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About Me
- Paul Aleckson
- I’m Paul Aleckson. I am the District Social Studies Coordinator. I also teach an Advanced Placement U.S. History and a pre AP Seminar Class. I am the Project Coordinator for our Oral History Project (www.dceoralhistory.com) which received the Beveridge Family Teaching Award. I have coached both boys and girls basketball for many years. I am fortunate to work with an amazing social studies staff. They are dedicated to teaching social studies in a fun, exciting manner and to truly helping students become historians and active citizens. I really like to push students to do their very best!
This is Emma Eiden.
ReplyDeletePhiladelphia, 1774, in response to the Intolerable Acts 12 of the 13 colonies met to plot a course of action. Georgia decided not to attend probably in fear of possible consequences that may result in the rebellion. From my own prior knowledge, the famous people that were among others were Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, George Washington, and John Adams. The first step was laying the foundations for revolt and petition Parliament and George III repeal on taxes which was said that Britain’s actions had violated their natural rights. The second step was boycotting on all British goods that I believe would have made the largest difference. This would have changed the global economy with the two countries and loosened the relationship between England and the colonists. Soon, committees began spending the word of revolution that smoothened the transition to democracy and independence.
Emma:
ReplyDeleteYou have some good insight to the situation, the idea of a boycott changing world trade is an excellent thought. The colonists had used that tactic in the past, Stamp Act and Townshend Acts to get the laws repealed due to the complaints of English merchants. The idea of revolt in 1774 was only on the minds of very few icolonists. Most colonists were hoping to repair tensions with the Crown and remain English subjects. The idea of revolt would grow in 1775 and 1776 as the colonists sought their rights and the Crown wanted to raise money fror the expenses of the empire.
After the coercive Acts of 1774, changes in the colonies happened more reapidly. These acts provoked open rebellion in the colonies. This angered the colonists and their resistance grew stronger. The colonies felt as though they were treated unfairly and began meetings to boycott Britain. I agree with Emma and how it could boycotting Britain made many differences and there our democracy was beginning to be formed. Although, I can't help but ask why didn't Georgia, Pennslyania, and Vermont not provide an upper house or senate? To me, I was kind of confused of the situation.
ReplyDeleteEmily Bruns
Emily:
ReplyDeleteYou are correct that the Coercive Acts, Intolerable Acts as the colonists called them did speed up colonial resistance and the boycott of British goods. The boycotts in the 1760's had been successful in repealing British laws like the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. To answer your question about colonial government, each colony set up thier own legislatures, some had 1 house most had 2. Vermont was not a colony so it is hard to explain their type of government.
The biggest conlcusion I could make to this session is that the colonials were realizing their strength, and they didn't have to listen to England. England was proving to be a pushover, as the colonies continued to boycott goods like tea, clothes, and textures imported from England. England began repealing their own laws, which, I believe, unified the colonies into thinking that they had more power. This section shows how great media can unify people. Patrick Henry expressed his negative feelings on England, and newspapers were spiraling articles on the new taxes, mixing in their own biast opinions. This changed how the people got their opinions heard forever. It reminded me of media today. Now, media is basically the opinions of the people. Media can make any story, or decision go their own way. Cnn and CNBC have different takes on issues such as Iraq, healthcare, and so on just because of their ideologies. I can infer that English newspapers were very different in their stories of taxes, the Boston Massacre, and the rebellions than colonial newspapers.
ReplyDeleteWith the help of Media, and England continually neglecting the colonies' complaints, revolution was now not just a radical idea, but something that could happen. Tensions rose to the breaking point when (in 1768) substancial amounts of British troops began stationing in Boston. The cause and effect of this unintentionally symbolized the division between the colonies and the British. The effect this had on the colonies was far worst than any tax in my opinion. When your own country has to station troops to control you, it just shows the lack of trust, and reasoning between the sides at the time. I think this narrowed any choice the colonies had to diplomatically solve the conflicts, and physical retaliation was inevitable.
I agree with both Emma and Emily that the most successful way the colonies showed their protest towards British taxes, and acts was through boycotting. Boycotting imports from England poked a gigantic hole in England's pocket, and international trade became much more sensitive. I found it interesting how easily they made England Repeal the acts. It really showed the power the colonies had at the time. One question I have is about the currency act. How did England believe abolishing colonial bills would help the economy? and second, how did the outside world view all of this rebellion from the colonies? Were other British colonies rebelling?
Cole Halligan
Cole Halligan
ReplyDeleteI made a mistake. I was under the impression we wrote a blog for every chapter. So my first blog was for the first chapter, and the last one was for the second chapter. Until I get to the third section, I'll just keep blogging by chapters.
Chapter 3- Revolution
The first continental congress meant more to me than just a meeting. It symbolized that not only were the colonies able to vote and carry out democratic decisions, they showed they were willing and able to make their own authority. One plan I found interesting was Galloway's plan of having a grand counsil. I liked the idea of having each law from the colonies and England be examined by this counsil before being put into use. I would imagine this would cause much debate, but it would be good for both sides. England would still control the colonies, but the colonies would also have a voice in the government through the counsil, something they had wanted all along. I guess it was too late to try to diplomatically solve the problems.
New representation in governemnt influenced the future of politics. Instead of rich, powdered, upper classed men representing middle class, hard working men, people who shared their situation and views would be representing them. The "average Joe" now had a say in government, which is stressed in politics today all the time. President Obama wasn't raised up in a rich, high pampered lifestyle. He was raised in the situation many Americans faced, which is why he was so popular.
Looking through the eyes of a loyalist at the time (Thomas Hutchinson), I can see their point. If I had been raised learning the traditional government ways, and prospered from them, I could have trouble understanding hte view of the patriots in changing those views.
The ideas of freedom of press, religion, and ideas were ignored globally since the time of the revolution, but Americans embraced these ideals and seeked for a global transformation of freedom. That is what America has always been about.
Cole;
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, boycotts were the chief weapon of the colonists to get England to repeal tax laws. The english merchants complained when no one bought their goods. The troops in Boston and other cities angered the colonists. They believed that the troops were not needed. The English decided at this time, 1760's to enforce the Navigation Acts, and to try and stop smuggling. This angered the colonists. Galloway's plan was from the moderate point of view. Let the colonies have representation and a say in their taxes. Loyalists like Hutcinson thought England was correct to tax the colonists. When the war for independence starts the three camps, patriots, moderates and loyalists are almot equal in numbers. The patriots were trying to protect their rights and freedoms. America was had the most freedoms in the world at that time.
P.J. Kordonowy
ReplyDeleteThroughout this 2nd section I used the Thinking Like a Historian skills: Through Their Eyes & Differing Perspectives because I thought they corresponded together well, & the Reading Thoughts: Visualization & Questioning. The colonists viewed their world as being treated unfairly by Parliament & British troops. This worldview made a huge affect on the colonists' choices & actions. They decided to create their own political groups; many of these newly established colonial authorities seemed to pop up at the same time. As a reader you can visualize all the different colonies making new groups that they think will work best for a structure of American leadership. With these new colonial establishments I questioned waht Britain was thinking. Obviously it wasn't hard to tell that the colonies were testing their independence, especially when the 1st Continental Congress & Continental Assoc. were created. So why didn't they intervene sooner? From my perspecitve it was very smart of Britain to let many of the "colonial govts." be created if they wanted to keep the New World under British rule, but then again I don't know the British point of view as well because what we tend to read is the colonists' side.
To Cole's post:
I really liked your insight on how you tied in the media of colonial times to it today. It showed how all of the printing against Britain made a huge impact and drew the colonies closer together. I also agree with you when you can understand what loyalists were thinking because turning away from traditional ways of politics and government was a huge step for the colonies, obviously some not agreeing with these actions.
Interestingly PJ, all of these new groups or organizations were extralegal! In other words outside of the law and not recognized by England. These groups would include the Sons and Daughters of Liberty, Committees of Coorespondence,Stamp Act Congress and of course the Continental Congress. Im glad to see that you are also acquainted with the Continental Association that led the major boycott of British goods. Excellent use of visualization. Good comments about Coles connections to the present. Using the Past to understand the present is an excellent TLH strategy. good work PJ
ReplyDeleteAriel shidell
ReplyDeletechapter the declaration of independence
pages 52-57
+preview
-1774-1776
-given the title this chapter entails the events led up to and made for the declaration of independence
-lots of towns and familiar people used
+connect
-it reminds me congress today fighting to be top dog and have the most say
+Questions
-if we move to Canada and gain allies, why would britain move into Canada -all it will do is create havoc
-why does it seem all nationalities were against our independence
+i visualized John Hancock and Samuel Adams galloping to farmers and warning them of the british, then the minutemen retrieve all weaponry they can get
+importance
-"by the end of the day, 273 redcoats and 95 patriots had been killed or wounded,..." It was a great price to claim independence and to grow self sufficient
+big idea
-war costs time(less work), money(debt), lives(death). none of which is to ever be the natural outcome of anything
+evaluation
-the impact is freedom today, a democratic government where people choose what they want and need by who they put in office
+vocab
-quell_to crush, subdue, to put an end to
-genteel_excessively or affectedly refined, polite
i agree with pj its ariel shidell
ReplyDeletethey were testing the set of independence
they just formed the first continental congress and were fighting british rule...
i asked the same question on section one why didn't they go into war or conflict sooner to gain independence
its ariel shidell
ReplyDeleteReading like a historian
Turning points
+it affected the future
-without the felt need to rid of england, we today wouldn't have a free, democratic government and we would be tyranny.NO choices to what we would be-it would be poor.
+how that eliminated choices
-with tyranny_they decide all things and voting was only for land holding men, however in the US we voted but had state government so they still had levies and taxes and we were still in debt and couldn't get ahead for war
Ariel:
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you are getting the ideas. Try to read an entire section, then summarize the information while adding your point of view. It is hard to folow your information. You seem to just be restating the facts without much interpretation. Remember foreign countries helped the colonists during the war, without them who knows who would have won the war.
ariel shidell
ReplyDeleteThe articles of confederation
pages 70-74
entailing 1774-1787
this chapter reminds me very much of the womens liberation movement because the people would gain ground and have to continue to fight over it for a long time.
-at first the confederation was missing two states why wouldn't the signers wait til all the states were involved and agreed.(there is power in numbers)
-the struggle the southern states had was that they had more people because they had slaves , well to me it sounds reasonable tocount the slaves and have representatives but they decided on the three fifths rule which is a start.
the message of this passage i think was we fought for it so work together and build it up and make it what you want to make out of it.
-the men that had worked together to begin the US didn't truely know how smart they were, they affected our free land over two hundred years later just like any scientist.
Mr.Peterson i like to use outllines i get what happened for crying out loud i took notes. the section reviews i did as thinking like a historian and each preview etc i picked a chapter i thought would be interesting by the title
ReplyDeleteps this is ariel
ariel Shidell
ReplyDeletereading like a historian
cause and effect
the causes were britain wanted supremacy
-french wanted to maintain their land
-we wanted to be seperated from a monarch and from living under british rule
+the effects were wars, chaos, deaths and ultimately a temporary alliance with the french to help rid of british power
+supporters were loyalists, other state members, and the french once the alliance was made
+nonsuporters were the king and his armies, any other britts, the spanish, the indeans,and the french before treaties of alliance were made
when the british went into fights with us, lots of times they had ideas of what they would like to happen but it didn't always turn out that way; for example a commander sent a british troop in to sieze a town but three american officers were there and all the militia men so we fought with them and they surrendered and became citizens
This is Allan Sackmann.
ReplyDeleteThe colonies met to decide what to do about the Intolerable Acts. This brought about the beginning of the revolution. The colonies also tried to get rid of England's taxes and Parliament.
The colonists also began to realize they could survive without England's help. This helped them become stronger and mor unified. This also helped them to become stronger as a whole, and they began to overthrow England's rule over them. The colonists also realized they weren't being treated fairly or equally. The colonists bagan making their own choices in response to this. This also started politics in the colonies. I don't entirely get why the colonists started their own political parties while they were still under England's control?
Ariel, I like how organized your blog is. Also, I like that you talked about how we would be in tyranny today if it weren't for the revolution. I agree with you when you say the impact of the revolution is freedom and that we now have our own democratic government.
Allan:
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts. The colonies were making money and had more freedoms than any other place in the world at that time. The colonists wanted to keep their rights and take care of their own lives. The independence of the colonies helped the idea for revolution to grow and catch fire in the colonies.
Paige Van Grinsven
ReplyDeleteIn this section of the book, the British believed colonists were undermining their authority so they placed upon them the Coercive Acts or the Intolerable Acts. This act included the closing of Boston Port, and the Quartering Act of British soldiers. By this time, secret clubs and meetings were being held discussing these issues. These meetings today remind me of local town governments coming together and discussing their problems. One group that was started because of the acts was the Contiental Congress. Georgia didnt join this congress, and I didnt understand why? Another group that had formed was the Sons and Daughters of Liberty. This group performed acts such as the tar and feathering of British tax collectors. Something important that happened during this time was Galloway's Plan of Union, which urged a creation of an American parliment to compete with the exisiting British one. At this time, the colonists began having confidence within themselves which gave them the belief, strength, and power to stand up to England.
Allan, I agree with you when you said that the Intolerable Acts were the begining of the revolution because it sparked up these secret groups that were meeting. And without the bravery of these groups we still might be under England's rule today.
As England was on its tax act campaign, the colonies had large meetings that called for new political organization (much like the Tea Party's of today) these meetings however went so far that they created committees and later these committees became the new government of the west and in time became the Continental Congress. Then as this congress grew in power,people of the colonies came to realize they could survive without Briton. It took time and effort out of this rebel congress but in the end they were able have all the colonies join together and declare independence from their mother land. Not all of the colonist wanted to go along with the Independence and the war that followed, but with the help of writers such as Thomas Pain in the end almost all of them had the rage needed against the crown. One thing i thought was strange is how it so long for the British to step in and stop the colonies from even getting to this point, but if i were to look at this from their point of view, is that they had a vary large empire at this time and if i remember correctly not getting along with the french the best. the colonies were one of the farthest parts of their empire and so not as urgent to national security, so they just set them aside for later.
ReplyDeleteAllan: I think to answer your question, not everyone wanted the same thing when it came to the colonies so these partys were created not necessarily because they just wanted to but if only one group were to be in charge and make the decisions then it would be like the king having all the power. It was just a way to help everyone get what they wanted.
^Paul Dau
ReplyDeletePaige:
ReplyDeleteExcellent observations. The closing of Boston and the Intolerable acts led to the creation of the Continental Congress. When the colonies unified it brought them one step closer to independence. Not all colonies wanted to take that drastic step, and Georgia was a great distance from Philadelphia. Galloway's plan was a moderate idea, but it failed, the patriots had too much influence in the Congress. The people were some what divided on the issue of independence but the patriotic groups stayed in the news with their acts of defiance. You have a good understanding of the time period.
Paul:
ReplyDeleteExcellent observations. Remember that it took 3-6 months for information to reach England and new to get back to the colonies. This distance caused some lack of understanding and communication between the British and the colonies. The radical patriot groups were demanding that their rights be protected and that the government had over stepped its powers when it came to the taxes and other laws of increased government authority. Good work.
Jared Enkers
ReplyDeletePart III
Following colonists' rebebious actions, they decided to do something about the British government in America. They held mass meetings to figure out what should be done. In September of 1774, the First Continental Congress was created. This was the first form of colonist government. Soon after, their own government was slowly changing. They began showing signs of democracy by voting for representatives. In 1775, Congress approved the Olive Branch Petition which claimed loyalty to the king and humbly asked him to break with his "artful and cruel" ministers. Also in 1775, Congress issued the Declaration of the Causes and Necessities of Taking Up Arms which denied that Americans had any "ambitious design of separating from Great Britain, and establishing independent states." Then, the first battles of the Revolutionary War were fought at Lexington and Concord. Although the colonists claimed victory at Lexington and Concord, the British proved to be superior at the battle at Bunker Hill. Later, Congress created the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as commander in chief. And, the Declaration of Independence was written on July 4, 1776.
Part IV
As the battle for independence progressed, states were creating their own constitutions, electing governors, and developing the three brances of federal government. Colonists wanted to divide the powers of government into three branches: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judiciary. Representitives for states were based upon the population of that state. In March of 1781, all 13 states agreed to the written document giving them all equal representation known as The Articles of Confederation.As the war pressed on, Washington was becoming a famous war hero despite his lack of military strategy. He won the battle in New Jersey as depicted in the famous painting of Washington crossing the Delaware River. After this defeat, Britain then concentrated their efforts on defending the West Indies. France and Spain then allied with America and Britain became an isolated nation. With the help of the French, Cornwallis of the British Army surrendered at Yorktown in October 1781. This battle marked America's Independence from England.
Paul: You did a great job of summing up the start of the Revolution by talking about the colonists having mass meetings and how they started building their own government. You mentioned Thomas Paine which i thought was great. He, as well as other writers of the time, had a great influence on the American peoples' perspectives.
Hannah Ostrowski
ReplyDeleteThe American people were finally comming togeher as one, as a team, finally realizing they could do something about it. Each and every act they were hit with just was kept bottled up inside until they finally acted on it. Therefore, we get to see some of the first forms of American Government. To me, it was funny to see the "mob violence" and how influential violence could be, not only on one person but to a whole society. Violence led to more violence, which eventually led to war. As colonies were formed and they were formed strong. However, from the start they thought they could just stop everything from happening,stop taxes and overthrow Brittish Parliment, but soon they realized they could not stop the King, but, what they could do was start over. by themselves. They found out what being treated "right" was. They made their own right.
Jared. I like the way you included dates and explained the steps Americans took to make the Declaration of Independance work. I also like your reference to George Washington. I knew exactly what picture you were talking about. And I like the way you ended with the Battle in Yorktown, marked as America's independence from England.
John Gasao
ReplyDeleteIn parts III and IV of the book the American people finally have had enough and start the Revolution. The Continental Congress agreed on independence and in 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration Of Independence. With all these events unfolding, American colonists started to believe that they, "...were involved not simply in a defense of their own rights, but in a worldwide struggle for the salvation of liberty itself." These beliefs further justified the war in the eyes of the Americans. Fighting then began in 1775. As I read about the battles and statistics, I'm still amazed how the Americans won. Despite being the most powerful nation in the world, having the largest navy fleet and having 50,000 troops plus 30,000 German mercenaries, the British still fell. According to Gordan S. Wood, their weaknesses outweighed their strengths. First of all, the British had to transport whatever was needed for the war, 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Communication between Generals in the colonies and Great Britain was also an issue. In time food became an issue as well but perhaps their greatest disadvantage was the fact that they were fighting in a foreign land with harsh terrain. Also the guerrilla fighting style of the Americans hurt them as well. After comparing advantages to disadvantages I see now how the Americans were able to claim victory over a seemingly invincible military.
A major turning point in the war and a major step towards victory for the Americans was becoming allies with France. Ben Franklin intelligently convinced the French to sign two treaties with the United States. This move along with Spain allying with France and Russia forming the League of Armed Neutrality isolated Britain diplomatically.
This allowed Americans to fulfill their aspirations. As I explained earlier, Americans viewed their world as needing a protector of liberty. Americans believed that they were responsible not only for their own freedom but the world's freedom from tyranny. This mindset led them to create a nation where every man is believed to be created equal and that everyone has the right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I agree with Hannah on how violence can influence whole nations. A prime example of this is the Boston Massacre. The news of the massacre spread like wildfire and became propaganda for war. Americans then felt like they had no choice but to fight back.
Michael Bushar
ReplyDeleteWhen the colonies declared their independance from Great Britain, it forever changed the course of the world. Not only were they rebelling against the taxes imposed on them by the British, they were also rebelling against tyrranical monarchies who gained wealth and power at the expense of others. The Declaration of Independance stated that all men are created equal and that all people have certain inalienable rights. The writers of the document had some grand ideas for a new way of thinking. It went entirely agasint a system where a few elitists had control over "lesser" people. Also, since slavery was common, the US was now forced to eventually rethink this practice.
It is also amazing tome how determination, guts and conviction can defeat a well-trained army. It can be thought of as a life lesson--anything can be achieved through hard work and belief in yourself.
John: I like your comment about the Boston Massacre. It is a good example of how propaganda can be used to influence great numbers of people.
Luke Merchant
ReplyDeleteIn the second section of the book, the British placed the Coercive Acts on the colonists. This greatly angered the colonists. They felt that they were very unfair and abusive. Also, they felt that the British were being arrogant because they kept putting these acts on them even though it had angered the colonists so much. This anger with the British lead to the colonists creating committees. Eventually the Continental Congress was formed. The forming of this congress was really a big step for the colonists because it got all of the colonies organized together. This is really were they started to move strongly towards the revolution.
The fighting then began at Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill. The British suffered heavy causaulties in both these fights. This showed the British that they were going to be in for a fight. Also, the Continental Congress formed the Continental Army. At first the British must of thought that they were going to have an easy fight. They were suppose to be the most powerful nation in the world, but with the colonies getting organized and doing well in the early fighting it showed them that they were going to be in for a long war. The colonists were at a big advantage in the revolution.
Mike: I really like your comment on how determination can defeat a well-trained army. It is so true. The colonists had a reason to fight and were very motivated and the british really weren't. I think that this is the biggest reason why the colonists were able to do what they were able to do.
Luke Merchant
I agree. There have been wars where small armies defeat big ones due to the determination they had. And the colonists were being taken advantage of. So when enough is enough, and a person gets enough people to fight for a cause, it will either cause the intended "audience" to wake up and listen or it will cause more problems. Either way, determination and follow through is what has an effect--even if it's a bad outcome.
ReplyDeleteLuke: Could you elaborate on what you meant at the end when you said "I think this is the biggest reason why the colonists were able to do what they were able to do." --what were they able to do?
Alex Yde
ReplyDeleteIn 1774, things start to get heated up quite a bit when the British establish the coercive acts. These really stirred up the colonies and basically, they were ready to revolt. By the time the declaration was made in 1776, there were already several battles such as bunker hill and lexington and concord. Reading about these battles, i was suprised. The americans were not only heavily outnumbered, but they lacked professional training that the british troops got, and they still hung in there, killing 1000 soldiers in the battle of bunker hill. It just shows the patriotism and the courage of the American people. they knew they probably would all die, but since it was for their country, they didnt care. They were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for independence for their country. i especially like how michael put it.
"It is also amazing to me how determination, guts and conviction can defeat a well-trained army. It can be thought of as a life lesson--anything can be achieved through hard work and belief in yourself." I completely agree with this because as i was reading, it also amazed me to what the colonists did.
The key part of the Independence the America was the Declaration of Independence. This was the official declaration of war to Britain, letting them know that they are serious. The impact of this whole event is that it probably encouraged many other places being ruled by a tyrant to stand up and fight, and most likely succeed.
Luke Heller
ReplyDeleteIn chapters 3 and 4 of this book, Great Britain noticed that the colonies were disobeying their laws and proper rules. After this happened, the Intolerable or Coercive Act appeared in 1774. Parts of this act included; closing the Boston Port, putting the Massachusetts Government under British control, and the soldier quartering act. By the end of 1774, in response to the acts, mass meetings occurred, and the endorsed resolutions that called for a new political organization. these acts, and the many before them led to the independence of the American Colonies. In the declaration, it stated, "the King, who was now regarded as the only remaining link between the colonies and Great Britain, was held accountable for every grievance the Americans had suffered since 1763."
After the Declaration of Independence, many states were writing or reforming their state constitution, and one of the most important objectives was to get rid of tyranny once and for all in the colonies. During the time that the state constitutions were being written, the Articles of Confederation were also being drafted. In this, it stated that the 13 United States of America had power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things independent states have the right to do.
Thinking like a Historian: Cause and Effect:
the whole American Revolution is a cause and effect incident . the cause is Great Britain taxing and treating the colonies horrible, and the effect is that the colonists wanted their independence. The colonist gained their independence through many 'protests' against the British parliament. In the end, the colonies gained their freedom and liberty.
Mike: I like and agree with what you said about how the colonies were not only rebelling against Britain, but all tyrannical monarchies who gained wealth and power at the expense of others.
Michael Hruska
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the second section of the book the British Parliament passed a series of 5 laws on the colonies called the Coercive Acts or as the Americans called them, the Intolerable Acts. These Acts caused outrage upon the colonists. They viewed them as a violation of their rights. The colonists then organized the Continental Congress in 1774. This unified the colonies and gave them enought confidence to finally declare independence for Britain.
As the war played out the colonists knew they were fighting against the most dominant country in the world at the time, especially Britains military forces. One huge disadvantage for the Brits was they had to fight in the colonies which meant bringing their entire army and supplies across the Atlanic Ocean. The colonists way of using guerilla warefare as their style of defending themselves and the colonies was also a big reason they were able to win the war. Guerilla warefare is said the be the most effective way of fighting and lasting in a war. The Americans also recieved a great amount of help from an important ally, France.
The immediate effects after the war were that American then knew that they now had a significant amount of more control and they wanted the world to be filled with liberal nations and free from tyranny.
In response to Luke:
I really liked how u picked out and interpreted the most important ideas in the beginning part of the section. I also agree that the forming of the Continental Congress was a huge step for the colonists because it unified them. I also agree with you when you say that the colonists were at a big advantage in the revolution, especially after winning the first two battles.
Jordan Kappel:
ReplyDeleteIn chapters 3 and 4 of The American Revolution, Wood talks about how the colonists were fed up with the way they were being treated and that they were going to start to do something about it. When the British Parliment passed the Coercive acts or as they called them in the colonies, the intolerable acts. The acts included closing of the Boston port. This angered the people of the colonies and they finally had enough of Britian and decided to start a form of government or unity in the country. They started the Continental Congress in 1774 which gave the colonies enough confidence, control, and organization to declare their independence from Britain. This was a major turning point for the colonists and America because it showed that they did not want to deal with Britain anymore and that they were willing to do anything to win and be free. By 1776 when the declaration was made, they already fought a lot and sacrificed a lot to win.
Veiwing this from britains side, they probably thought that the coercive acts were a good idea, until it fired up the colonists so Britain probably was a little afraid of losing control. With the war being in America, the Brits had a big disadvantage in shipping all of their supplies, information, and troops overseas. The colonists fought hard for something they believed in and ended up winning, with a little help from a friend, France.
Alex: I like the way you took the colonists viewpoint stating that they would do anything to win. Also throwing in that the declaration of independence told britain that they were serious. You had a good summary and picked the good information from the book.
This part of the book starts out explaining the colonist reaction to the Coercive Acts of 1774. The colonies were fed up with English officials and decided they would no longer take orders from the British. Not only did the Coercive Acts upset the colonists, it provoked open rebellion and sped up event movement. With rebellion against the English officials, competition for control in the colonies came about. Meetings were being held by colonists to try organizing a form of a new government. The first attempt at this was the First Continental Congress, in Philadelphia, September 1774. Representatives from each colony came together except Georgia, who for whatever reason decided to not be apart of this. The main thing to come from the First Continental Congress was getting the people to recognize that no longer were the colonies taking orders from the motherland, and new local authorities from America were establishing. The new Congress ordered people to condemn violators of American Liberty and encouraged the breaking off deals with Britain supporters. It was said, speaking in the name of “the body of the people” that those enemies of the people were threatened with being tarred and feathered. The big picture of this all was that British rule is now out of the colonies. New governments are not yet organized, they are in the process but competition for control of the American people is fierce. New ideas are being tossed around, back and forth, but yet have the people come together to formally organize a new government.
ReplyDeleteLuke: I agree with you that the Continental Congress was a strong step towards revolution along with the colonies independence. From previous knowledge i remember that one reason Great Britain, the #1 military in the world, had such a hard fight against the militias was due to the fact the colonies didn't fight the traditional style war Great Britian was used to. They used somewhat of a guerilla warefare tactic if i remember correctly.
Travis Kohnhorst.
Jared:
ReplyDeleteExcellent insights on how the Americans tried top avoid war and make up with the British. When that failed and they declared independence new governments had to be created. They were in republican form giving the people a voice thatey had never had before.
Hannah:
ReplyDeleteExcellent insights. The British did end up losing the war and the colonists had to come up with some form of government. Mob rule did influence the Congress as they tried to achieve independence and create a new government. The people were given a voice to satisfy the masses and to hopefully avoid future mob rule.
John:
ReplyDeleteExcellent points of view. The Americans winning the war was a great surprize to almost everyone. The help of the French and other foreign countriues was indeed a key to the victory. Good Work.
Michael B.:
ReplyDeleteExcellent thoughts. You have a good understanding of the war and its' outcome. Convictions and effort were main keys to victory. Good work.
Luke M.:
ReplyDeleteExcellent insights. The British did anger the colonists by passing laws that took away their rights, and punished them for standing up for their rights. The colonists were able to unite and fight together for thier independence.
India:
ReplyDeleteExcellent information. The colonies did upset the British with the help of foreign countries. The British were over confident, the colonists had some luck and a strong purpose that enabled them to win the war.
Alex:
ReplyDeleteExcellent thoughts and insights. The colonists were able to surprize the British with the winning of some early battles. Patriotism does go a long way when it is used to unite a group of people for a just cause. Independence was such a cause.
Luke H.:
ReplyDeleteExcellent insights. The British made many mistakes in governing the colonies. These mistakes led the colonists to react to protect ehir rights and freedoms. It is diffiuclt to deprive people freedoms that they had been used to enjoying for their entire life. You have a good understanding of the time period.
Michael H.
ReplyDeleteExcellent insights. The British tried to control the colonies without their input. This violated the colonists rights as englishmen. The colonists fought for independence and freedom. Their resolve would get them through tough times.
Jordak K.:
ReplyDeleteExcellent insights. People will fight for their rights. The colonists reacted to what they tought were unjust laws. They created a Congress that would represent most off the colonies. Their decisions would enabel the people to finally have a voice in their government.
Travis:
ReplyDeleteExcellent thoughts. Government decisions can upset the people so much that they will try their best to protect their rights and freedoms. If necessary they will try to create a new goverment that will serve the people and their points of view.
The second and third chapters of this book the British realized that the colonists were not obeying their rules, so they created the Intolerable or Coercive Acts on the colonists. It consisted of the Boston Port Bill which closed the port of Boston, the Massachusetts Government Act which put the Massachusetts government into the hands of the British, and the Quartering Act, which forced colonists to provide shelter and supplies for British troops. This basically took from the colonies to benefit the British, and made the colonists very angry. This lead the colonists to create committees, the most important one being the Continental Congress that also formed the Continental Army. This brought all the colonies together, which was a big move towards the revolution. The British thought that they were going to have an easy fight being the strongest nation in the world, but suffered greatly in the spring of 1775 at Lexington and Concord along with the Battle of Bunker Hill.
ReplyDeleteCause and Effect
the cause in this situation is that the British are trying to control the colonists with acts and taxing just like the last section of the book. The effect is that the colonists get fed up with the British and decide to take action by setting up meetings and boycotting, which eventually leads to their independence.
Differing Perspectives
I understand why the British tried to control the colonists, they were said to be the most powerful nation in the world at that time and they tried to benefit from the colonists, which in the long run hurt them.
I also agree with what the colonists did, they were sick of being bossed around and finally decided to break away from the British and fight for their freedom.
Travis: i like how you talked about the colonists getting rid of the British even without having an organized government at the moment, and how the American people were so eager to get their new government started.
forgot to put my name... Dexter Zebro
ReplyDeleteDexter:
ReplyDeleteExcellent insights. You understand the time period very well. The British did underestimate the colonists. Cause and inspiration can do amazing things in history. The colonial army overcame many odds to win the war.
This is Bailey Kissinger.
ReplyDeleteI would like to start off by summarizing the section "The Approach to Independence." In 1774, the organization called the Continental Association put some laws into effect. These included the non consumption, non importation, and non exportation of certain goods. All people who disobeyed were considered to be "enemies of American liberty" and people were incouraged to "break off all dealings" with them. There was a new "political order" as Wood stated on page 49. All enemies were threatened of being tarred and feathered and forced to swear oaths to the people of their land. One of the most significant political changes was that the people did not want only wealthy7 citizens to represent them in government anymore. Also, voting by ballots rather than oral voting and meetings to the public were being preferred.
VOCABULARY- I didn't know what these words meant, so i looked them up.
pg.54 Fortification-to make strong, or to strengthen and secure.
pg.102 Unabashed-unashamed or unembarrassed.
pg.108 Emancipation-freeing someone from the control of another.
TURNING POINTS- The idea of America claiming her independence from Great Britain was up in the air. It was becoming more and more of a possibility. Perhaps one of the most important contributions to the decision of whether or not to claim independence was the pamphlet "Common Sense," written by Thomas Paine. He wanted to break away from Great Britain as soon as possible. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved. A negative part of the Declaration however, was that there was nothing written in it about slavery. However, on page 57 it states, "The Declaration of Independence set forth a philosophy of human rights that could be applied not only to Americans, but also to peoples everywhere."
CAUSE AND EFFECT- The people felt that they did not have enough power and the governors had too much. Therefore, when the new constitution was drafted, the members of the state convention took away alot of the power from the governors. They were limited to the number of times they could be reelected. The powers that the governors used to have were shifted to the popular legislatures which changed the responsibility of the government.
Travis-good summarizing! I agree with all that you said.The people were getting mad that they were being controlled and you did a good job of explaining how the people began holding meetings to form their own government. good job :)
Bailey Kissinger
Bailey K.
ReplyDeleteGreat information amd idea. Thomas Paine's book Common Sense was a great in the creation of the Declaration of Independence. 1776 was akey year in the world. Change was coming that would benefit most of the world with new and exciting ideas. You have a good understanding of the time period
The coercive acts pushed the colonists over the edge and they were openly rebelling against the British. Leaders from each colony, except Georgia started meeting to discuss plans about a constitution, the continental congress. What really amazed me was learning about the overwhelming odds against the colonists, but the colonists drive to be independent and the some of the British not wanting to fight was what helped the colonists win in the end. In the end, it was a war between what the British government and the colonists want for freedom.
ReplyDeleteBailey: I agree with you that Common Sense played a part in the colonists wanting to be indepent.
Lucas Dahlke
Lucas D.
ReplyDeleteExcellent insights. The colonists did take many risks, and at times were very lucky. The British did get tired of fighting the war and the people in England wanted an end to the fighting.
Max Osswald
ReplyDeleteThe revolution started pretty much when the colonists met to decide what to do about the intolerable acts. While they were meeting the colonists also tried to get rid of the taxes and the English parliament. Also while they met they started to realize that they really could make it on their own and without being a part of England. When they realized this it brought everyone together and by coming together it made the colonies much stronger and they began to overthrow the rule of England. They realized they were being treated fairly and starting making their own choices because of it. They began to start politics and also started political parties in the colonies. This was the beginning of a huge thing.
Lucas: The drive that the colonists had was truly amazing. They really overcame some pretty crazy odds to make it.