Homework Two Model Answers

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-they were significant because through them, legal standards were formed and trials became more structured. It was no longer permissible to convict someone based on spectral evidence. The Zenger Trial-this trial was extremely significant because it laid the foundation for the first, fifth, six and seventh amendments besides giving the jury the power to nullify a law in order to declare the defendant not guilty. (Gabrielle)

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. (Addison)

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?

The taking of Fort Ticonderoga by the green mountain boys took place in what would later become Vermont. (Jon S.)

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.

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

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 based off of the dislike between the French and English, which had carried over into America. The Indians would usually side with the French, based off of their trading relation with them. This war continued for seven years until Britain, France and Spain finally signed the Treaty of Paris. The name of this war should probably be the French and English war because they were the ones who were really fighting. (Daniel N.)

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.

8. "But where says some is the King of America? I'll tell you Friend, he reigns above, and doth not make havoc of mankind like the Royal Brute of Britain...let it be brought forth placed on the divine law, the word of God; let a crown be placed thereon, by which the world may know, that so far as we approve of monarchy, that in America THE LAW IS KING." When and who do you think wrote that for the ordinary colonist? Explain.

I would guess Thomas Paine wrote that in his famous pamphlet common sense in 1776. Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense was a work designed for the ordinary colonist which argued against Monarchy, and Britain's oppression of America. This quote underlines one of Common Sense's key messages (that kings do not have a divine right) so it is easy to tell that it was in Thomas Paine's Common Sense. (Paul R.)

Honors Questions (answer any 3)

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.

H2. Pick out any mystery of your choice prior to or during this period and suggest an explanation for it. Examples are at:
http://www.conservapedia.com/Essay:Greatest_Mysteries_of_American_History

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.

H4. Identify two similarities, and two differences, between the cultures of colonial America and England around 1770.

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