-AB+Responses+to+essential+questions-

August 30, 2009

The colonists felt a great pressure to colonize the east coast of America. As they did this, they finally understood how large of a feat it would become. The harsh climate, the lack of food and resources, and disease and no medical help, helped contribute to the difficulty of colonizing America. Something must have happened to make the colonists want to persist and establish this new land without failing. The motivation the colonists had kept them going even through the hardtimes and the fear of failing helped them do things correct. The life in the old world was not much better than in the new. England was having troubles such as starving and political problems. America was having problems with greediness in the hunt for gold and starvation. Both places were not doing well so it made sense that the colonists wanted to try their luck establishing the new land. I think that the colonists had many reason that motivated them to stay and keep building. The leader John Smith helped to get everyone to work as a group and not be so greedy. He was a person to motivate them but there was more than that. Spain, a competitor must have had an effect. Failing would give Spain the opprotunity to take over and it would make the colonists seem weak. The vast lands of America was perfect for a new great country. It would help them with businesses and trading. The colonists didn't want to give that up. The dislike of the English government may have had an effect because they knew if they went back having failed, it would just give England more uneeded power over them. It is hard to imagine why they would want to keep going even through thousands of deaths, disease, famines and greedy people but these factores must have over powered the cons.

September 05, 2009

I would definitely choose to live in Pennsylvania during the rule of Willian Penn. Pennsylvania had many less cons than Massachusetts. Because I am a female, I could have had many more freedoms such as certain voting rights and religious rights than females in Massachusetts at the time. All different religions and cultures were welcomed and I like having a diverse group of people. Economically and socially Pennsylvania was better off because land was free and socially people were free to enjoy themselves and befriend all different ethnicities. Females and other cultures had much more say in Pennsylvania unlike Puritan Massachusetts. There was no slavery and everyone was welcome. The Puritans had their own little society that did not allow any other religions and religion was basically their life. The puritans tried to create a Utopia which was unsuccesful because of their lack of tolerance for flaws and other ways of life. Though gambling and plays were not allowed, Pennsylvania was still more desirable. Church was not madatory daily and death was not a punishment for every offence. Only treason and murder. Pennsylvania had no taxes supporting the Church of England. Overall life in Pennsylvania was much better than in Massachusetts. The government was for lenient and all were free to own land. Relgion was the choice of the individule and government didn't have a say. People socially enjoyed themselves much more because their day was not all about God and making it to heaven. People were much more free to do what they wanted.

September 16, 2009 //__Why is the French and Indian War a major turning point between British and colonial relations? Cite specific examples focusing specifically the economical and social aspects of the period. (1763-1774) Due Thursday 2nd Period.__//

As a result of the French and Indian war, the British and colonists grew apart even more. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris of 1763. Colonists were upset with Britain and did not want them controlling any longer. __The colonies were finally able to start rebelling and fighting against the British after all they made them do.__ England was extremely in debt after and they put taxes on anything they could. The last straw was the stamp act. The colonist were angered by Britains decision to tax documents. It was the first tax that was given to the upperclass and lawyers. Ultimatly the colonists helped to fight a war //for// Britain. It was not the colonists war. The colonists were being taken advantage of by the British. This led to the creation the Loyal nine and Sons of Liberty. The British also created the Writs of Assistance. Basically it allowed the government to search anything with warrent. All of this caused the colonists to want to be on their own and break away completely from England. England really took advantage of the colonists.

September 23, 2009

//__Justify the actions of the American colonists in declaring and fighting for their independence.__//

English had treated the Americans very badly for a long time prior to their independance. England tried to take too much control of America. Too many taxes were imposed on the Americans and England took a lot from them. __Americas action by fighting for their independance was completely understandable because of the taxes and laws imposed on them.__

Numerous 'acts' were put on colonists. The Townshend act, stamp act, sugar act, and tea act were some of them. The Stamp act infuriated the Americans the most. It taxed almost everything from documents to stamps. The king was not happy with America so he found a way to make them angry and benefit from it. These taxes led to boycotts. The Boston tea party happened because the tax on tea was not even benefitting the colonists.

The Declatory act ultimatly stated that any laws that are deemed 'necessary' can be imposed on America. That means most laws already made were pointless because England could go and change them to help themselves. This would make anyone angry so it was very understandable America wanted to fight for independance.

__How does the constitution allow for an enduring political debate? Use support from activity completed in class.__

For years, the American constitution has been influencing America in possitive and negative ways. Democrats and Rebublican. Antifederalists and Federalists, and simply the common Americans can find some way to debate this important document. __Everyone interprets the constitution in a different way which has caused debate for many years.__

Federalists were the people who supported the constitution. They agreed with its amendments and wanted unity amongst the people. The Antifeds on the other hand tried to convince things to be changed. Federalists and Antifederalists argued different points to try and make it go their way. Washington had both Federalists and Antifederalists in his cabinet which led to hearing both sides of the argument. They ultimatly established a constitution that both parties could somewhat agree. Some points were still not liked by the opposite party but for the most part they came to a understanding. Now people can still debate the constitution because not everyone agrees on its rules. One person may want states to have more power rather than the whole country to be more unified. Just like in the 1700's, people today still try to ratify the constition.

//__Was the Revolution of 1800 truly a Revolution__// October 25, 2009

Though a big step in America was made from the Revolution of 1800, it was not quite the connotation of the word revolution. Along with a revolution comes a battle or war. The revolution of 1800 was simply changing the power from Federalists to Republican. Federalists were now not the men who were in congress and it became the republicans. Even though it was not a battle and it remained relativly bloodless, the changes were huge and impacted American history from the day of the election until present day. People were starting to get tired with the old ways and wanted a change. Federalists were the ultimate power of the government and had established a name for themselves. Federalists did many things to anger the people such as taxing houses. Nearly everyone was affected by this tax. Jefferson did not like this and gathered people to be on his side. Slowly he became more powerful. Jefferson had a lot of appeal to the average people which allowed his to become president and change Federalist powers. Jefferson did not want to be addressed as formally as Federalists. This made average people feel like he cared more about then than their money. Though Jefferson did become president and overthrew Federalists, I do not feel the Revolution of 1800 was truley a Revolution. Just a monumental moment in the history of the United States.