We'll start by looking at the two exercises on the American Revolution that you worked on yesterday.
The Road to the American Revolution
Yesterday, you took a look at ten events on the "Road to the American Revolution." (Download a copy of the "Road to the American Revolution" worksheet if
you weren't here.) In each case, you were asked to evaluate whether the
particular act was justified by the side that carried it out.
- British: In 1651, the British Parliament passed the Navigation Act. (textbook)
- British: In 1765, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act.
- Americans: In the summer of 1765, the "Sons of Liberty" used a variety of tactics to undermine the Stamp Act.
- Americans: The colonists accuse the British King of "taxation without representation." (textbook)
- British: In 1770, British soliders fire into a rioting crowd in what comes to be known as the "Boston Massacre."
- Americans: In 1773, a group of colonists dump a load of British tea in to Boston Harbor. (textbook)
- British: The port of Boston is closed down by the British navy in response to the "Boston Tea Party."
- Americans: In September of 1774, the First Continental Congress protests the treatment of Boston.
- BOTH: On April 19, 1775, gunfire is exchanged at Lexington and Concord. (textbook)
- Americans: In July of 1776, the Declaration of Independence is issued. (textbook)
Underlying Causes of the Revolution
We've hinted around this topic a bit, but let's confront it directly.
- What caused the American Revolution?
We have talked about specific events, but I want you to list underlying political, social and economic causes for the American Revolution. Think on this one.
The Declaration of Independence
You also worked on an activity related to the Declaration of Independence. You were asked to
consider these questions/tasks:
- As you read the document, identify its three main parts. They are the preamble, the list of grievances, and the formal declaration of war. Mark these parts somehow.
- Thomas Jefferson chose to begin the Declaration with the words, "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America." Do you feel this was necessary? Why or why not?
- Find three examples of Thomas Jefferson's use of the ideas of the Enlightenment. Mark them.
- What is Jefferson's view of the "social contract?" According to Jefferson, what was the purpose of government? What does Jefferson suggest should happen whenever government becomes "destructive of the ends for which it was created?" According to Jefferson, how do governments derive their powers?
- Jefferson noted that "all men are created equal," suggesting that this was "self evident." Speculate as to what he meant by that statement. What sorts of conflicts and misconceptions may have stemmed from this statement?
- Look at the list of grievances that Jefferson lists as reasons that the King has violated the natural rights of the colonists. Below, list the three grievances that you feel are the worst violations. Explain why you believe them to be important.
- John Locke died in 1704, over 70 years before Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. In your estimate, would Locke be happy with the way Jefferson used his Two Treatises to justify independence from Britain, which was Locke's native country? Why or why not?
The Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Yes,
you've probably looked at the Constitution before. That's not an
argument not to do it again... Browse these when you get a chance.
- The Constitution - Here's a pretty interesting version. It is an original draft, but it shows any language that has been amended and/or superseded.
- The Bill of Rights - Skim through the list and try to summarize each amendment briefly in your own words.
- The Amendments - Yeah, it's Wikipedia, but it is also a list of the 27 amendments to the US Constitution.
Three-Minute Debates: The American Revolution and the Early Republic
These
are simple in terms of format. You'll work in pairs. Each of you will
take a side on the resolution you receive. The person in support of
("affirming") the resolution speaks first. You should be between one
minute and ninety seconds. Then, the person opposing ("negating") the
resolution speaks for the same time. We all listen and keep track of
things. We will start tomorrow's class with these.
In
your "speech" (which need not be written out or memorized), you should
have a main position (or thesis). You should have at least two
supporting arguments or claims that are supported by analysis and/or
evidence. You will get credit for these.
- Resolved: The British were justified in expecting American colonists to pay for a greater share of Britain's North American war debts.
- Resolved: The American Revolution would not have happened without the Enlightenment.
- Resolved: The causes of the American Revolution were more economic than political.
- Resolved: Thomas Jefferson and the Americans were justified in declaring independence from the British and King George III.
- Resolved: John Locke would have supported the actions of the American colonists throughout the American Revolution.
- Resolved: The conflict between the colonists and the British was a "war for independence," not a true revolution.
- Resolved: The colonists' victory in the American Revolution was a remarkable upset of a much stronger opponent.
- Resolved: The Articles of Confederation were a sound basis for the American governmental system.
- Resolved: The United States would have benefitted more had the Antifederalists won control.
- Resolved: The "Founding Fathers" are hypocrites for not ending slavery in the Constitution.
- Resolved: The Constitution failed to fulfill the Declaration of Independence's statement that "all men are created equal."
- Resolved:
The Bill of Rights is a document of greater historical significance
than the Declaration of Independence.
Please continue your reading in Chapter 23, "The French Revolution and Napoleon." You'll have a quiz tomorrow on Section 2, "Revolution Brings Reform and Terror." (pp. 656 - 661)
Be prepared for your part of the "debate" tomorrow.
