Monday, November 24, 2008

Essay # 2 Reflection

Essay number two was much simpler than essay number one, because I knew what to expect and I didn’t stress over it. The research was more useful and easier to get to. With essay number one I had mountains of research, but not useful research, so narrowing down our research options helped. Part of what made this writing flow better was not worrying about what Craig and Ben wanted and just writing to the best of my ability ( not the teachers ability). As soon as I lost the mind-set of “people pleasing” I actually ended up enjoying what I was writing about. I realized that writing is about learning from my mistakes and evolving from it. This essay as been a learning experience and it has showed me the differences between my last essay and this one. I realized a lot of my weakness and strengths which helped enormously .I like that it wasn’t stressful and I learned new things that I believe will make me a better writer.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Final draft

A letter of declaration; January 6, 1776


Mother and Father, please know that I am loyal to you and I trust that you will hear my plea and justification as to why I must leave your care. I have watched the British take over Massachusetts and their actions convey disrespect to our land. Controlling us as if we are their mutt they can freely kick. Here in Massachusetts where I was raised by you I have witnessed these things: destroying our economic values, taking over us with propaganda and manipulation, and using us for Britain’s profit and growth. For these clear reasons I have decided to become a patriot despite your stance against it. You are my only family and you have allowed the British to walk all over our values and what we believe. I mean no disrespect to you and I highly honor who you are but I must speak my mind. I support the separation of Britain and anything that directly ties us to them.

Father, first I must state my sentiments to you; all my life I have heard you support the very people who have ruined your place of business with their selfish taxes and laws. You were thriving in Boston the most economic port in the thirteen colonies, but as soon as the British starting taxes all necessities you could not keep up with the demand. We lost our home because of it and yet you still act as though it doesn’t affect you or us. I grew up with uneasiness on the streets, people taking a stand against the injustice, anti -law petitions hanging everywhere, riots, and the one belief that tied the patriots together, standing up against the British because the patriots believed in being free.

Do you remember back in 1773 when I was fourteen and the patriots decided to dump out all of the tea received from Britain into Boston port? I do I remember it so well, we were watching from the harbor as they poured out all of the tea dressed in what I thought was a silly disguise , but they did it because the British were crossing the line over taxing and controlling us the colonists of Massachusetts. I felt in that moment an ordained right to feel what they felt. Then the British did something I could not swallow or even conceive -they closed the Boston harbor. I cannot understand how you justified what the British did, but I do know you read one of the acts the committee sent out: “This attack, though made immediately upon us, is doubtless designed for every other colony who will not surrender their sacred rights and liberties into the hands of an infamous ministry. Now therefore is the time when all should be united in opposition to this violation of the liberties of all,” (Circular Letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence 1). As I heard you read this one statement I saw the change in your perception of who those rebels or patriots were and what they stood for, because they stood for their liberties which were their own. Not anyone else’s and they were not going to give up. You respected them and I knew this, but you didn’t boldly come out and say it. Father you supported both sides because you were afraid and I understand that, but I cannot hide nor can I be ally to both sides.

Mother, now I must address you. Writing this letter to you and Father is difficult but especially to you. My whole life you have hid under the social traditions of how women should act and what they should do. You support the very thing my character is against and I believe women should have the right to openly express who they are. I must confess that I desire to be a part of the secret unions that take place, strategies that are being planned, and issues being addressed that have stirred colonists all over Massachusetts.

The Acts alone should have proved where we were headed and right now we are faced with many decisions. You were there when the acts took place, but I was too young to remember or even formulate what I thought. The Stamp Act, Tea Act, and Quartering Act, were all the product of problems caused by the pride of Britain. The Acts that were sent out and posted by Britain proves that their motives to be selfish and inconsiderate. “An act made in the last session of parliament, several duties were granted, continued, and appropriated, towards defraying the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing, the British colonies and plantations in America: and whereas it is just and necessary, that provision be made for raising a further revenue within your MajestyÂ’s dominions in America…](Great Britain : Parliament - The Stamp Act, March 22, 1765 1.). Everything they do is for selfish profit, and they don’t care if it hurts us economically as long as it brings a greater revenue and profit to Britain.

You had to suffer through the business falling apart and how it affected father, I admire your strength for keeping this family together when father went through his breakdown, but now things are different- it’s time to break away from Britain. We can no longer tolerate their abusive power. The resolution of Massachusetts states “Whereas this House is fully sensible of the necessity and importance of a union of the several colonies in America, at a time when it clearly appears that the rights and liberties of all are systematically invaded; in order that the joint wisdom of the whole may be employed in consulting their common safety...],” (The Resolutions of the Massachusetts House of Representatives Agreeing to the Virginia Proposal 1.) Mother I am taking my own beliefs and forming them into who I am. I am a patriot of Boston Massachusetts.

I conclude this letter to state that we have all heard the talk of war in the past, but now it’s a reality. This revolutionary change has already begun and whether you stand against the separation of Britain, or you don’t, I do and that’s why I must leave. I am persuaded by the passionate patriots who purses and I can bare it no longer. I must do something. As Thomas Pain said in “The Crisis”; “THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph,” (Thomas Paine the Crisis 1). His words of wisdom have turned the hearts of men to stand in a hopeless time. I am standing for that glorious victory and you will someday see why being separated from Britain is important.

I am leaving to fight in any way I can. I am a patriot standing for the freedom and belief that being divided from Britain is the only way to be liberated and granted back our divine rights as humans. So please know that I love and respect you, but I cannot sit back any longer I am choosing to do something. Massachusetts is our home and if we want the right to live in peace then this is the choice that needs to be made. Separating from Britain will be the overcoming victory once and for all.

Love your daughter,

Rebecca.

Citations.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/circ_let_boston_1774.asp
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/stamp_act_1765.asp
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/res_mass_va_prop_1773.asp
http://www.ushistory.org/Paine/crisis/c-01.htm

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Massachusetts patroit

A letter of declaration to my parents; January 6, 1776

Mother and Father, please know that I am loyal to you and I trust that you will hear my plea and justification as to why I must leave from under your care. I have watched the British over take Massachusetts and their actions convey disrespect to what this land is. Controlling us as if we are their mutt they can freely kick. Here in Massachusetts where I was raised by you I have witnessed these things; destroying our economic values, overtaking us with control and manipulation, and using us for Britain’s profit/growth. For these clear reasons I have decided to become a patriot despite your loyalist’s stance against it. You are my only family and you have allowed the British to walk all over our values and even what we believe. I mean no disrespect to you and I highly honor who you are but I must speak my mind. I support the separation of Britain and anything that directly ties us to them.


Father first I must state my sentiments to you; all my life I have heard you support the very people who have ruined your place of business because of their selfish taxes laws. You were thriving in Boston the most economic port in the thirteen colonies, but as soon as the British starting taxes practically everything you couldn’t keep up with the demand. We lost our home because of it and yet you still act as though it doesn’t affect you or us. I grew up with tension on the streets people rising up to take a stand against the injustice, anti law petitions up everywhere, riots, and these people stood up against the British because they believed in being free.

Do you remember back in 1774 when I was fourteen and the patriots decided to dump out all of the tea the British were having come in port in Boston. I do I remember it so well , we were watching from the harbor as they poured out all the tea dressed up in what I thought was a silly disguise , but they did it because the British were crossing the line over taxing and controlling us the colonist of Massachusetts. I felt in that moment an ordained right to feel what they felt. Then the British took it to a height I couldn’t swallow or even conceive they closed the Boston harbor. I cannot understand how you perceived what the British did, but I do know you read one of the acts the committee sent out “This attack, though made immediately upon us, is doubtless designed for every other colony who will not surrender their sacred rights and liberties into the hands of an infamous ministry. Now therefore is the time when all should be united in opposition to this violation of the liberties of all,” (Circular Letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence.) (1) As I heard you read this one statement I saw the change in your perception of who those rebels or patriot were and what they meant , and you knew they meant that their freedoms were their own not anyone else’s and they were not going to give up. You respected them I knew this, but you didn’t boldly come out and say it. Father you supported both sides because you were afraid and I understand that, but I cannot hide nor can I be ally to both sides.


Mother now I must address you; Writing this letter to you and father is difficult but especially to you. My whole life you have hid under the social traditions of how woman should act and what they should do. You support the very thing my character is against and I believe woman should have the right to openly express who they are. I must confess that I desire to be a part of the secret unions that take place, strategies that are being planned and issues being addressed that have stirred colonists all over Massachusetts. The Acts alone should have proved where we were headed and right now we are at a climax of decisions. You were there when the acts took place, I was too young to remember or even formulate what I thought. But the stamp act, tea act, Quartering act, and so forth were all the product of problems caused by the pride of Britain.

In the acts in which I keep recorded of the stamp act given by Great Britain they have stated clearly “ an act made in the last session of parliament, several duties were granted, continued, and appropriated, towards defraying the expences of defending, protecting, and securing, the British colonies and plantations in America: and whereas it is just and necessary, that provision be made for raising a further revenue within your MajestyÂ’s dominions in America…]” (1) everything they do is for selfish profit they don’t care if it hurts us economically as long as it brings a greater revenue and profit to Britain.

You had to suffer through the business falling apart and how it affected father, I admire your strength for keeping this family afloat when father went through his breakdown, but now things are different it’s time to break away from Britain we can no longer tolerate their abusive power. The resolution of Massachusetts states “Whereas this House is fully sensible of the necessity and importance of a union of the several colonies in America, at a time when it clearly appears that the rights and liberties of all are systematically invaded; in order that the joint wisdom of the whole may be employed in consulting their common safety...],” (The Resolutions of the Massachusetts House of Representatives Agreeing to the Virginia Proposal.) (1)Mother I am taking my own beliefs and forming them into who I am, I am a patriot for Boston Massachusetts.

I conclude this letter to state that we have all heard the talk of war in the past, but now it’s a reality has come. This revolutionary change has already begun and whether you stand against the separation of Britain or you don’t I am and that’s why I must leave. I am persuaded by the passionate purists and I can bare it no longer I must do something; you have heard the petitions, and letters to motivate us I am moved with that persuasion. As Thomas pain said in the crisis; “THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph,” (Thomas pain the crisis.)(1) His words of wisdom have turned the hearts of men to stand in a hopeless time, I am standing for that glorious victory and you will someday see why being separated from Britain is important.

I am leaving to fight in any way I can, I am a patriot standing for the freedom and belief that being divided from Britain is the only way to be liberated and granted back our divine rights as humans. So please know that I love and respect you, but I cannot sit back any longer I am choosing to do something. Massachusetts is our home and if we want the right to live in peace then this is the chose that needs to be made. Separating from Britain will be the overcoming victory once and for all.

Love your daughter Rebecca.




Citations.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/circ_let_boston_1774.asp
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/stamp_act_1765.asp
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/res_mass_va_prop_1773.asp
http://www.ushistory.org/Paine/crisis/c-01.htm

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Massachusetts no longer a place for quiet voices

A letter of declaration to my parents; November, 1776


Mother and Father, please know that I am loyal to you and I trust that you will hear my plea and justification as to why I must leave from under your care. I have watched the British over take Massachusetts and their actions convey disrespect to what this land is. Controlling us as if we are their dog to kick, and here in Massachusetts where I was raised by you I have witnessed these things; destroying our economic values, overtaking us with control and manipulation, and using us for Britain’s profit/growth. You are my only family and you have allowed the British to walk all over our values and even what we believe. I mean no disrespect to you and I highly honor who you are but I must speak my mind. I support the separation from Britain and anything that directly ties us to them.

Father first I must state my sentiments to you; all my life I have heard you support the very people who have ruined your place of business because of their selfish taxes laws. You were thriving in Boston the most economic port in the thirteen colonies, but as soon as the British starting taxes practically everything you couldn’t keep up with the demand. We lost our home because of it and yet you still act as though it doesn’t affect you or us. I grew up with tension on the streets people rising up to take a stand against the injustice, anti law petitions up everywhere, riots, and these people stood up against the British because they believed in being free. Do you remember back in 1774 when I was fourteen and the patriots decided to dump out all of the tea the British were having come in port in Boston. I do I remember it so well , we were watching from the harbor as they poured out all the tea dressed up in what I thought was a silly disguise , but they did it because the British were crossing the line over taxing and controlling us the colonist of Massachusetts. I felt in that moment a ordained right to feel what they felt. Then the British took it to a height I couldn’t swallow or even conceive they closed the Boston harbor. I cannot understand how you perceived what the British did ,but I do know you read the Circular Letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence and that one statement “This attack, though made immediately upon us, is doubtless designed for every other colony who will not surrender their sacred rights and liberties into the hands of an infamous ministry. Now therefore is the time when all should be united in opposition to this violation of the liberties of all.” As I heard you read this one statement I saw the change in your perception of who those rebels or patriot were and what they meant , and you knew they meant that their freedoms were their own not anyone else’s and they were not going to give up. You respected them I knew this, but you didn’t boldly come out and say it. Father you supported both sides because you were afraid and I understand that, but I cannot hide nor can I be ally to both sides.


Mother now I must address you; Writing this letter to you and father is difficult but especially to you. My whole life you have brought me up to embrace who Iwas. You support the very thing my character is against how can embrace who I am if you don’t support what I stand for. I must confess that I am part of a secret union where I plan strategies and address issues that have divided colonists everywhere. What Britain has done is wrong and I believe you know these, deep down you know it. The Acts alone should have proved where we were headed and right now we are at a climax of decisions. You were there when the acts took place, I was too young to remember or even formulate what I thought. But the stamp act, tea act, Quartering act, and so forth were all the product of problems caused by the pride of Britain. In the acts in which I keep recorded of the stamp act given by Great Britain they have stated clearly “ an act made in the last session of parliament, several duties were granted, continued, and appropriated, towards defraying the expences of defending, protecting, and securing, the British colonies and plantations in America: and whereas it is just and necessary, that provision be made for raising a further revenue within your MajestyÂ’s dominions in America…]” everything they do is for selfish profit they don’t care if it hurts us economically as long as it brings a greater revenue and profit to Britain. You had to suffer through the business falling apart and how it affected father, I admire your strength for keeping this family afloat when father went through his breakdown, but now things are different its time to break away from Britain we can no longer tolerate their abusive power. In the Resolutions of the Massachusetts House of Representatives Agreeing to the Virginia Proposal whereas this House is fully sensible of the necessity and importance of a union of the several colonies in America, at a time when it clearly appears that the rights and liberties of all are systematically invaded; in order that the joint wisdom of the whole may be employed in consulting their common safety..]” So mother I am taking your motherly guidance and embracing who I am, I am a patriot for Boston Massachusetts.

I conclude this letter to state that we have all heard the talk of war in the past, but now it’s a reality has come. This revolutionary change has already begun and whether you stand against the separation of Britain or you don’t I am and that’s why I must leave. I am persuade by the passionate purists and I can bare it no longer I must do something, you have heard the petitions, and letters to motivate us I am moved with that persuasion. As Thomas pain said in the crisis; “THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” His words of wisdom have turned the hearts of men to stand in a hopeless time, I am standing for that glorious victory and you will someday see why being separated from Britain is important. I am leaving to fight in any way I can, I am a patriot standing for the freedom and belief that being divided from Britain is the only way to be liberated and granted back our divine rights as humans. So please know that I love and respect you, but I cannot sit back any longer I am choosing to do something. Massachusetts is our home and if we want the right to live in peace then this is the chose that needs to be made. Separating from Britain will be the overcoming victory once and for all.

Your daughter Rebecca.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Massachusetts Patriot

---I. Boston being the central focal point of Massachusetts also happened to be the central trading port for revenue.

------------i. “First, the greater Boston area was a major commercial center and was naturally sensitive to all efforts to regulate trade.”

---------------a. Boston the heart of Massachusetts in which we find this to a place where our freedoms are stripped the most. The city of trade, the city of British organizations this place in which the British keep gripped tightly. Boston is the trade port of all things coming in or out of country , the port is their main control which is why they hold it with lock and key.


II.--Massachusetts became economically in trouble when the British starting taxing colonists; taxing everything we need to buy. Creating a high level of animosity between us the patriots of freedoms and British Parliament.

------i. “Boston became the hotspot of unrest as colonists began to rebel against the heavy taxation levied upon them by the British Parliament.”
--------a. Patriots mainly being the colonists who rebelled against the taxation now hold a significant amount of ammo against the unjust taxes being shoved down our throats; only choice is to make a noise in tell we get heard.

---------III. The acts in which were forced upon us leads us to form secret unions. We as a unified group send letters and plan strategies to address the issues that the British Parliament has set in place in means to control us.

----------------i. “.We have just received the copy of an Act of the British Parliament passed in the present session whereby the town of Boston is treated in a manner the most ignominious, cruel, and unjust. The Parliament have taken upon them, from the representations of our governor and other persons inimical to and deeply prejudiced against the inhabitants, to try, condemn, and by an Act to punish them, unheard; which would have been in violation of natural justice even if they had an acknowledged jurisdiction.”
------------------------a. These sentiments which started out in a manner of absolute respect as turned to righteous anger. Therefore letting go of any respect we may have had , because of the cruel over powering of the British Parliament and their constant injustice towards us the colonists of Massachusetts.

----------Iv. In the center of the war that is so brutally taking away hope we can only look to the bold examples representing the patriotism of America’s independence.

-------------i. Thomas pain The crisis; “THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

------------------a. His words drive men to the great allegiance for American freedoms In this we shall hope for the glorious defeat of the British fleet. Patriots find their reason to press on for the sake of liberty and the revolutionary change that it will bring to all men.



---------------V. This the war against our brothers has become necessary for the equal right as humans and people. I a patriot of the passionate pursuit of free will and justice for all men believe in this cause, because of the suffocation that Britain holds over us even in this our new land.

-----------------i. Britain controlled everything in England over stepping into controlling the will of the people implementing their very ideals despite the peoples desires to be free in religion ,land, ideas, and anything that went against British tradition. America a new land of limitless possibilities, undiscovered land, and untouched freedom this was the desire of a major percentage of England. Britain transferred over their England living the very ideas the colonists were trying to escape from creating the uproar between the patriots and the British.

Citations

1.) http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/circ_let_boston_1774.asp
2.)http://www.sec.state.ma.us/
3.) http://www.ushistory.org/Paine/crisis/c-01.htm
4.) http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/circ_let_boston_1774.asp

Monday, November 10, 2008

The start of something new; Bacon's Rebellion

Rebecca Ball




The start of something new
Bacon’s Rebellion




Coming away from England, in the 16th century the New World allowed a place for a fresh start. Jamestown Virginia was the landing plane for the new world. Unlike England, this new place allowed a life style much more freeing. However, with a new system of government, and new freedoms came many new problems. The rebellion that began was the tip of the Iceberg, for these new settlers, unleashing a world of racism and hate that they never knew. This new “World” was unlike anything they had ever seen before. Bacon’s Rebellion was the spring board of future corruption, opening up new discoveries of right and wrong ways to build a system of government. .




William Berkley the governor of Jamestown, appointed by King Charles I, in 1639. The governor started his career in James town, being known for his refined optimism.
In the story of Bacon’s rebellion-Virginia, 1676 it says: “Green Spring some four miles from James Town had become famous for its atmosphere of refinement and good cheer, and as a resort for wondering cavaliers.” People saw him as a leader they could easily follow and respect. Although, William Berkley started his career as governor in this way, his reputation changed over the years into being “stern and selfish,” For example; “He was now grown old in years and sadly changed in character serving a third term; reigning, “one night almost say”. Stern and selfish as he had become….”] [1] Berkeley had a reputation for up holding peace with Native Americans and stirring up anger between colonist based on the peace holdings made with the Native Americans. The colonists including Nathaniel Bacon were angry with Berkeley’s protection and “favor” for the Native Americans.







The frustration felt by Bacon was a common feeling amongst the colonists, like the colonists, Nathanial Bacon was loyal to the King of England. However, his loyalty to government officials was almost non-existent. His belief that the government favored the Native Americans interests over their own people started the rebellion that resulted in many innocent deaths and racism toward the Indians. Bacon wanted access to military trained men and access to weapons, so that he could attack the Susquehanna Indians. His hatred for them was enough to push him towards being called a traitor by the governor of Virginia. He was called a rebel because he threatened to act without permission. The governor was making good profit by trading with the Native Americans and he didn’t want to disturb his profitable endeavor. The colonists faced financial hardship- for example; the tobacco sales were down, and to make matters seem even more unfair, the Native Americans ruled a huge percentage of land. The governor and Bacon were at odds with each other using colonist’s issues as the central power in the fight. The colonists were genuinely in distress and Bacon used the Colonists as a stepping stone to obtain more power. The governor didn’t want to relent from taking bacon down, so he ended up turning the majority of settlers against him.



However, the colonist took side with Bacon because they believed he was the antidote for greater results. The Colonist of New England Virginia Were mostly Indentured servants and lower-class citizens. They were stressed with high paying taxes, land needs, fear of Native Americans, and what they viewed as a corrupt government. The settlers were placed on the back of a shelf as far as their ideas, believe, and even fears went. When the Settlers were faced with problems not at all in their general control they turned to Nathaniel Bacon. Who seemed to have a desire that matched their own and a tenacity to get results. Bacon portrayed a bold hero to the colonist; he stood up to the governor, led a revolt against the Indians, burned down the town, and caused a change. To the colonist Bacon was better than no change at all, (even though he blackmailed the governor into what he wanted and caused more problems then actual good.) The Natives, especially the Susquehanna natives became hostile after Bacon started attacking without warning. The Native Americans retaliated by killing colonist, setting traps, and even capturing them. The Natives lived and dominated the new land first, and they could have by right forcefully pushed the colonist off their land, but instead, most Indians just made peace (or at least tried). “The susquehannocks were an exceedingly fierce tribe of Indians but were, just then, at peace with the English settlers”. The part in the quote “just then”, at peace with the English settlers” is stating how back and forth the Natives emotions were; they are at times peaceful but others times intense and fierce towards settlers. The English and the Native Americans were always fighting, like brothers. if one struck the other, they would strike back but more aggressively each time. The Colonist couldn’t absorb the favor given to the Native Americans by Berkeley. They hated the interest placed in keeping peace with what they saw as a Savage people, and they weren’t shown the respect they thought they deserved as the established people of James Town.


I would argue that Bacon’s actions led to the imbalance of colonist’s emotions and reaction to the situations presented to them. Whether they be friends or Foe” by Michael J. Puglisi believes that “neither group resorted to rebellion against the governments, but both clearly expressed their resentment and dissatisfaction with the treatment they received.” [83}Puglisi gave an in-depth description of Bacon’s rebellion and everything that lead up from it. He later depicted the reactions of every person linked who felt the effect of Bacon’s rebellion. Although Puglisi didn’t choose a side, he did give off a sense of understanding to how bacon’s Rebellion was fed mostly on the concept of power. One might look at the Rebellion as a manipulative strong hand killing Native Americans just because. Or they could look at it as a place in history where everything was a turning point for new rebellions. However I believe Bacon’s Rebellion was the power struggle between Native Americans, colonist, and social government. If you look at the struggle between all of the people involved it shows that it was a consistent sprint to self gain. For example; Daily Life on the Old Colonial Frontier By James M. Volo, Dorothy Denneen Volo: "Nathaniel bacon was only twenty-six, but he maintained a successful plantation on the James river and had enough wealth and influence to sit on council of the elderly royal government.”[191]. Bacon was far more off than most people in Virginia he had money, connections, land, and all of this at a young age. He didn’t need to lead a rebellion because he wasn’t suffering in the way the colonist were; he wanted more power and control over a situation that wasn’t his to deal with. For example: “Human trafficking is a multi- dimensional threat. It deprives people of their human right and freedoms, it is a global health risk and it fuels organized crime.” Human Trafficking is a present day situation that is the result of something in the past that caused a divisional spilt and destructive behavior between people. The rebellion was a lower scale of all these things and used throughout history. Power is something that is designed by people for a greater purpose, but a lot of times it gets out of control causing a different design in the fabric of history. That’s why Bacon’s rebellion was so off balance different people using power in their own design causing issues for later events.

Bacon’s rebellion had a balance of cruelties that can not be decided over the immoral justice; both sides were equally wrong. Mainly because its not justified siding with Native Americans when they killed, set traps, and deceived just as much as the English. But one can’t really side with the English either because they lead a revolt to kill all Native Americans, tried to over throw a government, and also deceived. Bacon’s Rebellion was a power control and it shows two types of people fighting a war because they are afraid. Not because they have a handle on what they were doing, but because without power and control they would be slaves to a corrupt society. Both Native Americans and colonist would be slaves and both wanted freedom. In A Young History of the United States by Howard Zinn and Rebecca Stefoff said: “this was Bacon’s Rebellion. It was not a war of American Colonists against the British. Instead, Bacon’s Rebellion was an uprising of angry, poor colonists against two groups they saw as their enemies.” [35] The two groups that were their enemies; were the Virginia Company and the Native Americans. Bacon’s Rebellion was described in many different ways; Whether Bacon's Rebellion was right or wrong it still made a significant impact for future generations.


The Rebellion in a since was the beginning for new foundations and establishments working out certain kinks that may have caused an even bigger war for the New England territory. The principal it brought was a way to move past what had happened and continue building what they started. Gradually they moved on with a great system of government, but it didn’t take the Rebellion being over for them to fix all the problems. It took years of wars and situations like the rebellion to help shift New England into a place of equal rights and freedoms. Even now though our problems as a country happen to be unresolved and throughout history people have over stepped their bounds into racial discrimination, control, superiority, and lust for power. Bacon’s Rebellion was just a starting point of per destined events being established and built. The behavior of Nathaniel Bacon, William Berkeley, colonist, and Native Americans were all a product of disorganized problems that ultimately shaped America for what it is now.













Work citation.


www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books.com
"A Note on Historical Interpretation" by Leon J. Goldstein
www.conservapedia.com
47 documents
www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books.com
www.newrivernotes.com
“Whether they be friends or foes” “by Michael J. Puglisi”
www.jstor.org
www.books.google.com/books?
http://www.mdx.ac.uk/WWW/STUDY/america.htm#1492

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The Olive Branch Petition, Continental Congress, July 8th,1775

The Olive Branch Petition, Continental Congress, July 8th,1775

Facilitator text analysis sheet





Who is writing?-faithful subjects of the colonies new Hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina,-


-Who is the audience? The King of Great Britain and I believe that they wanted the whole “universe” to know For example: “Both which we wish may be immediately put to press and communication as university as possible.”Perhaps they wanted to make known their sentiments to not only the King of Great Britain but to anyone would listen.

--Who do the writers represent? They represent the thirteen colonies and the colonists desperate for peace and freedom.-What is being said, argued and/or requested? This letter was an attempt to persuade the King of England that they want peace and that if they work with colonists instead of forcing them to do things against their will they would once again be his loyal subjects. “We solemnly assure your Majesty, that we not only most ardently desire the former harmony between her and these colonies may be restored, but that concord may be established between them upon so firm a basis….”] They were requesting peace and freedom pleading him to consider unification with the colonist and Great Britain. This quote states their stance that they still want Great Britain as their homeland and brother, and they’re not ready to part with them. Yet if Britain will not treat Boston and other colonies like equals they will bear up arms and fight against them.


--How is it being said, argued and/or requested? At first they sounded like they were buttering up to the king but they were really respectful and clear about their plea. They also were very humble and precise about the way they talked to the King.

-What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request? Their proof was the signatures of everyone signing the letter showing the legitimate request for peace and freedom. “ for collecting the united sense of your American people, we are convinced your majesty would receive such satisfactory proofs of the dispositions of the colonists towards their sovereign and parent state, that the wished for opportunity would soon be restored to them….] This is their proof to make their case and claims truthful it states that a group of people are united in this case to attempt peace with Great Britain their homeland.
Purpose: Develop skills in historical research of primary sources, by extrapolating the arguments and meanings of various historical authors.Rubric:1.) Display a reading knowledge of the assignment and take comprehensive notes on the reading2.) Demonstrate an intelligible understanding of the author’s argument and purpose for writing3.) Discuss your analysis of the reading in a small-group discussion setting [OR in large group, full-class discussion (according to discretion of instructor).]For Facilitators:4.) Lead small-group discussion of assigned reading5.) Prepare Facilitator prep sheet for group discussion and to submit to instructor at end of class period6.) Send a follow-up email to the instructor regarding the quality of participation from your small group members.For Participators:4.) Participate in small-group discussion of assigned reading5.) Be prepared to share small-group consensus with the larger classFacilitator prep sheet--

Who is writing?-faithful subjects of the colonies new Hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina,

--Who is the audience?The King of Great Britain and I believe that they wanted the whole “universe” to know. So as many people possible to hear their cause and peaceful attempt.

--Who do the writers represent?They represent the thirteen colonies and the colonists desperate for peace and freedom-

-What is being said, argued and/or requested?This letter was an attempt to persuade the King of England that they want peace and that if they work with colonists instead of forcing them to do things against their will they would once again be his loyal subjects. They were requesting peace and freedom practically begging him to consider unification with the colonist and Great Britain.

--How is it being said, argued and/or requested?At first they sounded like they were sucking up to the king but they were really respectful and organized. The also were very clear and precise about the way they talked to the King.-

-What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?The proof is that toward the end they list everything that was going on in the colonies and they justify it by saying that if you work with us we will once again be your loyal subjects. It’s legitimate because it a real event taking place.

Continental Congress and advisory council

History is measured by events taking place at a continual pace. The first being marked by some ones experience, how that particularly measurement of change effected them, and I can say with certainty that even the smallest change in that event can cause huge implications for century’s. For insistence the first Continental Congress was the gathering of desperate but bold colonists of September 1774, some of which were the founding fathers of America. These meetings that took place in secret, hidden away from British power were the small scale gatherings of people united together with one cause. The colonists who met were there despite what British power was trying to control. They stood for freedom and belief that a community of people could be independent from the grip of Britain. This was a small event but it caused a breakthrough for centuries and even now in 2008 it’s developed into the House of Representatives, president of the Unites States, and we the people who now hold the right to vote for our leaders.


PSEC can be compared to the Continental Congress because PSEC is the diversity of people who meet and form the community and unification of people. The Continental Congress was a group of people challenging the ideas of modern day living in that time. PSEC challenges the idea of thinking deeper and to move past the high school normality. With the Continental congress they formulated and thought brighter than what they were aloud and in a since high schools compared to PSEC are crushing young people so much that they don’t speak out, that their opinion and ideas aren’t important, and that unless it’s in the school “curriculum” it’s not something you discuss. The teachers like British rule are always forming an opinion based off family background, wealth, religion, education, or if someone tries to shake things up they automatically label them the rebel and therefore deemed a bad seed. The Continental Congress strived for something equal and freeing, freeing in their beliefs, ideas, and there over all life. At PSEC the people have those rights and freedoms, young people desire to be free from the corrupt system of the public schools and the Continental Congress sought freedom for America which is now known for being the land of the free.

Part of the freedom and growth of PSEC is the right to vote for representatives to present our school, which forms the union and order of PSEC. The advisory council, which is voted on by students and faculty, is a group of cohorts coming together to discuss needs, decisions, rules, and to encourage the growth of PSEC community. The development of the advisory council is well established. I would not tamper with or rearrange the council because it’s the type of student government we need for balanced education. The council provides what public schools lack so why change something that’s worked for so long. Now encouraging development and growth to form a better council is always needed and should be done. Gerda Lerner’s interprets history as something we should learn from, grow from, and should not be repeated in the future. As a PSEC community we strive to grow and challenge our self’s for greatness.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Give me Liberty or give me death

Give me Liberty or give me death

Patrick Henry, march 23, 1775


In give me liberty or Give me death it was the portrait of hearts burning for freedom. Patrick Henry practically proclaimed the freedom for America he spoke out to a generation suppressed by British rule. He gave his opinion with no hesitation and he did not falter in what he said at all. For example; “I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.” He states his meaning for what I assume is a letter to the President right away. George Washington the first President who Henry addresses as Mr. President received the letter informing him that hope is lost for freedom unless they act now. Henry states this “Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope.” I believe he was saying that the president is resting in a false hope and he later goes on to say how they are already at war, because they have exhausted all their options. They cannot wait and hope for something to shift for the better Henry was trying to stress the crucial need for freedom. The only way to claim that freedom is war, he said it over and over “we must fight, we must fight” his passion motivated hearts to believe in the same freedom. Interesting speculation of Henry was his unwavering faith in God and the zealousness that cried out for the freedom God gave him. I thought that it was what primarily pushed him to thrive so much on the idea of change. He knew that if they trusted in British fleets they would become slaves to their own land. He could not and would not be bound in chains and forced to live a life that was not his to freely live. So he passionately pursued Americas freedom demanded liberty even if it meant going to war. He would rather die than be enslaved and that’s what causes his revelation of courage to a merge. He states “For bid Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death. “That’s what he stood for and because he was firm in that stance and sold in his faith the war ended and America received its freedom.