After such incidents as the Boston Tea Party and the decision by the Continental Congress to begin a complete boycott of British goods, the British government decided to get tough with the rebellious colonists. In your opinion, was there a “good guy” and a “bad guy” in this situation? If so, which was which, and why.
Yes. The colonists were the good guys, and Britain the bad guys. The reason the colonists were the good guys is that they didn’t deserve to be taxed like that. They did nothing wrong!
The British were bad because they beefed up the taxes for no good reason! They were like legal robbers. They were stealing, yet they were never going to get punished by law. They were not being fair.
That is how I feel about things. The British were like the sheriff from that classic child’s story Robin Hood. He stole money from the poor so he could beef up his own budget. Again, that’s what Britain did.
Showing posts with label US History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US History. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Defending Taxes
When North American colonists protested at the taxes Britain was levying, Parliament replied that the colonists were still British subjects under British law, so they were subject to British taxation. Parliament said that it represented all British subjects, even the colonists across the Atlantic Ocean, who didn’t have representatives in Parliament. Using this information, imagine you are a member of the British Parliament and write a response to the colonists who are complaining about taxation with representation.
Dear Benyamin Soto
Calm yourself! For heavens sake, you are British subjects under British law, so stop your whining! This is what you deserve when you left Britain and left us with less workforce to sustain us. You brought this upon yourselves.
Oh, and those crops you give us, half of those end up rotten when they get here. And it’s all because of the fact you sail slower than you’re supposed to. You do not deserve to get representation. You have no hope of defeating our army, so you might as well live with the taxes.
If you continue to protest against our taxes, we will be forced to take action. Heed this warning, and no one will have to get hurt.
Sincerely,
Parliament
Dear Benyamin Soto
Calm yourself! For heavens sake, you are British subjects under British law, so stop your whining! This is what you deserve when you left Britain and left us with less workforce to sustain us. You brought this upon yourselves.
Oh, and those crops you give us, half of those end up rotten when they get here. And it’s all because of the fact you sail slower than you’re supposed to. You do not deserve to get representation. You have no hope of defeating our army, so you might as well live with the taxes.
If you continue to protest against our taxes, we will be forced to take action. Heed this warning, and no one will have to get hurt.
Sincerely,
Parliament
A Tax on Paper
In 1764 and 1765, Britain raised taxes in the colonies to beef up the British budget and to pay for an increased military presence in the colonies. The Stamp Act, for example, taxed all sorts of paper items, including legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, marriage licenses, and even playing cards. Colonists didn’t appreciate these taxes and insisted that only the colonial legislatures could raise the colonies taxes. They argued that they should not suffer from British taxation without representation in British Parliament. Imagine you are one of these colonists. Write a letter to Parliament expressing your concern about the Stamp Act.
Dear Parliament,
I strongly oppose the Stamp Act. I demand you remove the burden from us for good.
Reasons: We have done nothing to have taxes raised in the New World. If you continue this raise, we will secede and form our own country. We also do not have representation in Parliament, as you think we are not important enough. We are people too, and we deserve representation in Parliament. We give you half of our crops, and what do we get? More taxes.We are having trouble getting by as it is, but if we have to deal with the Stamp Act, we will not even be able to actually BUY paper, and what good will that do you?
As I said, remove the taxes or we will be forced to take action.
Sincerely,
Colonist Benyamin Soto
Dear Parliament,
I strongly oppose the Stamp Act. I demand you remove the burden from us for good.
Reasons: We have done nothing to have taxes raised in the New World. If you continue this raise, we will secede and form our own country. We also do not have representation in Parliament, as you think we are not important enough. We are people too, and we deserve representation in Parliament. We give you half of our crops, and what do we get? More taxes.We are having trouble getting by as it is, but if we have to deal with the Stamp Act, we will not even be able to actually BUY paper, and what good will that do you?
As I said, remove the taxes or we will be forced to take action.
Sincerely,
Colonist Benyamin Soto
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Goods and Crops
According to theory of mercantilism maintained by British colonialists before the American Revolution, colonies existed solely for the economic benefit of the mother country. Why would it be beneficial for Britain to permit the selling of colonial goods and crops in Britain only, and not in any other countries? Do you think restricting the sale of goods and crops was a win-win situation for Britain and the colonies? Explain.
Yes, I do believe it was a win-win situation because Britain got all the goods they wanted without having to share them, and for the colonies because if they got paid for them, and that they used British currency, and that there wasn’t a way to change money, that they actually got money they could use!
Yes, I do believe it was a win-win situation because Britain got all the goods they wanted without having to share them, and for the colonies because if they got paid for them, and that they used British currency, and that there wasn’t a way to change money, that they actually got money they could use!
The United States of France
When Britain controlled the colonies, France tried several times to take over North America. Imagine what North America might be like today if France had succeeded. What would we eat, wear, do for fun? What would we believe?
We would probably eat French foods like ratatouille, shrimp in French sauce, etc. We would wear (in the summer) tight shorts, tennis shoes, and t-shirts. In the winter, we would wear the same clothes we usually wear in the winter. We would probably bike, race, or do some other type of outdoor activity for our main source of fun. We would probably be (using the results of a French poll) either Catholic or atheist.
We would probably eat French foods like ratatouille, shrimp in French sauce, etc. We would wear (in the summer) tight shorts, tennis shoes, and t-shirts. In the winter, we would wear the same clothes we usually wear in the winter. We would probably bike, race, or do some other type of outdoor activity for our main source of fun. We would probably be (using the results of a French poll) either Catholic or atheist.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Fire and Brimstone
A religious revival called the Great Awakening swept across the colonies in the 1730s and 1740s, taking the colonists by storm. With their “hellfire and brimstone” sermons, preachers ignited scores of followers. Some of whom tried to convert the Native Americans and the slaves.. A divide separated the older, more traditional clergy and the people who participated in the Great Awakening. The traditionalists were taken aback by the new methods of preaching and by the passionate responses of the people who experienced revival. Why do you think the traditionalists reacted as they did.
When it came to the new methods of preaching, they were surprised because the new methods spread so quickly, and they thought that it wouldn't spread so fast across the colonies. They thought the preachers agreed that the original way of preaching was the only right way to preach.
The reaction to the people's passionate responses was due to the same reason they were taken aback by the new methods of preaching. They thought the Awakening wouldn't spread too far, yet the exact opposite happened.
When it came to the new methods of preaching, they were surprised because the new methods spread so quickly, and they thought that it wouldn't spread so fast across the colonies. They thought the preachers agreed that the original way of preaching was the only right way to preach.
The reaction to the people's passionate responses was due to the same reason they were taken aback by the new methods of preaching. They thought the Awakening wouldn't spread too far, yet the exact opposite happened.
A Few Trinkets
In a remarkable transaction, the Dutch West India Company bought what is now Manhattan-all 22,000 acres- for the Native Americans living there for a few trinkets worth about $24. Imagine that you are a journalist present during the transaction, and write a short article about it.
The Manhattan Transaction
By Benyamin Soto
When the Dutch West India Company bought Manhattan for a few trinkets, I was shocked. That transaction is unfair in so many ways. First of all, a few trinkets isn’t worth anything! Even a Indian should know that. Second, the island of Manhattan is worth MUCH more than a few trinkets.
If you knew what happened, you’d be as shocked as I was. The Company and the Manhattan Indians met, they talked a bit, and the Indians, having a weak sense of monetary value, picked 6 trinkets: A small wooden bicycle, a nutcracker, a toy boat, a little rhinoceros, a wooden doll, and a toy bird. They then signed the papers, as did Peter Minuit, president of the Company. Then all left the room. Little did the Indians know that those trinkets were old and breaking.
I feel sorry for those Indians, and mad at Mister Minuit.
The Manhattan Transaction
By Benyamin Soto
When the Dutch West India Company bought Manhattan for a few trinkets, I was shocked. That transaction is unfair in so many ways. First of all, a few trinkets isn’t worth anything! Even a Indian should know that. Second, the island of Manhattan is worth MUCH more than a few trinkets.
If you knew what happened, you’d be as shocked as I was. The Company and the Manhattan Indians met, they talked a bit, and the Indians, having a weak sense of monetary value, picked 6 trinkets: A small wooden bicycle, a nutcracker, a toy boat, a little rhinoceros, a wooden doll, and a toy bird. They then signed the papers, as did Peter Minuit, president of the Company. Then all left the room. Little did the Indians know that those trinkets were old and breaking.
I feel sorry for those Indians, and mad at Mister Minuit.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Not One Community, but Many
Some of the first colonies in North America were founded by people looking for a place to practice their religion freely. But instead of creating one large community open to all faiths, the first settlers created a number of different religious communites. Why do you think this happened?
I think that people thought their religion was the true religion, and that they didn’t want to be around people who thought differently, and also they wanted different laws based on their religion, and no one could agree with anyone else.
I think that people thought their religion was the true religion, and that they didn’t want to be around people who thought differently, and also they wanted different laws based on their religion, and no one could agree with anyone else.
A War Against the Native Americans
During the Pequot War, American settlers burned a Native American village. The fire killed hundreds of Native Americans, including women and children. Imagine you are a survivor of this fire who lives in the devastated village. Write an account of what happened.
It all started a few days ago. We were hunting, then Squalem, a young boy, came yelling to us “The white men are invading!” Then he got shot with a arrow on the arm. When we got to the village, we removed the arrow and treated his wounds, including the wounds he keeps getting from walking in the forest. Then a white man came and said “I will burn down this village UNLESS you Indians surrender!” He was really angry. When we didn’t comply to his demands, he threw the torch at the elder’s home and left in a hurry.
The fire spread around the village very fast. Faster then the wind’s running. Faster than a snake’s slithering. Since we have lots of trees in the village, the fire was super powerful and super hot! We ran away from the village to the forest and then to the seashore, where we would probably be safe.
When we got back, all was gone expect for the elder. She was standing in the fire ring, where the fire didn’t burn. Her deerskin clothing was covered in soot, as was the rest of her. She said “A young boy, Squalem, helped me escape. He did a great deed, and I rewarded him with a relic; My great-grandmother’s necklace. He is now out in the forest, examing the dead trees and plants, and observing the damage of the white men.”
I hope these white men don’t burn down any more villages. Hundreds of innocent lives were lost.
It all started a few days ago. We were hunting, then Squalem, a young boy, came yelling to us “The white men are invading!” Then he got shot with a arrow on the arm. When we got to the village, we removed the arrow and treated his wounds, including the wounds he keeps getting from walking in the forest. Then a white man came and said “I will burn down this village UNLESS you Indians surrender!” He was really angry. When we didn’t comply to his demands, he threw the torch at the elder’s home and left in a hurry.
The fire spread around the village very fast. Faster then the wind’s running. Faster than a snake’s slithering. Since we have lots of trees in the village, the fire was super powerful and super hot! We ran away from the village to the forest and then to the seashore, where we would probably be safe.
When we got back, all was gone expect for the elder. She was standing in the fire ring, where the fire didn’t burn. Her deerskin clothing was covered in soot, as was the rest of her. She said “A young boy, Squalem, helped me escape. He did a great deed, and I rewarded him with a relic; My great-grandmother’s necklace. He is now out in the forest, examing the dead trees and plants, and observing the damage of the white men.”
I hope these white men don’t burn down any more villages. Hundreds of innocent lives were lost.
Native American
Who was Squanto, and what is he remembered for?
Squanto was a Patuxet Indian who helped the Pilgrims survive in New England. He taught them to plant corn, beans, and maize. He was the only survivor of the Patuxet after their demise around 1619. He was critical to the Pilgrim’s survival. He helped start the holiday Thanksgiving. He died in 1622. Some people think that he was poisoned by the Indians because they thought Squanto betrayed them. His real name was Tisquantum.
Squanto was a Patuxet Indian who helped the Pilgrims survive in New England. He taught them to plant corn, beans, and maize. He was the only survivor of the Patuxet after their demise around 1619. He was critical to the Pilgrim’s survival. He helped start the holiday Thanksgiving. He died in 1622. Some people think that he was poisoned by the Indians because they thought Squanto betrayed them. His real name was Tisquantum.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Forced to Eat Dogs
The first permanent English settlement in North America was Jamestown, Virginia. The condition were bad: settlers clashed with Native Americans and, once the food ran out, were forced to eat rats, mice, dogs, and cats. Imagine you are a settler dealing with these troubles. Write a letter to your family back in England describing your situation.
Dear Family,
Conditions in Jamestown are horrific. We have a hard time just staying alive!
It all started when we were attacked by the Indians. They stole most of our food and, as a result, are starving us to death. We are forced to eat dogs, cats, and rodents. This is not exactly conditions someone would call “prosperous”.
When the winter came, many people died of starvation and from the cold. We are not doing well. Thankfully, we are becoming skilled hunters and are starting to move on to big game. Sadly, we cannot catch a deer if our lives depended on it. And they do depend on it.
I’m worried for the sake of my people. The Native Americans are ruthless, cold-hearted barbarians that care only for themselves. We were just peaceful settlers trying to survive. Now, we are desperate for help. If it weren’t for religious constraints, I’d move back to England. But Jamestown is the only place I can practice my beliefs.
I hope you get this and that we don’t get wiped out.
Love,
Benyamin
Dear Family,
Conditions in Jamestown are horrific. We have a hard time just staying alive!
It all started when we were attacked by the Indians. They stole most of our food and, as a result, are starving us to death. We are forced to eat dogs, cats, and rodents. This is not exactly conditions someone would call “prosperous”.
When the winter came, many people died of starvation and from the cold. We are not doing well. Thankfully, we are becoming skilled hunters and are starting to move on to big game. Sadly, we cannot catch a deer if our lives depended on it. And they do depend on it.
I’m worried for the sake of my people. The Native Americans are ruthless, cold-hearted barbarians that care only for themselves. We were just peaceful settlers trying to survive. Now, we are desperate for help. If it weren’t for religious constraints, I’d move back to England. But Jamestown is the only place I can practice my beliefs.
I hope you get this and that we don’t get wiped out.
Love,
Benyamin
Trader on the Coast
Imagine you are a trader aboard a ship that is traveling the Triangle Trade route. Create a journal entry that describes a stop on the African coast. Include details about the goods you traded there and the people with whom you traded.
December 31, 1599
As I’ve stated before, I’m a merchant on the ship India. I’m over on the African coast, in the port city of Nouakchott. My ship is carrying a brown goo-like substance made from the sugar-cane. It will be used to make rum.
We are currently trading with a man named Salque Albinwa. In return for the brown substance, he will give us slaves to bring back to the West Indies. Then, when we get there, we will send them to the colonies and then they will get auctioned off to the highest bidder. They know that many families will be broken up, yet they don’t care. If I were them, I would send them into the Slave Protection Program, at least, if there was something like that.
Salque will also give us money. There are lots of big bills to spend and even more to pay off. In another words, he’s giving us money to pay off those bills that are just stacking up.
Anyways, I’m done writing for now. I hope that one day, slavery will end. Oh, and you’re probably wondering why I took this job. The reason is I can’t find another job to do.
That’s the end of this year. Tomorrow is the beginning of the 17th century, and I’ll be writing again then.
December 31, 1599
As I’ve stated before, I’m a merchant on the ship India. I’m over on the African coast, in the port city of Nouakchott. My ship is carrying a brown goo-like substance made from the sugar-cane. It will be used to make rum.
We are currently trading with a man named Salque Albinwa. In return for the brown substance, he will give us slaves to bring back to the West Indies. Then, when we get there, we will send them to the colonies and then they will get auctioned off to the highest bidder. They know that many families will be broken up, yet they don’t care. If I were them, I would send them into the Slave Protection Program, at least, if there was something like that.
Salque will also give us money. There are lots of big bills to spend and even more to pay off. In another words, he’s giving us money to pay off those bills that are just stacking up.
Anyways, I’m done writing for now. I hope that one day, slavery will end. Oh, and you’re probably wondering why I took this job. The reason is I can’t find another job to do.
That’s the end of this year. Tomorrow is the beginning of the 17th century, and I’ll be writing again then.
God, Gold, and Glory
During the Age of Discovery, European adventurers explored North America.
Some historians say that these men were driven by God, gold, and glory.
What do you think historians mean by this?
These men were driven by God because in their old country, they couldn’t practice their religion, but in America, there was nobody to tell them what to believe. They thought of America as a chance for freedom.
They were driven by gold because people heard there was gold in America, so everyone thought “Hey, we could become rich!”. Sadly, nobody found gold until 1848.
Finally, they were driven by glory because they thought claiming land and finding gold would bring them lots of fame and glory. People who claimed land got glory, but again, nobody found gold until 1848, after the Age of Discovery.
Some historians say that these men were driven by God, gold, and glory.
What do you think historians mean by this?
These men were driven by God because in their old country, they couldn’t practice their religion, but in America, there was nobody to tell them what to believe. They thought of America as a chance for freedom.
They were driven by gold because people heard there was gold in America, so everyone thought “Hey, we could become rich!”. Sadly, nobody found gold until 1848.
Finally, they were driven by glory because they thought claiming land and finding gold would bring them lots of fame and glory. People who claimed land got glory, but again, nobody found gold until 1848, after the Age of Discovery.
“Discovering” America
Christopher Columbus is often credited with “discovering” America, although the land he discovered was already inhabited. Imagine that you are one of the Native Americans who was living in North America when Columbus arrived. You later learn that he has taken credit for the “discovery” of your home. Write a response to his claim.
Here goes:
Columbus did not discover my home. Many moons ago, my ancestors came from the north and settled in my land. They crossed the sea and lived here for many moons. Then those devilish white men came and took my land! They claimed it was discovered by them.
I say that Columbus is a big, infatuated liar. He knows if people already live there, then its already been discovered, yet he insists he discovered it!
That’s what I would say if I was a Native American. If somebody said they discovered my home, and took all the credit, I’d be pretty ticked off.
Here goes:
Columbus did not discover my home. Many moons ago, my ancestors came from the north and settled in my land. They crossed the sea and lived here for many moons. Then those devilish white men came and took my land! They claimed it was discovered by them.
I say that Columbus is a big, infatuated liar. He knows if people already live there, then its already been discovered, yet he insists he discovered it!
That’s what I would say if I was a Native American. If somebody said they discovered my home, and took all the credit, I’d be pretty ticked off.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
