoms.

The second trial (this one a series of trials) is the Salem Witch Trials.  This was when mass hysteria broke out in the Puritans’ Massachusetts colony after several young girls displayed symptoms that looked uncannily like demonic possession.  The significance of this trial is not clear.  It did not exactly cause the downfall of the Puritan colony, so it was not immediately significant.  It is often used today to warn against religious (or political) hysteria, but the Trials were not as bad as they seemed; even the Puritans eventually realized that they had gotten out of hand.  Perhaps its greatest significance is as a mystery, as in what caused the “possession” symptoms.

'''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.   

'''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.   

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.   

'''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” movement takes its name from the famous Boston Tea Party, which was a protest against both the tea taxes and the East India Company’s plan to undersell local merchants.

'''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” movement takes its name from the famous Boston Tea Party, which was a protest against both the tea taxes and the East India Company’s plan to undersell local merchants.

The connection between the “Tea Parties” and this event is primarily a protest against taxes, as well as government control (Britain both taxed and controlled the colonies without their consent).  The more fascinating connection is the “Tea Parties’” suggestion of revolution!

The connection between the “Tea Parties” and this event is primarily a protest against taxes, as well as government control (Britain both taxed and controlled the colonies without their consent).  The more fascinating connection is the “Tea Parties’” suggestion of revolution!

'''5. Explain and discuss the Great Awakening, and its effect in uniting the colonies.''' The Great Awakening was a religious revival mainly in the Northeast, spearheaded by the greatly skilled preachers Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield.  It focused on the personal aspect of religion and the fact that everyone can be saved if they repent and accept Christ.  This idea strengthened the colonists’ notion of equality, and some of the ideas of the Great Awakening led to the Revolution.

'''5. Explain and discuss the Great Awakening, and its effect in uniting the colonies.''' The Great Awakening was a religious revival mainly in the Northeast, spearheaded by the greatly skilled preachers Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield.  It focused on the personal aspect of religion and the fact that everyone can be saved if they repent and accept Christ.  This idea strengthened the colonists’ notion of equality, and some of the ideas of the Great Awakening led to the Revolution.

The Great Awakening also helped united diverse Christian denominations.  The widespread popularity of the Awakening also caused geographical unity.  The colonists began to see themselves as more similar than different, and at this point probably began to realize that as Americans they were actually significantly different from the British.   

The Great Awakening also helped united diverse Christian denominations.  The widespread popularity of the Awakening also caused geographical unity.  The colonists began to see themselves as more similar than different, and at this point probably began to realize that as Americans they were actually significantly different from the British.   

'''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 the beginning of the conflict between Britain and the colonies that eventually led to the Revolutionary War.  Though Britain and the colonies cooperated during the war, Britain faced huge war debts and looked to the colonies to help pay.  Also, the Proclamation Act barred the colonists from moving west of the Appalachians – essentially preventing them from expanding.  The outcome of the French and Indian War was victory for England and the colonies, but the victory was eventually overshadowed by the conflict.

'''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 the beginning of the conflict between Britain and the colonies that eventually led to the Revolutionary War.  Though Britain and the colonies cooperated during the war, Britain faced huge war debts and looked to the colonies to help pay.  Also, the Proclamation Act barred the colonists from moving west of the Appalachians – essentially preventing them from expanding.  The outcome of the French and Indian War was victory for England and the colonies, but the victory was eventually overshadowed by the conflict.

And yes, the war should have a different name! (Although I’m not sure what.)  It was really a war between Britain and France.  The Indians were involved, but they were not decisive and they fought with the French, not against them, as the name implies.

And yes, the war should have a different name! (Although I’m not sure what.)  It was really a war between Britain and France.  The Indians were involved, but they were not decisive and they fought with the French, not against them, as the name implies.

'''8.''' This was probably written in the 1760s or 1770s, either during or a little bit before the Revolutionary War.  Before the 1760s there was little discussion of revolting against the King, and after the Revolution the British King was no longer a factor.

'''8.''' This was probably written in the 1760s or 1770s, either during or a little bit before the Revolutionary War.  Before the 1760s there was little discussion of revolting against the King, and after the Revolution the British King was no longer a factor.

I would guess, without looking up the quote, that it is a quote by Thomas Paine from Common Sense.

I would guess, without looking up the quote, that it is a quote by Thomas Paine from Common Sense.

'''Honors Answers'''

'''Honors Answers'''

While it is fairly certain that there were no actual demonic possessions, the cause is still debated and unknown.  Some historians believe that the “witches” were simply pretending, out of some psychological motive.  Others, more believably, contend that the cause of the “possessions” was biological or mental.  For example, they suggest convulsive hysteria and sleep paralysis as afflictions that could cause possession-like symptoms.  The “witches” might even have been early hippies: a grain-infecting fungus known as Claviceps purpurea may have caused the “possession” symptoms.  This fungus can cause hallucination and convulsions, and is the substance from which LSD is derived!   

While it is fairly certain that there were no actual demonic possessions, the cause is still debated and unknown.  Some historians believe that the “witches” were simply pretending, out of some psychological motive.  Others, more believably, contend that the cause of the “possessions” was biological or mental.  For example, they suggest convulsive hysteria and sleep paralysis as afflictions that could cause possession-like symptoms.  The “witches” might even have been early hippies: a grain-infecting fungus known as Claviceps purpurea may have caused the “possession” symptoms.  This fungus can cause hallucination and convulsions, and is the substance from which LSD is derived!   

3. '''"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.'''  One particular conflict that could be tied to economics was the widespread colonial protests against the Stamp Act.  The colonies united in protest and forced many of the British stamp agents to resign.  This conflict was, however, only partially economic.

3. '''"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.'''  One particular conflict that could be tied to economics was the widespread colonial protests against the Stamp Act.  The colonies united in protest and forced many of the British stamp agents to resign.  This conflict was, however, only partially economic.

Many political issues are economic issues, but the Revolution was not inspired primarily by economic reasons.   

Many political issues are economic issues, but the Revolution was not inspired primarily by economic reasons.   

5. '''Debate: Do you think a jury should be able to ignore the law in order to find a defendant “not guilty?”'''

5. '''Debate: Do you think a jury should be able to ignore the law in order to find a defendant “not guilty?”'''