Homework Two Answers - Student Fifteen

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

Two important trials were the Salem Witch trials and the Zenger Trail. In Massachusetts, these witch trials, took place when a supposed civilian was accused or confessed to be practicing witch like activities. The conclusion was the banning of spectral evidence. And punishing someone for a crime has to have evidence that goes “beyond reasonable doubt”. John Peter Zenger was charged with, seditious libel, after embarrassing the governor. Andrew Hamilton led a compelling argument and the jury decided to nullify the law. This established the power of jury nullification and eventually Americas freedom of the press. Also it reinforced our right to a jury trial.

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

The British concluded that the colonies should help pay for the debt that was established during the French and Indian War. This was done through various and abrupt taxes. This taxation without representation created greater tension between the colonies and the mother country. Hence the French and Indian War was like a snowball starting an avalanche. Besides the colonists economic opposition, many British citizens had the idea that the colonists were not as elite as those actually living in Europe. Thus believed inferior, England was relentless towards the colonies in thier execution of what would be best for England as a whole.

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 contrived there name from the event that took place when Massachusetts revolted against Britain’s tea act. Circumstances and the way in which each chose/choose to accomplish their goals are different. However both shared the parallel thought that excessive taxes were wrong as well as the ultimate authority of a nation are the people.

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

The Great Awakening placed God as our nation’s solid rock to stand upon. Speakers Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield were used by God’s grace to unite the colonies under one God. The Great Awakening’s uproar still lasts today. Our national motto is “In God we trust”. Also the phrase included in the Great seal of the United States is “God has smiled upon our undertaking”.

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 greatly extended what would eventually be the colonies inheritance: North America. The territory west of the Appalachian mountain was given to England through the treaty of Paris. It also placed a large debt over England’s head which they in turn shared with the colonies. The outcome of the French and Indian war was our Revolution against England’s manner of dealing with the debt it produced. The French and Indian war is a perfectly acceptable name.

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.

Kyle M. To be continued.....