Thursday, December 27, 2007

How successful was the trade union movement in the post-Civil War era? In terms of organizing workers and achieving economic goals.

A trade union or labor union is an organization of workers. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiate labor contracts with employers. So the negotiation of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits, workplace safety and policies were usually included. Most unions were very particular with who was in the unions. The unions had the authority to determine who could be a member of the union and who could not. Most unions asserted the right to mandate that only its members, and no others, may be permitted to work at certain jobs. Furthermore, the union contract was exclusive with regard to the employer, the employers were generally not permitted to seek out the services of another labor union or hire another competing labor union even if he or she was dissatisfied with the performance of the current labor union. These unions were very selective with organizing workers yet for the unions goals they were not very clear in that area. There were four major labor unions: National Labor Union (NLU), Knights of Labor, American Federation of Labor (AFL), and Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). The trade union movement in the post-Civil War era had a limited success; when it came to organizing the workers the unions were extremely successful (the unions were each defined by their diversity, skill, and class), then when it came to achieving economic goals the unions were not particularly successful (the main goal was to eliminate private ownerships of the means of production).

The National Labor Union was the first national union in the United States. It was created in 1834 and included many types of workers. This union did not accomplish any significant gains. After this union crumbled, the Knights of Labor became the leading countrywide union in the 1860s. This union did not include Chinese, and partially included blacks and women.
The Knights of Labor was founded in the United States in 1869. Eventually over thousands of workers joined the Knights. They opposed child labor and demanded the eight-hour day. They hoped their union would give workers a proper share of the wealth, more free time, and generally more benefits of society(which did not come to play in that era). They also tried to set up companies owned by the workers themselves. Although the Knights were against strikes, some radical members went on strike anyway when the railroads cut wages in 1884. After they won the fight, membership in the Knights highly increased but then, at the time of the Haymarket riots, a fearful public opinion grouped them with anarchists and membership then rapidly declined.
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was founded by Samuel Gompers. By 1904, AFL-affiliated unions had a membership of over 1million nationwide. Under Gompers's leadership, the AFL advocated an approach known as business or pure and simple unionism, which emphasized collective bargaining to reach its goals. Demands were centered around improvements to the immediate work environment, like better wages, hours and working conditions (which was not immediate effect).

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW, or "the Wobblies"), founded in 1905, represented mainly unskilled workers. The Wobblies, a force in American labor, usually included radicals imbued with a revolutionary spirit and willing to challenge the owners for control of the factories and businesses. Increased wages was not even considered a good enough goal for them; ownership of the means of production by the working class was the only solution to the wage labor system, they believed (this means of production was not a successful goal). The IWW was at times violent the others victimized by the government, and presented a perspective of labor and social agitation hat few unions could match.

The growth of industry and corporate capitalism during and after the Civil War led to tensions between the capitalists and their employees. Considering the fact that the government was allied with businesses there were many strikes against labors unions some more violent than others yet most not extremely violent. The trade unions had some that were more radical than others; some were exclusionary based on race or skill level. Yet the economic goals that many unions tried to achieve such as ownership of the production by working class, higher wages, and the shut down of private businesses were not accomplished in that time. Thus trade unions were generally successful in organizing workers but not particularly successful in achieving their goals.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Compare and Contrast the three major Reconstruction plans: Lincoln's, Johnson's, and the radical Republicans. Which was the most logical?

Reconstruction era began in the middle of the Civil War and ended in the late 1870’s. Reconstruction was in a way a success and in others failure. It was more than just a civil rights movement yet it re-created the South, expanded capitalism, temporarily led to the division of one political party, the breakdown of another, and had moving forces that would have long-term consequences for the nation. The Reconstruction had three major plans Lincoln, Johnson, and the Radical Republicans. Both Lincoln and Johnson’s plan sought to a quick readmission process. Lincoln maintained that the political leadership of the South had seceded. The radical Republicans believed n a punitive Reconstruction plan that would also guarantee the rights of blacks. The Republicans in Congress wanted to enfranchise blacks and provide economic aid in the South for two main reasons, to keep blacks in the South so t would not harm or compete with whites in the North, and to create a center for the Southern Republican party. The Reconstruction plan that seemed the most logical was Lincoln’s plan on Reconstruction. His plan was logical due to the fact that it was reasonable he knew that since the government was divisible secession was impossible, he did not exclude people like Johnson did, and was not partial like the radical republicans who sought to look out only for white Northerners.


Lincoln’s plan for Reconstructing the South back into the Union was reasonable in every sense, definitely n comparison with the radical Republicans and Johnson. Lincoln’s successor Andrew Johnson applied a plan which was similar to Lincoln’s yet Johnson’s plan brought him into direct confrontation with the radical Republicans. This confrontation soon set for a quarrel with executive and legislative branches over how best to reconstruct the South and address the status of black Americans.


Lincoln’s plan for reconstructing was to be quick and painless. He wanted to painlessly reincorporate the South back into the Union. He reasoned that since the South did not secede their economic and political leaders initiated the secession and the war. He argued that due to the fact that the government was indivisible secession was politically impossible. The past Civil war had been a rebellion by a small group who violated the authority and laws of government. Knowing this one of his designs for the reconstruction was before a state could be readmitted in the Union 10 percent of voters needed to take oath to the U.S. This is logical since the government was indivisible no more than probably 10 percent would agree on one thing, so the radical’s plan of 50 percent would not be really logical.


Johnson plan which was similar to Lincoln’s had a few differences. Johnson’s plan did have the same ideas as Lincoln yet he did have certain ambiguities one included the right to grant pardons to the same people that he claimed he wanted exclude power from. Doing this did not help the reconstruction plan it only irritated Northerners who saw senators of former offices in the Confederacy reclaiming their places in U.S. senates. This was not very logical on Johnson’s part of a plan.


The radical Republicans only sought to help white Northerners. That is why they would create a Black Code, or even suggest that blacks stay in the South. If the blacks were to come to the North it would probably mean fewer jobs for white Northerners, or even competing for them. For a political group to want something so badly that they would consider hurt a people for their own benefit it seems cruel. Lincoln’s reconstruction plan probably did not go into full effect but it was still more logical than the other two plans.


Lincoln’s reconstruction plan was the most logical due to facts that he had thought put into the plan he knew no more that 10 percent of people would all have a loyalty oath, there was no exceptions in his plan whatever was said was done, and he did create laws for his own personal benefit. Lincoln’s reconstruction plan sought to reincorporate the South back into the Union, and was for an enhancement of the U.S.


Friday, November 30, 2007

Were the grassroots movement in the Age of Reform successful in achieving their goals?

Once again another religious revival became popular at the turn of the nineteenth century where everyone was once to go to church, and women looked upon as to stay at home and look after the children. Often women were apart of revivals which were just a fraction of the opportunities they received. Woman finally had to operate outside their strict roles as wives and mothers. During the antebellum period it was a period of individualistic and reliance on reason over faith. This period lead to a decline in church membership, what many thought decreased was the belief of religion, and passion for going. The antebellum period was not a wide spread through out America it did not reach the South considering it included many women, blacks, and individualism was being promoted. As an effect preachers did began to preach on the subject of “hellfire and brimstone” people were swept over by these sermons, and as a result became in an emotional states in which they repented and asked for salvation. The Second Great Awakening led to abolitionist who preached good works and deeds when individuals could not find salvation. The grassroots movements in the Age of Reform were successful in achieving their goals with women’s right women received more responsibilities, abolitionist included blacks to have a say in reforms, and public education where education was for everyone, men, woman, even blacks.

Woman rights movement appeared as a result of those who were feeling discontent and who would no longer tolerate being in total subjection. The women’s right advocates met at Seneca Falls in New York. Where the woman would express in the “Declaration of Rights Sentiments” for their demands to be allowed, and enfranchised. The demands stop there the woman soon wanted to attain woman’s property rights. Through out the antebellum period woman were involved as activists in abolitionist movement.

Woman did attain some of the rights that they wanted, there was the first the Cult of Domesticity where woman were glorified for house work. This was not evidently enough so another attempt was made to please the woman the Republican Motherhood where he mother had the opportunity to teach the child to be a good Republican citizen. The woman even got the chance to got to school and receive an education, become teachers, scientist, etc.

Along with women’s rights public education was on the rise during the antebellum period. Tax supported public education through miserably lagging in Slavery in the South. Grimy-handed laborers demanded instruction for their children. Many advocates preached for public teaching yet Horace Mann was one of the most outspoken on education reform. His Massachusetts model was the basis of a tax-supported public school system. More schools went from one room, stove, teacher, and often eight grades- and became the beginning of American democracy. Educational advances were aided by improved text books, and a Yale educated Connecticut Yankee who was known as the School master of the Republic.

The Abolitionist movement was all over different reasons, included Theodore Weld, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman John Brown and William Lloyd Garrison. These abolitionists were of all kind white, black, women, men, wealthy, even poor. There were latter’s newspapers, like The Liberator which was very influential in abolitionist circles. These people fought for almost every right that was not given to the poor, woman, or blacks, and was partially fulfilled with them.

The grassroots movements in the Age of Reform were successful in achieving their goals due to woman’s right, abolitionists, and public education. Woman’s right was a success in the fact that many rights were granted to them. They received education rights, jobs, and the responsibility to raise a good Republican citizen. Education was a success in ways, new textbooks were granted, new teacher, and new schools. The abolitionist accomplished a lot by writing in the newspapers, books, protesting, and preaching aloud. Much was accomplished in during the grassroots movements in the Age of Reform.


Saturday, November 10, 2007

Support or refute: In going too war against Mexico, President Polk was taking into account the best interests of the United States.

About twenty years before James K. Polk became president of the United States, Mexico had just gained there independence from Spain. Yearning to draw new settlers into the inhabited northern part, the Mexicans introduced a system of landownership which became extremely favorable to the United States. Not long after thousands of southerners began streaming into Texas and northerner Mexico, soon outnumbering Mexican inhabitants. The American continued to resettle in Mexico despite the new stipulations which required all the settlers to convert to Catholicism to abolish slavery. When most settlers disregarded the laws Mexico halted immigration. American settlers were unfazed by this action taken against them so they continuously poured in. The dispute became a huge controversy when General Antonio proclaimed himself as dictator of Mexico. Settlers declared independence created a government and selected a commander of the Texas military. There independence was guaranteed after the Battle of San Jacinto. In James K. Polk term as president he had numerous ideas for territorial expansion. In going to war against Mexico, president Polk was taking into account the best interest of the United States, he wanted to settle the Oregon border and to acquire California and the incorporation of Texas. The Mexican-American War was for territorial expansion.


During the presidential term of Polk he was an advocate for territorial expansion which was the objective of the U.S government from its inception. With the incorporation on of Texas to get into the Union it was not highly difficult considering most Texans supported U.S statehood. John Tyler also who had already paved the way for Texas statehood. The acquiring of Texas did not have all the support from people even though it was a plan for expanding of the U.S. While Polk was in his term a slave free-state was in operation and accepting Texas would set off a controversy between regions and their politicians. Despite the strong opposition from anti-slavery forces, Texas was admitted in the U.S. Even though he set a slave state his main interest was in the United States needs.


With the Oregon question, it was resolved around the same time relations with Mexico were unraveling. In the Webster-Ashburton Treaty the U.S and Britain settled the boundary disputes between Maine and Canada and then agreed to suppress slave trade. (Polk did want to end slavery) The disputes began again over the Oregon Territory’s northern border. Polk was determined to expand else where so he devised a alternative the forty ninth parallel as a divider line, once rejected by the British Americans were ready to fight. The Oregon Treaty was established stating the nation’s concurrence of extending the Oregon Territory-Canadian border along the forty-ninth parallel.


When U.S received Texas in 1845 the fragile relationship between them and Mexico was deteriorated. Polk still not satisfied with the enormous territory he wanted to acquire California (a New-Mexico region). He attempted to purchase California from Mexico and once denied, Polk resorted to a more aggressive and controversial posture. Troops were sent into the area near the Nueces River and Rio Grande. Untied States declared war on Mexico, and even with being supported by poorly trained and ill-disciplined troops U.S controlled of entire southwest.


Under the president James K. Polk the U.S achieved a massive amount of territory. In the Mexican-American War U.S had many victories they defeated Santa Anna’s force near Buena Vista, captured Vera Cruz, won Battle of Cerro Gordo, and captured the Mexican capitol. Santa Anna fled and the war was ended, which lead to the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. This treaty included provision stating Mexico recognizing American claims to the area north of the Rio Grande, Mexico exchanged California and New Mexico in return for fifteen million dollars, and the U.S agreed to three million dollars debts Mexico owed to American citizens. Polk still unsatisfied felt U.S desired more since they defeated Mexico in the War, yet Polk had to settle with the one million square miles of territory.


In one term Polk acquired the sum of one million square miles in territory. Going to war against Mexico Polk was taking the best interest of the United States, due to the actuality that the war was to expand the U.S territory. Yes Polk did go against what some Americans wanted like re-open slave states but every one did want an expansion of territory and, Polk exceeded what any of the American could imagine.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Evaluate the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was a well respected man by the common people. He was apart of the Democratic - Republican Party who represented the interests of common men, and farmers. Which is seemingly questionable considering Jefferson was not raised as a common man nor raised as a farmer. Jefferson being an anti-capitalistic he favored subsistence farming, limitations on federal government, maintaining an agrarian society, the support of France (being a Francophile), and strict interpretation of the Constitution. Jefferson was the former secretary of state thus having experience in office so this was nothing new to him. Thomas Jefferson was the type of president who seemed to be liberal. Being a Demo-Republican he was to strictly follow the Constitution; yet he went against the Constitution and bought Louisiana from the French, started an undeclared war with the Barbary Pirates, and sponsored acts like the Nonintercourse and Embargo Act to deal with British and French actions. Thomas Jefferson may have been experienced in the office of treasury but the experience as a president surely was something new.

Jefferson was know as a pragmatist he was not tied to any particular philosophical approach on government but instead adjusted to what was going on in that time frame. Jefferson claimed to be a Demo-Republican yet one his most notable achievements was the purchase of Louisiana in 1803. It was sold by Napoleon in need of money to fight the British. For 15 million dollars Jefferson bought Louisiana, which there was not a single clause in the constitution stating buying territory. For some one who believed in a strict constitution he surely did not show it. Even though it was against his so-called beliefs this deal was just too sweet to reject. With this purchase the territory doubled in size. With the size increase of land Jefferson became curious about it, so he called for Lewis and Clark to explore the new found land in order to find out more things about it.

After purchasing this new land Jefferson decided that it was time to find out about the massive new land. Jefferson arranged for an expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Jefferson instructions were clear, the arrangement was for William and Clark to find as much as possible about the territory, topographical features as well as gaining all the scientific evidence about the climate, flora and fauna of the western land. Two years preceding Lewis & Clark's instructions of departure they arrived at the Pacific Ocean. The discoveries found during the expedition of Lewis and Clark were large improvements on America's part.

During Jefferson's presidential there were a lot of problems that began, starting in the Barbary States (North Africa) where they were seizing international ships and holding their crews for ransom. Jefferson had no navy for the U.S so its ships vulnerable. Instead of forming a navy Jefferson decided to start an undeclared war with the Barbary pirates, ultimately leading to victory for Jefferson in 1815; putting an end to the Barbary pirates. Now Jefferson was a Demo-Republican and they were all about strict Constitution yet, this Barbary was undeclared so this would be against what Jefferson beliefs were.

Before Jefferson became president Hamilton already set the Bank of the U.S in order. This Bank went against every thing Jefferson believed in. This Bank of the U.S would aid the capitalist class by extending them credit; which would allowed for expanded economic growth and control the amount of credit a the current time. The Bank of U.S would allow an enormous amount of power to the federal government. This was not in harmony with Jefferson who saw an agrarian future for the nation. Surprisingly Jefferson did not even seek to eliminate the Bank of the Untied States even though it only helped the wealthy and not common people. Despite all the opposition he claimed he had against the Bank, it stayed.

The British and French relationship worsened near the end of Jefferson first term. They intensified their relationship so much to the point where they affected American shipping. French controlled most of Britain’s land while Britain still was the head of the sea. As Britain sought to stop lucrative trade between the U.S and France they eventually lead to events that were extremely out of control. The Essex decision (trade closed during peace time and not opened during war), Leopard-Chesapeake Incident (British blew American sailors off their ship), Orders of Council (preventing neutral nations from trading), Berlin Decree, and Milan Decree. With France and Britain going erratic Jefferson decided to throw out some trade acts which were suppose to punish the French and British. The Nonintercourse act of 1806(failed), Embargo act (affect the U.S more than other nations), Nonintercourse act of 1809(no trade with France, Britain, and belligerents) and Macon's Bill No 2.

Thomas Jefferson really hurt the U.S with some of the ideas he had like the acts on trade, rather other ideas like buying Louisiana were just genesis. Jefferson did increase the U.S (land wise) but he went against his own doctrines in order to achieve some of those goals. Buying Louisiana, keeping the Bank of the U.S, declaring wars that were suppose to be declared, and setting laws all went against his beliefs of a strict constitution.

Friday, October 19, 2007

To what extend were the AOC an inadequate form of government?

Succeeding the French and Indian War independence was longed for, during the American Revolution independence was fought for, winning the Revolution independence was expected. There were already two Continental Congress around yet these were not governments they were merely Congresses. The Congress decided to devise a plan of government called the Articles of Confederation (AOC). The AOC was adopted by the Congress and approved by all the states in 1781. Unfortunatelyby 1787 it was evidently clear that the AOC insfficient for America, lacking the control of the states. The AOC was an inadequate form of government, their central government was extremely weak leaving too much power in the states, no authority for Congress to impose taxes, no provision for a uniform national currency and many more examples for the AOC weakness.

The AOC was not in control, all the power was in the hands of the states. Since there was no chief executive over each state, the states were to provide the army troops to protect the nation. The AOC was designed in that form due to them seeing the result of what happens when one person or a parliment is in control. With the states in control of the government there was no one to deal with foreign affairs, this lead to numerous problems. After the victory of winning the war troblues began soon. The U.S didn't abide by the Treaty of Paris, they promise the loyalist they would pay for the foreign debts and yet it didn't come through. The British broke the Treaty of Paris as well they maintained there forts in the NW territory. All the U.S could do (without having anyone to deal with foreign) was protest, which only made matters worse British placed trade restrictions on the U.S. Their position on foreign affairs were horrible, even Spain sought to exploit the U.S in time of need, they tried everything to get this fresh nations land. The AOC could do nothing about protecting their country.

Problems for the new government did not stop at just foreign affairs but there were also domestic issues. As the U.S emerged from the war there were immediate problems to face on economic concerns. The infant manufacturing sector was notably affect by Great Britain flooding the American market. This had a immense negative affect on U.S trade. Roads, bridges and highways had been neglected so the transportation system was inadequate for trade. Money was needed fast the lack of uniform currency and unrestricted values were given by banks and state governments. This had a direct impact on business transactionswithin and between states. Then interstate trade was affected by the state trade barriers. With all the currency needed the AOC did not even have the authority to tax a single state, they could not even regulate trade. The AOC was hopeless it could not provide an issuses that the U.S had, or even the domestic affairs.

The AOC central government was terrifing and extremely ineffective since the authority was mainly under states, the U.S government was like a kid in a candy store (having no control). The features of the AOC were or should be consider weaknesses by those who had a stronger central government. A unicameral legislature, No authority for Congress to impose taxes, one vote in Congress for each state,no national court system, No prvision for a uniorm national currency, No chief executive, a requirement that nine out of thirteen states approve passage of certain legislation, unanimity for amendment of the AOC, No authority for Congress to regulate either interstate or foreign commerce. For everyone to have unanimity on an amendent just seems impossible not every had the same feelings on a certain law. Under the AOC the U.S would have no currency Congress could not do anything, a unicameral legislature was irrelevant, mainly all the featyres o the AOC were irrelevant. The first form of government was a failure but better ideas did come later in time.

The Articles of Confederation was an inadequate form of government. The Confederations' central government was indeed a weak one, most powers resided in the states and this subsequently became a problem for the new nation under the AOC. In foreign affairs the AOC government had to request troops from states, it had no chief executive or state department to conduct foreign. Domestically, the government did not have the authority to tax, establish a uniform currency, or regulate trade. The AOC was a faliure for the new nation.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

In what ways did the French and Indian War alter the political, economic and ideological relations beween Britian and its American colonies?

The French and Indian War altered the political, economic and ideological relations beween Britain and the American colonies in a numerous amount of ways; the expansion of land in American that was once uncovered, the approach the the Americans took against the British political sturcture after the war, and the way the Americans strived for independence after the war. The British success in the French and Indian War transformed the relationship between Britain and the American colonies.

What was North America to the colonists was once a home land for the Indians. The British came to America for goods and wealth, yet discovering loads of land and also other goods. As the British and other Nations fought for land that did not belong to them, the Indians became furious. "We know our lands" declared Canassatego part of Iroquois Confederacy (Doc. B). The Indians knew the value of the land and aslo how rapidly the goods they received for the land dissappeared. The British would not even respect the land they settled on, destroing it little by little, just enraged the Indians insisting the British to leave. Never-the-less the british did not listen.

During the war there was a bit of favoritism shown towards some of the soilders. " We're denied Englishmens liberty" wrote in soilders dairy (Doc. D). Even with the lousy times and weather the soilders had to go through there was partiality shown, Americans were treated so poorly in te war that they had to answer to British regulars who were merly slaves to the officers. Despite the ending of their time in the war they were still kept there away from home. The soilders did get sent home and swore to fight no more for the British in war.

As the French and Indian war ended money debts appeared. British policies after 1763 were designed to raise revenue to pay for the cost of the empire. The more land meant more money, a bigger population meant more money, and the more expenses spent meant more money. So the British government was in serious debt and needed a way out. What a marvelous way to get out of debt by charging coloines to pay for a war that was the British idea. " Leave represent your Majesty" stated British Order in Concil (Doc. F). The money that was to be raised for the debt was extremely small and unable to even pay a fourth of the debt. British demanded money for the war and yet couldn't receive it.

The newly won land by the British which was doubled in its size of Britains North America had ocurred due to France lost in the war. Britain received most of Canada from France and all territory south of Canada and east of the Mississippi River, West Indian colonies and Florida from Spain. Spain received from France its territory west of the Mississippi. Interputed by map (Doc A). This massive land did have consequences; money was one and who would govern this land? No one but their own country could do this.

Not long after the war did trouble begin with the colonies and Britain. Revenue had to be rasied to help pay for the cost of maintaining and controlling the broad territory, and citizens were already bebeing heavily taxed in America. " Adieu Adieu to Liberty" written in Newspaper masthead (Doc. H). During that time after the war the American and colonist were miserable, they were poor, frantic, terrible an depressed. The British had taxed the colonies until the colonist finally took a stand and rebelled. The Americans created there own government the Continental Congress addressing the distorted relationship between Britain and the colonies. The Americans left the British government for good after the French and Indian War ended and obtained independence.


Saturday, September 22, 2007

Explain how English colonies in the New World were different from one another in terms of gvernment,religion and orgin.

Each individual colony was extremely different in there on ways, some colonies like Jamestown started for economic reasons, colonies like Mass. Bay for religious, others like Conn., New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Maine for governmental reasons, and Georgia as a penal colony. The colony of Plymouth was on track of leaving England,due to the Church of England in 1620 the Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower to New England and eventually becoming part of Massachusetts(having a large population). That colony was established for religious reasons to separate from The Church of England.Jamestown (Virginia) which was the first colony in the New World, it was established by the Virginia Company, and settled for mainly economic reasons considering it dependent on Native Americans and the Britain. *Another colony that was started for religious reasons because of the difficulties they faced from the Church of England was Massachusetts Bay (a great number of Puritans lived here). With leaders like John Winthrop (one of the best speakers in that area) the church controlled everything religious matters as while as the political decisions. Also Massachusetts was first colony to introduce a representative government of taxing. *The colony Connecticut was the first in America write there own constitution. Unlike Mass. Bay religion was not significant to Connecticut yet trade was. New Hampshire founded by John Mason was shared with Mass. Bay but became an independent royal colony in 1679. Roger Williams was once living in Mass. Bay however was in time banished by Puritans from there due to of his desire to keep religion out of the government. Soon found his way to Rhode Island. Rhode Island established for religion reasons was granted a charter colony for religious freedom. *New York formally knows as New Netherlands found by the Dutch. King Charles II eliminated the Dutch competition by sending the Duke of York to take control of New Netherlands. The colony was named after the Duke of York; New York started for economic reasons. New Jersey once ruled by the Duke later granted as a royal colony. Carolina found by the 8 nobles and recognized with their religious and political freedom, ironically slavery was started resulting from the investments in slave trade. *Pennsylvania found by William Penn, was used as a sanctuary for Quakers. Pennsylvania was also home to many Quakers, settler who wanted land and Germans. Delaware once owned by Sweden, Dutch, and finally the English. William Penn used Delaware to provide sea access to settlers. Georgia began as a penal colony where Catholics and Africans were banned and also a defense against the Spanish. Each American colony was different from one another other by their history, origin, or their government system.

* New paragraph

Discuss the positions of the three factions and explain which was the most persuasive and effective in achieving its goals.

The first and second Continental Congresses were shaped by different opinions from the three parties. Each faction provided convincing arguments for their positions however, the one that was the most persuasive and effective in achieving its goals were the radicals due to their beliefs about Britain having no right to tax coloines on things they already had like tea,sugar, and other things used daily. The radicals demanded immediate independence from Britian. Whereas other groups did not favor the thought of independence.

Twice as many Americans in the New World were either opposed to the thought of independence towards Britian or indifferent about independence. Which was reflected by the some of the groups in the First and Second Continental Congress, and one of the groups were the Conservatives. The Conservatives included delegates like John Jay from New York and Joseph Galloway from Pennsylvania. The Conservatives were certianly different from the radicals, where the Conservatives did disagree a little with the British but was willing to union with the colonies under the British authority(just as the French and Indians did). They desired this plan to be adopted so Britian and the other coloines could join together like they were before the Seven Years War.Galloways' plan had one more addition, the colonies grand concil could veto British Acts. Unfortunately this plan failed.Another group that opposed independence from Britain was the Moderates. The Moderates which included delegates like John Dicknsion from Pennsylvania and George Washington from Virginia believed that there was not an event that happened yet for the New World to split from Britian. These Moderates sincerely believed that the relationship between Britian and the New World could be repaired after the taxes been declared. The thrid and final group was the Radicals including delegates like Patick Henry from Virginia, Sam and John Adams from Mass. and Charles Thomson from Pennsylvania. The Radicals believed it was time for independence.

The Radicals were the most effective in achieving thier goal of independence. They demanded the British to listen towards their thoughts about the taxation or they would declared independence.Yet the British did not listen to any thing the Radicals thought and independence was declared. The Radicals were unlike the other two groups considering the fact that the others were willing to deal with taxes and allow the British government to control them. In order for the radicals to gain independence they needed an inspiration in ideas from Thomas Jefferson in a little book he wrote called "A Summary View of the Rights of British America".

The Radicals used ideas resembling what the book Jefferson wrote possessed. These thoughts included how Parliament had no built in authority to tax the colonies, the British empire was a loose union and coul noy dominated the New World and keeping the loose union wold have an loyalty towards the king; which was not wanted. With these ideas provided the delegates adopted the Declaration and Resolves. Moreover the delegates took action with that Declaration. The Radicals represented the Intolerable Acts as valuless and meaningless, recommending colonist arm themselves so they could form a an army, then the Radicals insisted a boycott on British importation and on consumptions. This was established on every single colony of the New World to make sure that boycott was enforced against Britian. The coloines were eventually seperated from Britain and became independent.

With this information given it is certainly evident that the Radicals were the most presuasive and effective in achieving their goals. No other faction actually achieved their goal or was even close to gainning the British goverments appoval. So compared to the Moderates and the Conservatives who did not even go to the extent to get thier ideas out there similar to what the Radicals did they are incomparable towards each another. The Radicals read, researched, and applied their ideas in order for them to be affective aganist the British government. Thus the most impressive faction was the Radicals.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Explain how English colonies in the New World were different from one another in terms of government, population, and origin.

Each individual colony was extremely different in there on ways, some colonies like Jamestown started for economic reasons, colonies like Mass. Bay for religious, others like Conn., New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Maine for governmental reasons, and Georgia as a penal colony. The colony of Plymouth was on track of leaving England,due to the Church of England in 1620 the Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower to New England and eventually becoming part of Massachusetts(having a large population). That colony was established for religious reasons to separate from The Church of England.Jamestown (Virginia) which was the first colony in the New World, it was established by the Virginia Company, and settled for mainly economic reasons considering it dependent on Native Americans and the Britain. *Another colony that was started for religious reasons because of the difficulties they faced from the Church of England was Massachusetts Bay (a great number of Puritans lived here). With leaders like John Winthrop (one of the best speakers in that area) the church controlled everything religious matters as while as the political decisions. Also Massachusetts was first colony to introduce a representative government of taxing. *The colony Connecticut was the first in America write there own constitution. Unlike Mass. Bay religion was not significant to Connecticut yet trade was. New Hampshire founded by John Mason was shared with Mass. Bay but became an independent royal colony in 1679. Roger Williams was once living in Mass. Bay however was in time banished by Puritans from there due to of his desire to keep religion out of the government. Soon found his way to Rhode Island. Rhode Island established for religion reasons was granted a charter colony for religious freedom. *New York formally knows as New Netherlands found by the Dutch. King Charles II eliminated the Dutch competition by sending the Duke of York to take control of New Netherlands. The colony was named after the Duke of York; New York started for economic reasons. New Jersey once ruled by the Duke later granted as a royal colony. Carolina found by the 8 nobles and recognized with their religious and political freedom, ironically slavery was started resulting from the investments in slave trade. *Pennsylvania found by William Penn, was used as a sanctuary for Quakers. Pennsylvania was also home to many Quakers, settler who wanted land and Germans. Delaware once owned by Sweden, Dutch, and finally the English. William Penn used Delaware to provide sea access to settlers. Georgia began as a penal colony where Catholics and Africans were banned and also a defense against the Spanish. Each American colony was different from one another other by their history, origin, or their government system.

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Friday, September 14, 2007

Explain how English colonies in the New World were different from one another in terms of government, population, and origin.


Each individual colony was extremely different in there on ways, some started for economic reasons and others for religious. Near this time King Henry VIII had wanted to divorce his wife except she was a Catholic meaning they could not divorce. King Henry decided to establish his own Church (The Church of England or Anglican Church). Resulting from that act Plymouth colony was on track, in 1620 the Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower to New England and eventually becoming part of Massachusetts. That colony was established for religious reasons to separate from The Church of England.Jamestown (Virginia) which was the first colony in the New World, it was established by the Virginia Company, and settled for mainly economic reasons considering it dependent on Native Americans and the Britain. Another colony that was started for religious reasons because of the difficulties they faced from the Church of England was Massachusetts Bay (a great number of Puritans lived here). With leaders like John Winthrop (one of the best speakers in that area) the church controlled everything regilious matters as while as the political decisions. Also Massachuasetts was first colony to introduce a representative government of taxing.The colony Connecticut was the first in America write there own constitution. Unlike Mass. Bay religion was not significant to Connecticut yet trade was. New Hampshire founded by John Mason was shared with Mass. Bay but became an independent royal colony in 1679. Roger Williams was once living in Mass. Bay however was in time banished by Puritans from there due to of his desire to keep religion out of the government. Soon found his way to Rhode Island. Rhode Island established for religion reasons was granted a charter colony for religious freedom.New York formally know as New Netherland found by the Dutch. King Charles II eliminated the Dutch competition by sending the Duke of York to take control of New Netherland. The colony was named after the Duke of York; New York started for economic reasons. New Jersey once ruled by the Duke later granted as a royal colony. Carolina found by the 8 nobles and recognized with their religious and political freedom, ironically slavery was started resulting from the investments in slave trade.Pennsylvania found by William Penn, was used as a sanctuary for Quakers. Pennsylvania was also home to many Quakers, settler who wanted land and Germans. Delaware once owned by Sweden, Dutch, and finally the English. William Penn used Delaware to provide sea access to settlers. Georgia began as a penal colony where Catholics and Africans were banned and also a defense against the Spanish. Each American colony different from one another other by their history, origin, or their government system.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Summary of John Adams

The story of John Adams is about his life; what he went through to become one of the most influential voices of the American Revolution ,his vocal opinions and his well expressed writing. With his legal studies this also what helped him to assist with document such as the complaint to Crown officials ,the Declaration of Independence and, the Massachusetts Constitution. John Adams was a lawyer, farmer, Harvard graduate, husband of Abigail Smith Adams, father of four children, a portly but fit man, plain dressed - and a revolutionary. He loved family, farm, books and writing.
By the early 1760s, Boston was sinking into rebellion as the British Parliament began to pass taxes meant to pay for the French and Indian War. Using series of measures like the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts drew rage from the colonists, especially groups like the Sons of Liberty, creating an hostile environment in the Massachusetts port city. By the request from some legislators, John drafted complaints to the governor and began campaigning for the colony's natural rights. In an decision that enraged the colony, Britain dispatched troops to keep the city peaceful a move that backfired when troops opened fire in the Boston Massacre. John successfully defended the troops in a murder trial.
John was elected to serve at the First Continental Congress, where, he served as drafter of important documents his earnest attitude impressed his council. No sooner had John returned to Braintree did he was called upon again to return to the Second Continental Congress, where John nominated George Washington to command a new Continental Army. As the Revolution raged in America, John left for Paris to meet Benjamin Franklin and draw up an alliance with France. When John arrived, Benjamin had already completed the necessary work and John spent a year in Europe with a trip to Amsterdam to assist for the breaking away of colonies with the writing of Massachusetts' constitution. After that was done John left for Europe to dicuss the Treaty of Paris and end the Revolution. Yet he found himself the first ambassador to Britain. He spent much of his time writing and socializing with the American ambassador to France Thomas Jefferson.
John returned to the U.S. and was elected vice president of the U. S. in March 1789. He served2 terms in the job. He enjoyed his time as president of the senate unlike his job as ambassador to Britian. John won the victory as president after George Washington announced that he would not seek a third term. Just as John entered as president it was at the brink of the French war. But John had a peace mission to offer.
John faced a bitter reelection fight after fighting with his rival, Federalist leader Alexander Hamilton, for most of his term. Alex threw his support to another Federalist and cost John the election, which went to Thomas. Angry, John left the new capital in Washington and retreated to his house in Braintree. There, as he calmed, he began talking with Thomas and a deep friendship developed. John lived long enough to see his oldest son, John Quincy Adams, be elected president in 1824. Ironic both John and Thomas died on July 4, 1826 the 15 anniversary of their Declaration of Independence.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

wHY i cHOse AP us HiSTOry

I CHOSE THIS AP CLASS BECAUSE I KNOW THIS WAS ONE OF THE CLASSES THAT WOULD NOT BE A EASY A. THIS WOULD BE A CHALLENGING CLASS AND I NEED A PUSH IN MY LIFE, ALSO TO KNOW I CAN AT LEAST HANDLE AN AP CLASS FOR NEXT YEAR. THIS WAS ALSO THE ONLY AP CLASS I COULD GET THIS YEAR. THIS IS A SUBJECT I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DEEPLY EXPLORE EVERN THO IM NOT BIG ON READING BUT LOVE TO LISTEN AND LEARN ABOUT HISTORY. FINALLY THIS CLASS WILL HELP READ MORE WHICH IS SOMETHING I NEED TO START DOING MORE OF.