Homework Two Answers - Student One

1. Two important trials or series of trials occurred in the colonies between 1690 and 1750. What were 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.

Terrific answer, which may become a model answer.

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

"British burdens hurt nearly all the colonists in all walks of life." The colonists living in America were working hard to get their colonies "up and running." Many were sacrificing their time, money, families and lives just to make America a better place for their children and those coming after them. The last thing the colonists wanted was a country that dictated how they were to live their lives and demanded them to meet certain requirements in order to prosper in America. When Britain passed certain laws that affected the colonists in America, the colonists probably looked at the law as a yoke on their shoulders.

"Colonists accepted John Locke's philosophy of natural rights and a social contract, which conflicted with rule by a monarchy." Oftentimes, it takes one man and one idea to spark a political fire. Although there were many reasons for the cause of the Revolutionary War, it seems as if there was another reason, just as strong as the others-people wanted their freedom! Wasn't that one of the reason people came here in the first place? Having natural, God-given rights sounded appealing to the colonists and, in order to take complete possession of those rights, they had to break away from a Monarchy.

Superb points, addressing both the practical causes and the philosophical bases for the support of independence.

6. What was the significance—and the outcome—of the French and Indian War? Should it have a different name?

The significance of this war was that is left England with a large amount of territory in America. The outcome was that the French lost all their possessions in America and they yielded all of their territory east of the Mississippi to England. I believe it should have a different name because the name "French and Indian War" sounds like they were fighting against each other. It can cause confusion.

Right. Terrific answer.

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.

The modern day Tea Party takes its name from the Boston Tea Party. The purpose of the Boston Tea Party was to get the King's attention and to demonstrate a rebellion against His unjust laws. The colonists were unhappy that Parliament was making decisions and passing laws without including them in the process. They wanted to have representatives there in England who represented the colonies fairly.

The Tea Party Movement today is basically standing up for the same things that the colonists did over 250 years ago. People involved in the Tea Party today are taking a stand on certain issues that our government has overlooked and they are trying to raise awareness of the unfair legislation that is getting passed behind closed doors without the knowledge of the people. Our senators, congressmen, assemblymen and many others have been appointed to their jobs so they could represent the voice of the people. However, many conservatives feel that these men are not performing their jobs well and therefore, they have started the Tea Party Movement to get more people active in changing politics.

Good, but your answer could discuss the economic issues a bit more. (Minus 1).

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

The Great Awakening was the beginning of a huge spiritual revival in America. It was lead by Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, two famous preachers who went around the colonies giving fiery sermons. The Great Awakening unified the colonies in terms of beliefs, customs and practices. It causes the colonies to come together as one because there was only one message being preached—the message of the Gospel—and that message united them in spirit.

Good again, but mention the time period or put this in the context of other events in colonial America.

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.

The Sugar Act was passed, which imposed taxes on sugar. The Stamp Act was passed and this imposed taxes on all legal papers, newspapers, documents etc. Then Parliament passed the Quartering Act which required colonial governments to house British troops at their own expense. All of these Acts enraged the colonists and ultimately lead them to rebellion against England.

Superb answer.

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.

Yes, I believe political cartoons can be effective for the most part, as long as they are clear and concise. The cartoon in this lecture is a great example of an effective cartoon. It portrays a snake chopped up into sections and below the snake are the words, "Join or Die." Immediately I get the message that if the colonies didn't join together, they would be like this snake-torn apart and dying. This cartoon is short, simple and sweet. There does not need to be a ton of explanation to understand what message it is trying to get across.

Excellent, and could become a model answer.

H2. Pick out any mystery of your choice prior to or during this period and suggest an explanation for it: What happened to the lost colony?

There are two strong possible answers for this mystery: Either the Indians in that area massacred the colonists, leaving no trace—or--An epidemic of some disease (such as malaria or typhoid fever) wiped out the entire community. We will never really know for sure and it might always remain a mystery.

Good answer. It's amazing how many students picked the "Lost Colony" as a mystery to discuss!

H5. Discuss any of the debate or discussion topics from the lecture: Does the legal system or the Puritans—or neither—deserve blame for the Salem Witch Trials?

I believe the legal system is to blame. Although the Puritans had the right to try those who confessed to be witches, they did not go about it the right way. There was too much testimony and too little evidence. Their legal system was not based on concrete rules and regulations seeking to protect the defendant. In fact, there were no rules at all! They were not coming from the position of protecting the accused until proven guilty—they made rash judgements based on inaccurate testimony.

Excellent point about the inadequacy of the legal rules in the Salem Witch Trials. But it's overstating the problem to say that there were no rules at all. There were lots of rules, but they were too flawed to protect against false accusations. (Minus 1).

-Gabrielle D <><

Grade: 88/90. Very well done, with several potential model answers!--Andy Schlafly 19:30, 19 February 2011 (EST)