This week's essential question asks you to balance various perspectives on the issue of American independence. Consider all the economic, political and cultural factors that led to the American Revolution. Then factor in the risks associated with taking on the British Empire and loosing the security of the food and munitions reserves that could be provided to you as colonists if a crisis should incur. Would the benefits of independence (liberty, representation and tax releif) outweigh the comforts of British rule?
You may respond to this essential question from a purely analytical standpoint OR reflect on it creatively by adopting one of the following characters and creatively presenting his/her perspective:
-a young man or woman who would be aiding in the war effort
-a wealthy merchant benefitting from colonial trade
-an indentured servant or slave
So, would you support the American Revolution? (Please leave baseball and Michael Vick out of this week's discussion.)
Be prepared to discuss your response in a seminar format on Friday 10/12.
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22 comments:
Ian Murphy
AP US History
Block H
The American Revolution was certainly one of the most important events to occur in the history of the United States. This event was a war that was a result of the colonists’ rebellion against British rule, believing it to be an unjust state of government. It is indeed clear that this war was a time of extreme hardship for many, with shortages of food, supplies and weapons. This can really make one wonder if people back then believed the American Revolution was really a necessary course of action. Due to the colonists’ beliefs and methods of protesting against the British, it would seem that war would have been inevitable, though that still would not give people any less of a reason to think war as an agreeable resolution. If it were ever possible, I myself would not feel entirely comfortable with the Revolution. Sometimes there are times that war can be avoided, unless there is no other alternative solution. However, it is in our nature as humans to find it difficult to determine what is avoidable. Despite this, methods that have been made to support the soldiers’ war effort, such as boycotting English materials so that their economy would suffer and perhaps collapse, could have been effective enough to prevent such a major conflict. My point is that I would not really approve of the American Revolution, but there would probably not have been anything anyone could have done to prevent it.
Teresa Konopka
Block H
AP US
Dear Diary,
I can take indentured servitude no longer. When I left England, I was promised a fresh new life in a prosperous new land. All I had to do was work off the cost of my trip and then be as free as the wind. Anyway, I am stuck working for a most incorrigible master who eats sumptuously and serves me puny meals. I don’t know why I have to work for so many years. After all, my trip could not have been that costly--I was crowded in a smelly ship with dirty water and disease in the air.
With what little money I do make, I buy necessities and clothing that my master will not adequately provide for me. While purchasing my goods, I met a lovely young man who works two miles over. He had the same perspective as myself, and we talked for hours. Apparently, there are others like ourselves who want to break free. Some even rumor that Benjamin Franklin wants to unite Americans for liberty. Anyway, the Great Awakening caused me to go to mass more. I’ve begun to read the Bible, and it says that all children of God are created equal. Why then are indentured servants seen as lowly? All of God’s children, new lights and old lights, should be cared for equally. Some shouldn’t labor while others sit and count money in carefree luxury. Also, I’m sick and tired of taxation without representation.
The British tyrants are trying to keep us from revolting. They know that, if we do rebel, they’ll be history. After mass, I listened to the ladies’ gossip outside and they talked of their husbands coming together to join in on a revolution. I wanted to listen more, but I had to get home to the master’s house and clean his slacks. The time is approaching when all the repressed will take a stand. Whether they be indentured, enslaved, or freely persecuted, they will come together to make America what it should be. On that day, my hands will no longer be black from dirt, and my shirts will no longer be yellow from sweat.
Response to other blog:
Ian's blog is very intuitive and makes lots of good points. Although I do not believe that the American Revolution should have been avoided, Ian does present a persuasive argument.
Elizabeth Che - Block H
Colonial America was nothing more than a hodgepodge of British cultures and influences. With the support of Britain, colonies were developed in order to bring wealth and fame to the sponsoring country. Like many other countries, Britain wanted to claim their part of the New World before other countries did and thus caused competitions over land. However, as described in Out of Many, “...British colonies grew far more rapidly than those of France or Spain... British were the only imperial power to encourage the immigration of foreign nationals to the colonies” (Faragher, Buhle, Czitrom and Armitage 146). But, since other countries were limiting their migration, they slowly lost control of the New World and gave Britain the advantage. As we have heard many times, “power leads to corruption,” Britain was of no exception.
Through power, the king of Britain demanded revenues to be paid as if the colonies were his personal piggy-bank. However, money doesn’t just spring out of nowhere. The colonists were angered by the increased taxation and regulations limiting their opportunities. The American colonists immigrated to the New World in order to gain opportunities they never had the chance of obtaining if they stayed in Britain. But, since the king was imposing his rules across the ocean, the New World was nothing more than a copy of the Old. In order to achieve their goals of becoming self-substantial and at ease, there was nothing more for them to do than to fight for their beliefs.
As Ian had mentioned in his post, “it is in our nature as humans to find it difficult to determine what is avoidable,” thus, there would have been two ways to deal with the conflict against Britain. The first way is the use of violence, the second is to resolve through negotiations. But, thinking logically, Britain, a country that is well established and powerful would not have bothered to listen to the voices of the colonists who depended on British resources in order to survive. Had Britain wished, they could have ended the shipments of necessities earlier and wiped out the colonies, if they so may have chosen. Thus, the possibility of Britain, giving up their desires to obtain wealth and territory in order to allow the comfort of a small population was not likely to happen. Therefore, the only way for the colonists to actually show their beliefs was through the American Revolution.
Even though the colonies were dependent on British goods, and a higher risk developed through the war, Britain could have used fear to bend the colonists to their will anyway. In either situations, the colonists were at a disadvantage. But, if they were to fight and gain their independence, the colonies would be able to create a nation of their own. There would have been no need to give anymore revenues to Britain or depend on Britain for supplies. Without the burden of such requirements, the colonists would be able to obtain more money for themselves and create their own enterprises to support their own lifestyles. After all, the New World was a combination of ideas of the Old World and since the colonists have all seen how a country survived, they could use their knowledge to do the same in colonial America.
Between the choices of failing at negotiations and failing at fighting, it would seem that the choice of fighting is more supportive. When agreements can’t be made, what other choice is left for the colonists? Similar to Ian’s view, the American Revolution was not avoidable. Since Britain had the advantage of already being established and unified, they had more control and influence towards the colonies who were like seedlings. And since nothing will resolve itself if nothing is done, the only way for the colonists to improve their own conditions is to fight for what they wanted, otherwise, they would have continued to be bullied by Britain and live in fear of what Britain could and would do to the colonies.
Dominique D. Johnson
Block H. AP U.S. history
October 11, 2007
To support or not support the American Revolution is perhaps a precarious decision since without the American Revolution the majority of us would have never came to this country and/or we would still be ruled by Britain. Britain perhaps would have been the most superior, dominant nation in the world. Even conceivably so, we probably would have never had the same political problems or terrorism in the U.S. or Britain today.
However; the American Revolution came about from the high taxes in North America and the struggle for independence as one nation governed by a democracy based on liberty for all (except for slaves) rather than a monarchy ruling. The root of the American Revolution was a variety of things that escaladed into a huge struggle. The population was increasing to the thousands each year.
North America was becoming more equal and even better then their mother country and that was threatening. The war was bloody and both sides felt justified in their actions. On Britain side, it was important to have loyalty and the thought of loosing to a developing country that was making Britain prosperous was illogical. On North America’s side the hunger to be independent, and build a government with liberty for all, along with unfair taxes and religious views were all seeds why they were obligated to go to war.
The question that crosses my mind is would you rather be loyal and avoid war and be slaves of Britian or would you create a war and rebell against the mother country all to gain independence even though there would be blood shed? I like to look at this situation from both angles since everyone wants loyalty and yet everyone seeks independence. The fight for independence was a war that could of been the only solution but then again may have not been a wise solution.
As Elizabeth had suggested "In order to achieve their goals of becoming self-substantial and at ease, there was nothing more for them to do than to fight for their beliefs". It is hard to avoid a fight when all else has failed. But I am not one who seeks or believes that violence is the only answer because their is always another way deep down in the struggle. But, I uderstand the frustrations and the pressure to fight for something that you believe in.
Justin Lefkowitz
AP US History
Block H
During the mid to the late eighteenth century, the British were trying to take the American colonists for almost everything that they were worth. Even though the British did rule over the colonists, there was still no reason why they had to make as many rules and regulations as they did.
King George III, the head of the British Crown, passed several laws and did several other things that did not allow the colonists to live as normal people. The Stamp Act of 1765 was just one of the many laws passed by Parliament and the King. This was one of the many laws that heavily taxed the colonists of colonial America. Other laws passed by Parliament and the King included the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and the Quartering Act of 1774. The Royal Proclamation did not allow for any colonists to proceed in westward expansion. In this proclamation King George III forbade the colonists of the thirteen colonies from settling or buying land west of the Appalachians. The colonists were angry because many already had land in that area. The Quartering Act stated that Great Britain would be allowed to house its soldiers in any houses it wants. It allowed a governor to house soldiers in other buildings if suitable facilities were not provided. These were just several factors that made the colonists angry with Great Britain. As a resultof this, the colonists revolted against Great Britain and the American Revolution finally began.
I agree with what Teresa said about Ian’s Blog. In doing so, I believe that the American Revolution should have went along as planned, and in no way should it have been avoided. The American Revolution was the key factor in creating a country known today as The United States Of America. If nobody approved of the Amercian Revolution, then we would still be ruled by Britain today.
If I was a colonist at the time though, I probably would not have supported the American Revolution because I would have been killed by the British soldiers living in my house if I did. I would have feared Great Britain and death.
Heather Alexis Vale :]
AP US History
Block H
The American Revolution was not a pretty sight, no matter which side you looked at it. Whether you were rich, poor, young, or old, the idea of war being witnessed right outside your backyard was frightening. To immediately jump out and declare support for the American Revolution would be ignorance. Every aspect of war must be taken into consideration, before you throw yourself out into a fatal situation. The number of causes of the Revolution was high, yet each cause had a sufficient reasoning on desiring a revolution. The American Revolution was bound to take place, as the colonists of the New World witnessed various struggles they were discontent with. Approaching a new world, people from all over are expecting new policies, new laws, new people and most of all a new living. This era was a time of progress for some, and dislocation for others.
During this time, the idea of being a man was to serve one’s country. In this case, young boys were using rifles as if they were toys. The colonists did not have a choice on whether or not they wanted to support the Revolution. However, many of them did support the Revolution, as they were upset and frustrated with the current political, economical and cultural facts. For example, the reason the colonists migrated to America from their homeland in the first place was to escape the boundaries they were witnessed back at home. Yet slowly, America was becoming overpowered by the British rule. The British Empire offered the security of food and munitions, yet they didn’t offer freedom. Freedom was the number one priority the people of America were seeking. They wanted to taste freedom, they wanted to feel freedom, and they wanted to live freedom.
The American Revolution was almost like a leap of faith. The outcome of the Revolution was unpredictable, so the chances of victory were half in half. The fact that America was jeopardizing the decent relations and ‘security’ they had from Britain was risky. The situation was delicate, but there seemed like no better way to see if the Revolution was worth the try, thus risking it all. Overall, I believe it’s easier for teenagers in this generation to claim they support the Revolution, as we are happy with where we stand in America today. Like Dominique had mentioned, if it wasn’t for the American Revolution, many of us would have not had the opportunity to live in America. Yet back then, it was extremely different, as they were truly witnessing the life and death situation in reality. Now-a-days, students read this story in school, where we discuss whether or not this piece of history should have happened. So, it’s easier to accept the idea of supporting the Revolution, since it has clearly benefited our America today. On that note, I do support the Revolution, as it played a key role in ending British rule for most of the American colonies, thus creating the United States of America.
In response to Dominique, I agree with practically everything your saying. Everyone seeks independence. It's almost like its natural for us to do so. As a result, the only way to achieve independence is to fight for it. From past exerperience, it seems impossible to achieve independence with just a peaceful discussion. It takes passion, dedication and pure desire to achiece the independence you seek.
Margaret Scalesci
Block H
10-11-07
Dear Diary,
This is a hard question to answer. Would I support the American Revolution? Well first let me introduce myself to you. I am 39 years of age and have 6 children. I came from England but I am of a poor sort and was poor all of my life. I decided to make a big change and go to America because it was a new life that I could try and maybe I would be more successful. So that’s what I did, I took a big chance. I have 6 children and I need to provide for them even though they are all working except for the youngest two, they’re still too young yet to be working. My husband died a few years ago and never saw America. I do miss him dearly. Now I must be the mother and father. This was a good opportunity to try something new. I really did want my children to have a better life then me because I don’t have such a good life but I do have them. It would be nice if they could be schooled but that will never happen. I became an indentured servant to pay off my debts of coming to America but it isn’t how I thought it would be. First they told me one year but then it turned into two then three now it’s been five years and I don’t know when I’ll be off the hook. Hopefully soon though. Then I heard talk about some revolution. At first I really wanted to part of it because all I need to be apart of is a war and I could die and all of children. Then I started to talk about it with my fellow servants and they seemed good for it. They wanted it. I changed my mind quickly, this seems important. This might be good for America if it’s no longer controlled by the British. Maybe I would be treated a bit better. I don’t consider myself British, I consider myself American.
In response to Heather's post, I totaly agree with what she said. War is not ever a good thing. Theres a lot of death and many innocent people die. For what over a fight. Its a stupid reason to fight over and losing lives in the process.
The American Revolution was a major step in establishing the United States of America as nation completely independent of Great Britain's rule. The British manipulated the colonists. They convinced people to migrate to America because it would offer them freedom from all the varieties of suppression that they faced in their home countries and also an opportunity to create their own governments with their ideal laws. However, once the colonists had moved to America and started setting up their own governments with their own ideal laws, the British began infiltrating on these attempts. The British were being hypocrites and tightening their grips on the colonists. The American Revolution served retaliation against Britain’s manipulation and hypocrisy. When the British finished fighting in the French and Indian War, they began to tax the colonists to make up for the money spent on the war. The colonists were extremely brave in rebelling against British rule because they were giving up their trade and supply source in exchange for independence. The colonial militias were an unorganized mess compared to the British army. They were going up against a well-developed country that had fought many battles before and knew exactly what they were doing and how to go about it. As Heather suggested, starting the American Revolution was really like a leap of faith. The colonists had no way of knowing if they’d be successful or how anything would turn out; rather, they had a dream and an ambition, and the drive to fight for it. In the position of an American colonist, I would’ve had to go for and take the chance at freedom.
Anam Baig
Block H
The American Revolution was a necessary step for the American colonists to gain independence from the oppressive British government. The colonists had been protesting against the British for a long time because of unfair taxes and corrupt colonial government. These uprisings were mainly constituted by the lower class to protest injustices imposed by the higher class and royal government. However, through diplomatic negotiations, such bloodshed could have been avoided.
I am a pacifist and am therefore against any type of violence, whether it is towards humans or animals. I feel that during conflicts, there are always two options; one that is verbal negotiations and one that is aggressive negotiations. The American Revolution is seen as the pinnacle of America’s stride towards freedom, but such bloodshed of rich and poor, young and old was unnecessary. Young men were taught to wield guns, when at their age they should be playing with toys and playing sports. It was true that the war would not be in some distant battlefield, but close to home, in backyards and front-yards, in the streets and in the parks. Children witnessed such terrifying atrocities and were probably scarred for life. Since the colonists did not have the military might of the British, every able bodied male was forced to join the war. Innocence was lost quickly, and most of the youth were robbed of a childhood.
The colonists wanted their freedom. They wanted a democracy, a free land where they were allowed to own land and not pay taxes without representation. Being free of the British would give colonists these luxuries, and a chance to tackle their own problems without the interference of the British. The economy and trade was quite strong in the colonies already, so the British were only an annoyance at that point, a very aggressive annoyance. American was ready to stand on its own, but interference from the British crippled this chance. The only way, as most colonists saw, was through warfare.
I still do not feel that any type of war was justified. Once again, the colonists had a way to avoid war, but at the moment, this seemed the only option. But this is the only war which I fee the outcome was decent, because the Americans were free of British rule and the United States was established.
Response to blog:
Teresa's diary entry was insightful and quite interesting to read about. She accurately described the feelings of the indentured servants and was able to capture the spirit of the oppressed.
Jeremy Smith
Block H
From a long stand point, the American Revolution is the most important thing to happen to America's history. Rebellion was one of the many antics that stirred up from Americans before the revolution itself happened, such as Bacon's Rebellion. All Americans under British colonies suffered from huge taxes, which didn't affect the wealthy, also known as regressive taxing. Thus, leading to the diplomatic movement of "no taxation without representation". Being influenced by the French Revolution, American soldiers, also known as Patriots, in blue-clad jackets fought back to the red-cladded English, who killed many American citizens who rebelled against them (e.g. the Boston Massacre). However, I would support the American Revolution because America, put into the words of Amerigo Vespucci, was a "new world", meaning changes would definately happen. Without this war, the U.S. would be continuously in debt due to taxes by the British and the country would not have been established.
Ashley Aydin.
Block H.
AP United States History.
Although British comfort worked to the colonists’ advantage, the desire for an independent, powerful America rang true. With the start of the American Revolution, colonists saw no reason to conform to the standards set up by the prevailing Britain. Development in economics, politics, and, most significantly, social stance, paved the way to making America a united state. Colonist, therefore, were willing to lose and sacrifice privilege in order to obtain liberty, legislative representation, and tax relief.
Americans seemed to view the mother country as a block in the road to success. How can one have a just say in any considerable matter while being controlled over? Independence was so crucial an aim that great political movements and actions were wholly publicized. Although there existed disparity amongst the populace, the majority of colonists desired to break away from the influence of Britain.
America, a land intended to bring endless opportunity and advantage, was nothing other than a mass of conquered land. Seeing no prospect in Britain, countless Europeans immigrated to the colonies. This truth also contributed to why the opposition of British control was massive. “With the French defeated, the British government could turn its attention to tightening control over the colonies. It needed revenues to pay for the war, and looked to the colonies for that. Also, the colonial trade had become more and more important to the British economy, and more profitable; it had amounted to about 500,000 pounds in 1700 but by 1770 was worth 2,800,000 pounds. So, the American leadership was less in need of English rule, the English more in need of the colonists’ wealth. The elements were there for conflict” (Zinn 60).
The British seemed as if they were only using the colonists to obtain territory and wealth. Consequently, when the colonists revolted against the British, they had to overcome much adversity. The British wanted access to the resources and capital in America, so they put up a fight for the sake of their future. As for the colonists, they preferred democracy and freedom, privileges that were uniformly deserved.
* Anam’s comment is astute and reasonable. I, too, believe that Americans took a strong stand in conflicting with the British. As a nation, the United States has always valued liberty and equal right. Britain did not grant such concession. During the revolution, freedom was essential to us, just as it is now.
The American Revolution has to be one of the most talked about events in our history. Often, historians bring up the question if war could’ve been avoided. I often say no, it was impossible. The Colonies were making a ridiculous amount of money, and it could be assumed that King George desired that monetary treasure by taxing people left, right and center. He also put the colonies under a great amount of stress thanks to acts such as the Quartering Act, and the Stamp Act.
I would like to say that war was avoidable, but explaining my thoughts on that are not only unrealistic, but illogical and waste of server space, but one can dream, ‘eh? The colonists couldn’t just go up to the king and say “Hey bro, could we have our own country?” I highly doubt the king would be all “Sure thing, let me just relinquish all control first.”
The Colonies were an extremely productive place, the economics and the revenue passing through one colony alone could probably sustain two for a few months. They no longer needed England for support. They were strong enough, monetarily , to fend for themselves.
I'm the first person to openly express that war is wrong. Senseless killings aren't beneficial to anyone. However, due to my own cowardice, I'd be horrified to face an esteemed Navy and Army in war. The losses would be ridiculous. We'd lose all of our money, our businesses, our houses and possessions. War would seem like a gamble in which the odds are against you. The British Navy was the best in the world, facing them was like facing your death. I still feel that the benefits of independence outweigh the comforts of English rule. Freedom and liberty all the way.
Ian makes an excellent point in his reasoning for not being for the war. I agree wholely.
The Mid to Late 18th century showed great change in the American Colonies as they flourished from a little settlement in the early 1600’s into thirteen separate, yet united colonies. Cities and towns formed, businesses flourished, and population grew at a steady rate. America as a British colony had all the opportunity to be more successful than her mother country, and she took this opportunity by the horns.
The British government apparently saw a lot of places to exploit the colonies and made its move. They taxed the Americans till no end, and attacked civilians on the streets who they thought were not loyal to the government. The British were going mad with power over the colonies, and the colonists had had enough. The benefits of independence surely outweighed the comforts of British rule. America would be able to govern itself in a way that the people would have a say in what happens to their colonies, instead of men across the ocean making decisions and imposing them without the opinions and advice of those living in the colonies.
In my opinion, the American Revolution is fully supported, due to the fact that they wanted to break themselves of tyranny. The American citizens were oppressed and they wanted freedom and they fought to earn it.
I agree with Elizabeth that the British were using America as a little piggy bank where they could invest and make millions of dollars off their former citizens.
Sam Murphy
Picturing a world in which the American revolution never happened is difficult. Few other events have shaped the world as the revolutionary war did, as it spawned what is one of the most powerful countires in the world. There is no doubt that even the Founding Fathers could have predicted what their America would become, or the ways that it became what it is. However, the Revolutionary War was too drastic and violent, and there was definatly a better way to solve the problem. The situation between Britain and its colonies had escalated to a point that can almost seem childish, and that may have clouded King George's judgement. So while the war was unneccecary, the secession most defiantly was not. Too many lives were lost on both sides, and the new nation racked up datbts that could not easily be paid. While there were many factors which led up to the Revolution, they did not all require war as an answer. As Elizabeth states in her comment, Britain had huge control over the colonies in the time prior to the revolution. Because of this, it is astounding to think that many colonists actually thought they would win a war. While the Revolutionary War was sucessful, it could not have been won in any other circumstance as Britain was one of the most powerful countries in the world at the time, and America was merely a fledgeling colony. The war was dangerous for America, and there will always be a better way than war to resolve issues.
The war brought many different benefits as well as negatives to people of America. “The war had brought glory for the generals, death to the privates, wealth for the merchants, unemployment for the poor” (Zinn 60). Colonial trade was the main source of funding this war, which was British government trying to tighten control over the colonies. Since the lower class wasn’t benefiting, they held town meetings to vent.
Liana mentioned the some of the acts the king was passing which would make it harder for colonists. The Quartering Act, for example, demanded colonists allow British soldiers to stay in their homes. Therefore, even if some colonists wanted to stay out of the war, they were still being put in positions towards defending it.
If I were in the lower class and were being so negatively affected by the war, I would like to say I would be for the Revolution all the way. Any change would be better than being poor and unemployed in that case. However, I am also the biggest coward, which would make me skeptical of entering a war. The merchants were doing well and prospering from the Colonial Trade, which puts them in a peculiar position as well. They wouldn’t have as much inspiration to fight if they were already doing so well.
Sarah Berfond
Block H
The excerpts from a speech given by a businessman to a group of wealthy individuals:
My fellow colonists. We have all benefited greatly from the bounty taken from the land of the new world. As representatives of the business class, we have accumulated much of the wealth in this land. I would imagine we control 50% of the money in the colonies. Much of the success we have achieved had come from trade with the British Empire. However, we now have the opportunity to control our own destiny, achieve independence and eliminate British taxation.
We must be very careful because the poor and middle class among us are angry at the accumulation of wealth we have achieved. There are protests in the city and violent uprising throughout the land. The poor want a share of our success. It is important to channel their anger and use their energy to launch a revolution against British rule. If we fail to do this the poor will certainly look to seize control of our wealth.
Self preservation should not be our only motive. There will be great satisfaction in creating a sovereign, independent and free government. We will be able to craft our own laws and spend money as we deem necessary. Most importantly there will be freedom and liberty for every countryman. The potential for revolution against colonial rule will grantee a long and prosperous future for our children and our children's children.
Response to Rachel's comment- I agree that Britain's strong control over the American colonies was the main cause of the revolution. Britain taxed the colonists unfairly and controlled their governments and laws. Colonies felt they had the abilities and skills to be independent and decentralized. The colonies desire to control their own fate ultimately lead to the revolution.
The American Revolution, though mostly taken on because of specific economic and political factors, was also a product of Englightenment ideas. It would have been these new ideas that would have spurred me into action against the British, even though, as most people know, if I'm not fed on a regular basis I become quite cranky.
Although increased taxes after the French and Indian War would certainly be annoying, it would have been the Quatering Act that Liana mentioned that would have finally sent me over the edge. As a prideful person, I would have been insulted beyond belief at having to house soldier from, in my "Enlightened" standpoint, a foriegn country! How DARE they have the GALL to do such a thing?
In the end, it would be an injured pride and head full of romantic ideas about freedom and independence fed from the Enlightenment that would have caused me to support the American Revolution. Whether or not I would have is a moot point because I definitely would have. The only question that remained was why and how.
Ian - G+ - well formulated analysis. I'd like to hear more about why you would have opposed the war
Threresa - E - creative and informed
Elizabeth - E - most impressive blog this week!
Dominique - E - compelling analysis, a little difficult to follow.
Justin - informative and honest - E minus - the minus is only because I would have liked to hear more about the fear you referenced at the end.
Heather - E - infomrative, reflective and compelling.
Margaret - G + - informed and creative, a little choppy in style - maybe the resposne at the end could stay "in character"?
Rachel - G - well explained and organized but you didn't respond to others.
Anam- G + interesting post. One question remains: As a pacifist, would you have actively opposed the war on moral grounds? I feel this discussion is missing and an important part of your perspective. Follow through!
Jeremy - S - you have a compelling argument but ran short and did not respond to other posts.
Ashley A - E - detailed and well supported post.
Liana - G+ - your thesis is clear and supported with historical detail but I felt your response to Ian was a little superficial, if you like what he's saying, tell us why or further his position.
Sam - G - well explained and supported but you didn't respond to other posts. Still, you win the award for best posting name.
Ashley F - G+ well supported, analytical and thorough.
Kasey - G interesting and informed post, but you didn't respond to your classmates.
Sarah - E - creative and compelling!
Jakub Pyrycz
The American Revolution is the event that created the United States of America. Without it there wouldn't be this country. Thinking as a human being of the 21st century, knowing what the outcome is, I would most defiantly support the American Revolution. Today, America is the land of opportunity as most foreigners call it. It offers better living conditions, better jobs, more money and many freedoms that other countries don't offer like religion. While these are enough sufficient needs to immigrate to the United States many still do it. Recently, however, especially after 9/11 it has been extremely hard to receive a visa. The colonists of the 18th century were the ones that created these opportunities for humans all over the world. Nevertheless, if I were to be a colonist back in the day I wouldn't allow the British or anyone for that matter bully me. Although taxes are never "fair" they are the key to running a country, more or less a successful one. However, these taxes can get out of hand at times and the colonial era of the New World is one of those times when the British abused the colonists by heavily taxing them. Standing up for themselves the colonists did the right thing and fought back. Whether you benefited from the British ways or not most people did not and as you may know it majority rules. If I were a colonist, regardless of my financial circumstances I would support the American Revolution because for the poor new opportunities immersed and if I were a wealthy man then I would think ahead and be smart enough to notice that all good things never last. Moving on would be hard but thinking optimistically it would be for the better. There was some gambling here but either way the majority viewed the British as a problem. Since this question asks me if I were to support the Revolution I would say that I would regardless of my social, economic or political status.
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