Final Study Guide

PART I: 1492-1754

1) What was Columbus looking for? He was looking for a different route to India.
2) Why was a passage to India important for European countries to find? It was important so that they could trade there without having to go through the Middle East.
3) How did the crusades change European and how did it lead to the exploration of the "New World"? It awakened the Europeans to the idea of trade outside of Europe. It showed them the things they were missing such as exotic silks and spices and whatnot. It lead to the exploration of the New World because they were looking for another trade route to Asia.
4) How did tobacco change the course of America (particularly the Virginia colony)? Tobacco gave America a true economy. Virginia was failing because they had no way to survive aside from what they could get from the land. They were making no money and thus could not trade or buy things. Tobacco gave them a much-needed crop so they could actually begin an economy.
5) Discuss the rise of self-government in America (make sure you note the House of Burgesses, the Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut).
6) How did religion play an essential role in the shaping of the early colonies? The colonies were formed basically because of religion. They were running away from Britain to be able to practice religion as they pleased, but then they wouldn’t let pilgrims of another religion into their colony. So those spurned pilgrims would go form a colony of their own for their religion. Almost all of the colonies were formed because of religious reasons.
7) Discuss why early colonists came to America (the various reasons - begin to relate these to the American Dream and the American Character). They came with idea of religious freedom, the idea of owning land, the idea of capitalism, and they wanted economic freedom (all part of today’s American Dream).
8) What was the Great Migration? The Puritan migration to New England and they were looking for religious freedom because of persecution in their home country.
9) What was the renaissance and how does it fit with the exploration of the Americas? The renaissance was a revival of interest in art, humanities, and science, stimulated through the connection with the Middle East after the crusades, stimulated by trade. People had more time to dedicate themselves to art and education because they made money with trading.
10) Where the 1st Europeans to the Americas "Explorers" or "Invaders"? Please justify your answer. Invaders, because explorers implies they are the first to be there, and they were not.
11) How did the English distance the relationship between indentured whites and black slaves? Why did they fear a relationship between the two? The English feared the slaves would get together and rebel. They wouldn’t let the two types of slaves interact with each other. They also alienated black slaves by never letting them go, when the indentured whites eventually got to go free.
13) Know the following people:
John Rolfe: Married Pocahontas, was able to bring the first tobacco plant to Virginia, effectively saving the colony from ruin
John Smith: Was in the military, helped set up Virginia and was one of its first leaders because he was a captain
John Winthrop: Founder of Massachusetts
Anne Hutchinson: kicked out of Massachusetts for questioning the religion there and the people in charge. She went to Rhode Island after being banished.
Roger Williams: founded Rhode Island. He believed in true freedom of religion, that the government should have no say in how people worshipped. He also didn’t believe in taking land away from the Native Americans.
William Bradford: One of the men behind the Mayflower Compact.
John Wheelright: founded New Hampshire.
Jacques Marquette: French explorer who charted the Mississippi River.
Samuel de Champlain: founded Montreal.
Francis Drake: English explorer/pirate. Stole from Spanish ships. First Englishman to sail around the world.
John Cabot: explored Newfoundland.
Henry Hudson: explored Hudson By and Hudson River.
Ferdinand Magellan: Spanish explorer and the first person to sail around the world.
Francisco Pizarro: Spanish explorer who conquers the Incas.
Hernan Cortes: Spanish explorer who conquers the Aztecs.
Squanto and Samoset: Natives who helped the pilgrims out since their population had been pretty much decimated.
14) What is the difference between the Separatists and Puritians? Puritans wanted to reform the Anglican religion while Separatists wanted to break off and form their own religion entirely.
15) Discuss King Phillips War and how it changed America? It changed America because it wiped out all of the Natives in Massachusetts so whites could settle there. It also set the stage for decades of Native slaughter and cruelty.
16) When did the 1st Africans come to the English colonies? Where? What was the purpose of importing them (be specific)? The first Africans were imported to Virginia in 1619. They were brought over to work the tobacco farms.
17) According to Zinn why were Africans easier to force into labor than Native Americans or poor white immigrants? They were completely disconnected from their culture. They couldn’t communicate with anybody they knew or in a language they knew, since African dialects are so diverse. They were emotionally and physically broken down.
19) How did religious freedom, slavery, and self-government shape the first 13 colonies? Religious freedom: the Northern States were founded on the basis of freedom of religion. People from Europe were escaping religious persecution and went to the North. Slavery: slavery was popular in the southern states because slaves were used and needed for labor. They had a strong economy and needed easy and cheap labor for their agricultural endeavors. Self-government: and idea that began in Virginia. It became important for the colonists to self-govern.
20) How did the Massacre at Mystic change America? It made is acceptable to slaughter whole villages of Natives as a way to remove them from the land.
22) What was Nat Bacon's rebellion really about? The settlers in Virginia wanted to continue to move west, but the British government didn’t allow them to move into Native territories.
23) Why did Philadelphia become an important city? It became a sort of unofficial capital of the US because it had a large population, big people in the government such as Benjamin Franklin, had theatres and libraries and newspapers, a place that was open for people to worship how they wanted, and the 1st and 2nd continental congress met in Philadelphia.

PART II: FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR

1) What are the reasons the war starts and spreads to become a world war? There is basically this huge struggle for territory in the US, especially control over the Ohio valley. Colonists wanted to move west, British wanted to get the French out of America, French wanted to get the British out of “their” territory, Native unbalanced power in the region, didn’t want the English there.
2) What are the reasons the French lost? their government stopped providing them with supplies, and the French have trouble keeping their Native allies because they upset them.
3) How does the British turn the tide of the War? They win at Ticonderoga and convince the Natives to not support the French.
4) What are the results of the war? The French were removed completely from North America and lose any power they had there. The British were now in debt. The Natives won the royal prize of the colonists invading their homes and land and taking away their culture.
5) How did the war begin? George Washington was sent with a group of Natives to move the French out of Pittsburgh. The Natives attacked and killed the French leader at a camp where the French weren’t even plotting war. This made the French want revenge, which eventually started the war.
6) What was George Washington's role in the war and how did it prepare him for the Revolution? He aided General Braddock in this war. It taught him how to run and discipline an army.
7) Why were the following people important:
Edward Braddock: English leader. First British general in America. Underestimates the French method of war.
Half-King: He kills the French leader, which starts the whole war. He does this for his own reasons, and basically uses the British as pawns in his own plan.
Marquis de Montcalm: French leader who won almost all of his battles until Montreal, which was an important battle.
James Wolfe: Leader in the Battle of Quebec.
General Forbes: built the road from Pennsylvania to Fort Pitt. Allied with Natives.
William Pitt: British minister who promises the colonists all that they want.
8) Discuss the Native Indians role and importance in the war. What battles did they fight in? How did they change the power structure? What agenda did they have? They fought mostly with the French. They fought in the battles at Fort William Henry, Fort Duquesne, and Fort Oswego. They won most of the earlier battles. They only fought because they had to pick a side and chose the one that they thought would treat them the most fairly.
9) The French and Indian war begin over what area of land? It began over the Ohio River Valley.
10) Why did the Native Americans take captives? Was this an effective practice? They used hostages to threaten colonists, to replace fallen warriors, to exchange for captured warriors or goods, and to warn settlers in their area to back off. This was not effective.


PART III: The Revolution

1) According to Paul Johnson what was the most deciding factor in the colonists victory over the British. The Americans had better leadership.
2) How did the colonists win the media war, the ideological battle and the emotional battle? Media war: had control over all the media such as newspapers and propaganda. They turned everything into propaganda. Ideological battle: better leaders, reasons for actual war and national support, Thomas Jefferson is able to turn their philosophy into political ideas. Emotional battle: idea of a common good, also propaganda (such as Common Sense, the Crisis written by Thomas Paine)
3) What important things did Patrick Henry do? One of the great speakers of the Revolution. He convinced Virginia to vote for independence.
4) How was Thomas Jefferson a “mass of contradictions”. He did one thing and was convinced of the opposite: He owned slaves but was against slavery; voted against importation from British goods but bought a lot from Britain, etc.
5) What was Thomas Jefferson’s most important quality (according to Johnson). He had the ability to look at a philosophical idea and transform it so that the common man could understand it.
6) What did Common Sense do? Who wrote it. It was propaganda, but since it was read all over the country it brought the masses together against a common enemy. It was written by Thomas Paine.
7) What was the 1st constitution? What powers did it give the government? The Articles of Confederation granted the government powers in times of war, every power in times of war. It said that they couldn’t really mess with the states.
8) What was the paradox of the war (at least from Britain's point of view)? They wouldn’t gain anything if they won, it would actually be more expensive and more trouble to keep the colonies in line. If they lost all they would lose is pride.
9) What was Washington's main strength as a commander? Why did he win the war? He knew how to discipline his troops very well. He kept them in line. He won because of this and because of his strategy, which was to keep running from the British until they got tired and quit.
10) What were the four points of the Peace of Paris - as laid out by John Adams? America got to be completely independent, Britain could keep Newfoundland but America got fishing rights, definite and permanent boundaries between Canada and the US, and boundaries between the 13 colonies.
11) Why did slavery increase during the revolution? There needed to be slaves to take care of the home and the farm while the men were out fighting. The dying soldiers needed to be replaced also, so they brought in slaves to fight. There was also a larger demand for goods, so they needed more labor.
12) Who were the big losers of the war (name three)? List what they lost and explain why they are the biggest losers. France, Britain, Native Americans.
13) What happened to the Loyalists in America after the war. They were basically told to sit down and shut up about what they thought. Either that, or they could go to Britain. They could also go west and get out.
14) What were the most important battles of the war. Why do you think they are the most important? (Note battles is plural). Trenton, because it is the first victory for the Americans and gives them a much needed morale boost. Yorktown, because it was the last major battle in the war, and won it for the Colonies. Princeton, because it was another Washington victory. It was a surprise attack on New Year’s Day, which is probably the only reason they won. Saratoga, because the British surrendered one of their three armies. It showed the French that the Americans could win.
15) List at least five reasons why the Americans won. Better leadership, a good strategy, support of the people, a reason to fight, home court advantage, alliance with France, more readily available supplies, defending is easier than attacking.
16) List the importance of the following people in the cause of the Revolution.
A) Thomas Paine: Propagandist. He wrote The Crisis and Common Sense.
B) Thomas Jefferson: Wrote the Declaration of Independence, helped win the ideological war. He was not a speaker.
C) John Adams: Nominated Thomas Jefferson for writing and nominated George Washington to be the general. He also argued for independence. He was one of the most important people on the floor.
D) Samuel Adams: Formed the Sons of Liberty. He was the important agitator and propagandist towards the movement of war.
E) John Hancock: First signer of the Declaration. He was the money behind the beginnings of the revolution in America.
F) George Washington: DUH.
G) James Otis: He influenced the forefathers, especially Sam Adams. He came up with “no taxation without representation”. He was a Boston lawyer, but also very insane and in and out of institutions.
H) Benjamin Franklin: Represents the American dream, especially overseas. He convinces the French to join the Revolution for America. People listen to him because he’s internationally known.
I) Benedict Arnold (think beyond his treason): He defeats the British in Saratoga. He also took Ticonderoga, and almost won Quebec. He doesn’t get the credit he thinks he deserves and that’s why he betrays America.
J) Patrick Henry: “Give me liberty or give me death!” We probably wouldn’t have a Bill of Rights without him.
K) Alexander Hamilton: He sets up the Bank of America. He becomes Washington’s aid.
17) Who was Molly Pitcher? She fought for her husband when he got injured, and ran his cannon for him. He skirts got blown off.
18) Why did the British strategy for the war make little sense? They didn’t totally crush us even though they could have, they took their time in the beginning of the war. They also thought if they took over cities it would end the war, but the Americans just kept running away.
19) How did the British fail to win the war in 1776? Who was the General in charge? General Howe decided to winter in New York instead of chasing the Americans and crushing them when they could.
20) "America was already developing the notion that all were entitled to the best if they worked hard enough, that aiming high was not only morally acceptable but admirable." Discuss the importance of this statement. It’s the American Dream. It is still what drives people to immigrate to America.
21) Who were the two most important people involved with the push towards a new constitution? Madison and Hamilton.
22) Give examples of how the Articles of Confederation failed. They failed to establish a strong central government and gave all of the individual power to the states. For example, during Shays Rebellion. The states would function as 13 separate countries. The central government couldn’t tax, so they didn’t have any $.
23) In your option why would some people prefer State rights over a strong Central government. What are the arguments for both sides? They wouldn’t want the government to become too powerful and turn into a dictatorship, taking power from the people. The central government does, however, offer stability.
24) What is a nomiocracy? How do you feel about this term connected with the U.S. government? It is a government run by lawyers. Most of the men in the government at the beginning they were lawyers.
25) What were the three compromises on the Constitution? Which one of these seems the strangest to you? Slavery (3/5 rule), means of electing a president, and the difference between the Senate and the House.
26) What is the irony about the President vs. a King as example by Johnson? Presidents had the most power out of any leader in the world at that time.
27) Know the importance of Valley Forge. What happened there? What the troops had to overcome? Compare this with the British winter quarters. It was the winter quarters for the American troops. They have a super rough winter and overcome hardships, making them closer. It forms the basis of the army that will win the war. The British winter quarters were much more comfortable.
28) What help did France, Spain, and the Netherlands offer the colonies? France offers money and troops, the Netherlands offers money mostly in the form of loans, and Spain offers money.
29) What is important about Judith Sargeant Murray and Abigail Adams? They were the first fighters for women’s rights.
30) Discuss the war in the west. The Revolution became an excuse to take land from the Natives.
31) Discuss the war in the south. It got started late. The British changed tactics after Saratoga and tried to win the south because of problems with the north.
32) What is the importance of the following people:
George Rogers Clark: He was the American Commander in the west.
John Paul Jones: an American Navy commander.
Nathanael Greene: the General of the south, second in command to George W.
Comte de Rochambeau: French General at the battle of Yorktown, forced British to surrender with George Washington.
Admiral Francois de Grasse: French admiral who does not let the British navy come to Yorktown to help defend it.
33) What is important about Washington's farewell address? He warned the people not to get involved in foreign affairs. He also steps down from power.
34) Why did the natives give support to the British? The British were seen as less of a threat than the Americans. The British already had established treaties, and without the British there the colonists would definitely have expanded. It was the lesser of two evils.
35) Why did the British think their military forces were superior to those of the Americans? They were more experienced, thought their fighting style was better, they were better and professionally trained.
36) Why was fighting on their own land an advantage for the Americans? They knew the country and knew where were good places to defend, attack, and fight from. They had readily available supplies and support from the people.

PART IV: The Constitution, Jefferson, War of 1812, Jackson

1) Discuss the significance of Thomas Jefferson's quote: "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing...God forbid that we should ever be twenty year without such a rebellion...The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." As long as the government are scared that there could be a rebellion, they will give the people power.
2) Why did Shay's Rebellion happen? The government was throwing farmers in prison if they couldn’t pay their outrageous land taxes. The soldiers that fought in the Revolution also weren’t getting the money they were promised.
3) The constitution is "a political creation, hammered together in a series of artfully negotiated compromises”. Discuss these compromises. 3/5 rule, manner of electing a president, representation in the senate.
4) What was the Virginia Plan? It was to have a 2 chamber legislature, and basically set up the structure of our current government.
5) "No person held in service" was a euphemism for what? Slavery.
7) Who wrote the Federalist Papers and why did they write them? Hamilton, Madison, and Jay. They were trying to influence the ratification of the Constitution.
9) Who could vote in the first election (what parts of the population)? Adult white males who owned land.
10) How did Washington D.C. come be located on the banks of the Potomac? It was decided between Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton because Hamilton wanted support for his bank and the other two wanted the capitol close to Virginia.
11) What did Jay's Treaty do? Keeps the Americans out of war with the British.
12) What was the "Whiskey Rebellion" and how was it put down? It was a rebellion against really high whiskey tax. George Washington led an army of 14,000 troops against the rebels.
13) Describe the election of 1800? How was it finally resolved? Burr and Jefferson were running on the same side, then they got the same amount of votes. It went to the House of Representatives, where it was voted on like 36 times with the same results. Then Alexander Hamilton finally convinced a Federalist to vote for Jefferson.
14) Who was John Marshall? He was appointed to the supreme court by John Adams and made it what it is today.
15) Why did France sell its North America possessions (the Louisiana territory) to the U.S.? They were already fighting a war in Europe and did not have the resources to defend Louisiana as well, especially since they just lost Haiti.
16) What did Lewis and Clark do? Describe their journey? They explored west of the Mississippi to map the new territory and review the resources.
17) How did Hamilton incur the wrath of Aaron Burr? Was he right in what he did? How did the ordeal end? He destroys Burr’s character. Burr slaps Hamilton with a glove, they have a dual, and Burr kills Hamilton because Hamilton does not believe in fighting.
18) What was Jefferson's Embargo Act? Why was it unpopular and what was it suppose to do? It prevented almost all foreign trade. It was unpopular because that was a livelihood for people, especially in the north. It was meant to stop the impressments of US soldiers.
19) What did Tecumseh try and do? He tried to unite all the Natives to fight against the colonists.
20) Describe the Battle of Tippecanoe? It was The Prophet against General Harrison, in the white’s attempt for a preemptive strike.
21) Most historians call the War of 1812 a draw. Why? Nobody got what they wanted and everything went back to the way it was before the war.
22) Describe the Battle of New Orleans. Happened after the war of 1812 was technically over. It was definitely a one-sided victory for the Americans.
23) What did the Monroe Doctrine state? It’s a warning that no European power has a right to interfere with the Western Hemisphere.
24) What was the Missouri Compromise? All of the states north of a certain latitude would be slave free, except Missouri. All those below could own slaves.
25) How was the election of 1824 decided? Why was it called a "corrupt bargain"? It was decided in the House of Representatives. It was between Jackson and Adams, but nobody gets the majority of the electoral votes. Henry Clay, who was previously a candidate, is a speaker of the House and gets Quincy Adams elected.
26) List some of the labels attached to Andrew Jackson. Slave owner, adulterer, Indian Hater, Indian Killer, murderer.
27) Was Andrew Jackson an Indian hater? What did the natives call him? What "Indian Wars" did he fight in and what was the outcome? What was his native "policy" as President? He was not an Indian hater, but they called him long knife. He fought in the Creek War, the first Seminole War. He does not lose. He gave them options: shut up and join our culture, move west, or stay and be killed.
28) How did Jackson come to symbolize the common people? He was born poor and worked his way up from nothing. He was a symbol of the American Dream.
29) Name the 1st seven Presidents of the United States: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Quincy Adams, Jackson.

War of 1812

1) Importance of Fort McHenry. It’s where Francis Scott Key writes the national anthem. It’s a symbol of America.
2) Burning of D.C. by the British. The British just walked in and burned our capitol with very little resistance at all.
3) Battle of Plattsburg The British general is killed and the British turn back.
5) Native Defeats: Tecumseh and the Creeks (Battle of Thames and Horseshoe Bend). It’s a huge massacre of the Creeks by Jackson.

War of 1812 (and Fort McHenry)

Fort McHenry – War of 1812. First Invasion.

• Britain stopped American ships on the seas and took American sailors, forcing them to serve in the British Navy.
• The war is not popular amongst Americans. Only a few of the countrymen are in favor of this decision.
• Britain has the better army in every way, and the US has no real navy.
• United States tries to take Canada in the beginning of the war and fail miserably.
• The British don’t really believe that the Americans are a threat, so they do horrible things like raiding and raping women and burning towns and things under the orders of Vice Admiral Alexander Cochran.
• August 19th – 5000 British troops land in Maryland and begin to march west. Everyone is afraid they’re headed for Washington, so legal papers are moved out of the capitol and troops are gathered. Government officials are fleeing the city, and almost nobody is left.
• August 24th, 1814 – a humiliating defeat at Bladensburg, Maryland for the United States. Our soldiers mostly just ran away to Washington. With Washington almost abandoned, the British troops ruin our capitol.
• As the British were burning Washington, a hurricane AND a tornado appear and put out the flames, as well as killing many British soldiers.
• September 10th, 1814 – the destruction of Washington has spread fear to Baltimore. The city has to prepare for an attack so they do not have the same fate as Washington. Samuel Smith is appointed to lead the defenses.
• Major George Armistead is ordered to Fort McHenry because it guards the entrance to the city of Baltimore. The Baltimore merchants sank their own ships so that British ships couldn’t get past.
• September 11th – The British attack. Some citizens run in panic and others wait to defend the city.
• An anonymous sniper kills the British commander. This changes the entire course of the war of 1812.
• Francis Scott Key becomes one of the main leaders of the American troops.
• There is a huge battle at Fort McHenry that lasts for over 12 hours. Bombs and rockets are flying, there is lightning and gunfire and cannon fire.
  
• The only way the people still left in Baltimore will know if they are successful is if the flag above the fort is still waving. This, and the lights and sounds, were the basis for the lyrics to our National Anthem.
• At dawn of September 14th, the British are ordered to retreat after 25 hours of battle.
• Francis Scott Key was not very political, not very patriotic, and even against the war, but he thought that this country and its defenders deserved a song.
• Congress officially approved the song as the National Anthem in 1931.
• The resulting treaty didn't amount to anything, and no side got anything they really wanted, leaving the situation the same as before.

• The British target New Orleans because they are trying to get New England to secede from the union. However Andrew Jackson (a major at the time) got in the way. Jackson hated the British beyond all because they held him and his family captive earlier in his life.
• Jackson recruits an army to defend New Orleans.
• 4000 ragtag Americans against 10,000 British regulars.
• On December 12th, fishermen spy the British heading towards New Orleans.
• On December 14th, a small number of American gunboats are attacked by British ships heading for New Orleans, and the Americans lose miserably.
• Instead of pressing on and taking New Orleans by surprise, they decided to wait and plan an attack on the advancing Americans.
• Jackson orders about 1500 men to ambush the British camp.
• On December 23rd at night, the guns of the Americans open fire, catching the British camp completely by surprise. There is ferocious hand to hand combat, and Americans are forced to withdraw.
  
• 24 hours later, British and Americans meet in Ghent, Belgium to make a peace treaty from the war of 1812. However, it is too late to get word to troops in New Orleans, so that battle continues on.
• The British fail in an artillery attack, but still believe they can win.
• Only American morale, plus good luck, will turn the tide of the battle.
• There is a huge battle as the British try to attack the flank of the American line.
  
• There is chaos among the British as they are brutally attacked by the Americans, and British commanders keep falling.
• In just 20 minutes, British high command has been obliterated. The British realize they will never reach New Orleans, so after 2 hours of fighting, they retreat.

• The Federalist delegates who had pushed for succession are labeled as traitors.
• The war of 1812 was a turning point in the development of American democracy and government. It proved we were here to stay.
• It gave credence to manifest destiny, to American independence, and to American government.

Don't Know Much About History: study questions

x1) Discuss the significance of Thomas Jefferson's quote: "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing...God forbid that we should ever be twenty year without such a rebellion...The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." It is significant because he's saying that rebellion is a good thing. He is a main person in the government, but he's basically saying it's okay for the people to rebel against the government. Freedom only goes so far, but people will always have something to say against the government and the people running their country.
2) Why did Shay's Rebellion happen? The government was excessively taxing farmers for their land and taking it away and throwing them in debtors prison if they couldn't pay. They also weren't giving veterans everything they were promised. The farmers and veterans didn't like that, so they rebelled.
3) The constitution is "a political creation, hammered together in a series of artfully negotiated compromises. Discuss these compromises. The method of electing a president, slavery (3/5 rule), and representation in the Congress.
4) What was the Virginia Plan? The main points of the Virginia Plan were a two chamber legislature, executive chosen by legislature, and a judiciary also named by the legislature. It was a compromise about how the country would be set up.
5) "No person held in service" was a euphemism for what? Slaves.
6) List the basic Powers and Checks of the three branches of the government.The three branches of government are the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial. The Executive branch is basically the President of the United States, whose powers are directing the government, commanding the armed forces, dealing with foreign powers, and vetoing laws. The Legislative branch is the Congress. The powers include passing laws, originating spending bills (House), impeaching officials (Senate), and approving treaties (Senate). The Judicial branch is our justice system which is headed by the Supreme Court. Its powers are interpreting the Constitution, reviewing laws, and deciding states' rights. The Executive branch can check the Legislative by vetoing laws or other decisions made. The Legislative can check the Executive right back by overriding the veto. The Judicial is the giant law enforcement system who can govern the other two branches, but is also subject to laws made by them.
7) Who wrote the Federalist Papers and why did they write them? The Federalist Papers were written by Hamilton and Madison and Jay. They wrote them in defense of the newly written Constitution. They explained the philosophy and necessity of each of the articles of the Constitution.
8) Briefly outline the first ten amendments.

• 1. Freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and the freedom peacefully demonstrate.
  
• 2. Right to form a militia and bear arms in a sovereign state.
  
• 3. Protection from having to quarter troops.
• 4. Protection of privacy and from unreasonable search/seizure.
• 5. Protects your right to due process, covers double jeopardy and self-incrimination.
• 6. Discusses trial by jury and the rights of the accused, the confrontation clause, and right to a speedy and public trial and right to competent counsel.
• 7. Civil trial by jury
• 8. Prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.
• 9. Protects all rights that are not specifically talked about in the Constitution.
  
• 10. Discusses the power of states and of the people.
  

9) Who could vote in the first election (what parts of the population)? Only adult, white, landowning males could vote in the first election.
10) How did Washington D.C. come be located on the banks of the Potomac? It was an agreement. They wanted it to be close to Virginia, since that was one of the largest states. Agreement was made at a private dinner between Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison.
11) What did Jay's Treaty do? Treaty made with the British to avoid another war.
12) What was the "Whiskey Rebellion" and how was it put down? It was a rebellion in response to harsh whiskey tax, led by George Washington. It was put down because they had no people, and it was pathetic.
13) Describe the election of 1800? How was it finally resolved? It was between Jefferson and Adams, but it was a tie between Jefferson and Burr, who were of the same party. There were over 30 revotes in the House, and Hamilton convinces somebody to change their vote.
14) Who was John Marshall? John Marshall was a judge who shaped American Constitutional law and made the Supreme Court what it is today, he gave it power.
15) Why did France sell its North America possessions (the Louisiana territory) to the U.S.? They sold it because they were fighting Britain in Europe and other places in the world, so they didn't really have the resources to hold the Louisiana Territory, especially after losing Haiti.
16) What did Lewis and Clark do? Describe their journey? They started from St. Louis and continued west. They had been sent by Jefferson to get into the fur trade and see if the west could be useful in the military defense of America. They were sent to inventory resources and chart the land for future exploration. It took them three years.
17) How did Hamilton incur the wrath of Aaron Burr? Was he right in what he did? How did the ordeal end? He argued that Jefferson should win the election, and he did. He also spread rumors about Burr so that he wouldn't become governor of New York. Hamilton was right in arguing for Jefferson, but he crossed the line when he spread rumors about Burr. He had the right to argue for or against whatever candidate he wanted to, but he shouldn't have spread lies. It ended in a duel, because Burr slapped Hamilton with a glove, but Hamilton wasted his shot because he didn't believe in fighting.
18) What was Jefferson's Embargo Act? Why was it unpopular and what was it suppose to do? It was a law restricting American ships from engaging in foreign trade. It was unpopular because a lot of trade was done with Britain and other major powers, so it lowered the American economy and made it so a large part of their trade was shut down. It was supposed to avoid war, but instead it led to the War of 1812.
19) What did Tecumseh try and do? He tried to unite the Native Americans from Michigan all the way down to Alabama against the encroaching settlers in order to fight off western expansion.
20) Describe the Battle of Tippecanoe? It was between U.S. forces and the Native American Confederation. The Natives kept threatening the Americans with war if they didn't back off, and so the Americans attacked first. The Americans won but they has a lot of casualties.
21) Most historians call the War of 1812 a draw. Why? It wasn't really fought for a purpose. Neither side was passionate about their side or had a big reason to fight. The treaty at the end of the war basically puts things back the way they were, and nobody gains anything from it, at least not anything new.
22) Describe the Battle of New Orleans. Final major battle in the war of 1812. Regarded as the greatest American land victory of the war. Andrew Jackson defeated the British.
23) What did the Monroe Doctrine state? The Americas were no longer open to European colonization, and that America would be the only power in the west.
24) What was the Missouri Compromise? The Missouri Compromise said that all states above a certain latitude would remain slave free, except Missouri. All states below that latitude could still own slaves.
25) How was the election of 1824 decided? Why was it called a "corrupt bargain"? It was decided in the house of representatives. It was the only election since the passage of the 12th amendment that was decided this way because there was no majority in the electoral college. 26) List some of the labels attached to Andrew Jackson. slave owner, murderer, adulterer, orphan, frontiersman, horse racing man, Indian-fighter, war hero, land speculator.
27) Was Andrew Jackson an Indian hater? What did the natives call him? What "Indian Wars" did he fight in and what was the outcome? What was his native "policy" as President? Andrew Jackson was not an Indian hater, he just wanted land, and the Indians had it. He wasn't the biggest fan of their people, but racism wasn't his driving motivation. He was called 'long knife'. He fought in the Creek War and the white people won that won, removing the Creek from half of their lands. He fought against the Seminoles, which he also won, and Florida's land was sold cheap. He also fought in the war of 1812, which is now considered a draw. His 'policy' as president was to tell the Natives either assimilate, leave, or get killed.
28) How did Jackson come to symbolize the common people? He worked his way up from being very poor to being extremely rich and in a position of power.

The Constitution: Study Questions

1) What are the three branches of government and what are the powers of each? The three branches of government are the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial. The Executive branch is basically the President of the United States, whose powers are directing the government, commanding the armed forces, dealing with foreign powers, and vetoing laws. The Legislative branch is the Congress. The powers include passing laws, originating spending bills (House), impeaching officials (Senate), and approving treaties (Senate). The Judicial branch is our justice system which is headed by the Supreme Court. Its powers are interpreting the Constitution, reviewing laws, and deciding states' rights.
2) How can these branches check and balance each other? The Executive branch can check the Legislative by vetoing laws or other decisions made. The Legislative can check the Executive right back by overriding the veto. The Judicial is the giant law enforcement system who can govern the other two branches, but is also subject to laws made by them.
3) What were the compromises to the constitution? The method of electing a president, slavery (3/5 rule), and representation in the Congress.
4) Who wrote the Federalist papers? Hamilton and Madison.
5) What was the Bill of Rights? Why did some states demand its inclusion before they ratified the constitution? The Bill of Rights was a document that guaranteed certain rights to the American people, to every American person. The idea was that these rights would make it so there couldn't be a dictatorship or a tyranny and that the rights couldn't be taken away. Some states demanded its inclusion so there wouldn't become too strong a central government without the input of the people.
6) What were the anti-federalists main fears about the constitution? They feared that (especially without the Bill of Rights) there would be too strong a central government formed. They feared that they would live under tyranny as they had in England. They feared they would have no input into the running of their own country.

Revolutionary War: Part One

1) What rebel leaders does Paul Revere ride at midnight to warn?
Samuel Adams and John Hancock.

2) In detail, describe how the battle of Concord looked.
The British lined up in rows and marched into Concord. It was basically a brawl, which took place on the way back to Boston. Throughout the march, the rebels' numbers were increasing while the British continued to die.

3) Why was the Revolutionary War the most important event in U.S. History?
It legally created our self-government. It upheld and proved all of our ideals, such as 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness'.

4) How many cities over 10,000 were there in America at the time of the Revolution?
Four.

5) Describe the country before the Revolutionary War. Why might not we, in the 21st century, recognize it?
There was vast untamed wilderness. Rivers served as highways. There was so much forest and so many trees that it was said you could travel the continent without ever touching the ground, just going tree to tree. We wouldn't recognize it because we have largely urbanized America today. There are paved roads and skyscrapers and cars. There isn't too much forest left, which is why some larger cities are called 'concrete jungles'. There are also many more people here today.

6) Why was James Otis important?
He was a Boston lawyer and political theorist. His writings were the inspiration for our founding fathers and leaders of the revolution. Otis was the mind, and Sam Adams was the mouth.

7) What was Samuel Adams known for?
He was the closest people came to a professional revolutionary. He was ornery and rebellious and basically talked a lot. He also organized the Sons of Liberty.

8) Describe the Patriotic Leaders.
They had self-interested motives and were very cunning. They were basically willing to do anything they had to achieve what they wanted. They definitely had a personal agenda.

9) What percent of the population, according to John Adams, wanted liberty?
One third of the population wanted liberty.

10) Discuss how the events of the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party lead to the Revolutionary War.
The events were exploited through propaganda to get more people on the side of the rebels. The idea that the Boston Massacre is called a massacre at all is propaganda, because only five people were killed, and the British did not go in intending to fight, they were provoked. The Boston Tea Party worked more to unite the revolutionaries in all of the colonies, bringing them together rather than having them all functioning separately.

The War That Made America, Part Two

1) Why do only the Mohawk agree to fight with General Johnson?
The Mohawk chief has a close friendship with Johnson. Both are cultural mavericks and accepting of the differences between them. Johnson tries to convince the Iroquois Nation that the British are there for their own good and will protect the best interests of the Natives. He provides them with many gifts and shows that there were long ties between Six Nations and the Crown. The Iroquois have made it their policy to remain neutral, so they don’t want to shed Indian blood to fight for a White man’s war. For this reason, only the Mohawks decide to break their neutrality.

2) What are the results of the Battle of Lake George?
The Mohawk and British walk into a trap, basically an ambush. However, the Canadian Mohawk don’t want to shed the blood of New York Mohawk, so they appeal to each other as members of the same tribe and agree not to fight, but it’s too late. The battle becomes known as The Bloody Morning Scout because it was a massacre of the Colonials and New York Mohawk. Johnson retreats with what troops are left and directs the building of a hasty defense. The French charge the entrance to Johnson’s camp. When they are within 75 yards, Johnson’s men are ready. Fighting continues through the day and is very costly to both sides. Johnson’s men succeed in forcing the French to retreat, but Johnson has taken a musket ball in the backside. The Mohawk leave to mourn their dead, and Johnson’s men are too exhausted to continue to Lake Champlain.

3) For what purposes did the Native Americans take captive? (List three)
They took captives as a weapon against encroaching settlers, to frighten them into leaving. They also used captives as a way to replace warriors killed in battle. A third reason is as a ransom for guns and trade goods, which they are in desperate need of.

4) Why is the story of Mary Jemison presented? What purpose does it serve?
Her story survives as a vivid account of life on the dangerous frontier in those days. It was dangerous to live in Pennsylvania backcountry, which was where she lived. The Shawnee captured her and her family after killing her father. They then killed the rest of her family and she was taken 70 miles to live with the Seneca. She has a real live account of being captured by Natives and surviving, and assimilating into their culture.

5) Do you agree with Washington's disciplinary practices on deserters? Why or why not?
Yes, because he believes that discipline breeds success and he’s correct. He is showing the people that deserters will get hanged for their crimes, so it makes them not want to desert. He is creating a stronger army. He’s doing what teachers do all the time, using one bad kid as an example so that others don’t follow.

6) Who is Montcalm and why doesn't he like the Natives?
Montcalm is a French leader who was sent over to lead the French army. The Natives seem like barbarians to Montcalm, so he doesn’t appreciate them allies. He has no patience with the Natives. He thinks their war is cruel, sparing neither women nor children, but he intends to use them anyway.

7) What is the Native American code of honor? How does this differ from the Europeans' Code of War?
The Native American way was to take trophies of war including captives and other loot. Montcalm and other Europeans regard this as savagery. After the battle of Oswego Montcalm agrees to pay ransom for British captives and vows to restrain Natives. Europeans spare women and children, and once there is a surrender they allow the losers to leave with honor. The Natives just capture them.

8) Discuss the culture clash that happens at Fort William Henry.
The Natives seem like barbarians to Montcalm. Montcalm offers Monro a chance to surrender before battle begins. He invokes memory of Natives bad behavior in the past. Monro can surrender with honor only after the fort’s walls have been breeched. Montcalm designs the surrender to keep Natives at bay. British are granted safe passage, provisions and supplies will go to Canada, British keep personal effects, and Natives could take what's left. Natives felt betrayed because they had lost many, expecting to return to their people with honors of war. There is a banquet with the defeated, to which the Natives are not invited. Natives begin to see a European conspiracy. They attack the British on their way out. The British get looted and captured.

The War That Made America

1. George Washington is partially responsible for the start of the French and Indian war because he attacks the French. He made plans to attack the French and gain the Forks back. He decides to ambush a base of French soldiers. Not only were they French soldiers, but they were there on a diplomatic mission. They meant no harm and were no threat. Still Washington attacks them and the French end up dead. This is the first battle in the French and Indian war. It is only a result of Washington being young and inexperienced.
2. Half-King was an Indian leader. He was so named because of his limited authority in the area. His people were refugees from the east who were diven to the Forks of the Ohio by tribal war and colonist expansion. He is now the leader of no more than 3,000 people. They are far from powerful and are controlled, as were most tribes, by the Iroquois Nation. He must make a decision to ally with the French, as most Natives at the time to, or take a risk on the British. Either way he will be asserting his authority, as he has not asked permission to make an alliance.
   
3. Half-King murders the French as a way to get what he wants. He knows that if he orchestrates battle between the French and the British, his strength and authority will improve. He brutally murders a wounded French warrior and knows the blame will fall on Washington. This will cause the French to retaliate, marking the beginning of the French and Indian War. He does this as a revenge for the humiliation he has suffered at the hand of the French, and also as a message to them to back off.
4. The English were in the right during at least the beginning of the French and Indian War. Not only did they do things right, but everybody else did things wrong. The French were going to take the Forks by force, not regarding the Natives that were there or the wishes of the British. The Natives purposely try to orchestrate a war just so they can get what they want. They are selfish and even when they are allied to somebody, they aren't loyal to anybody but themselves. This is shown through Washington's abandonment at Fort Necessity. The British tried first to handle things with diplomacy. George Washington was sent to try to negotiate with the French before any blood was shed. The French immediately rejected this idea. The British also decided to trade with the Indians on their terms and get the rights to build a fort at the Forks. They went through all the acceptable diplomatic routes with both the Natives and the French before waging battle as a last resort, making them the only group in the war that was even remotely in the right.
   

Natives in America

Comprehension Questions:

3. The Puritans traveled to the New World because they wanted freedom of religion. They also wanted the ability to self govern. Their intentions upon arrival were to set up a royal colony where they could worship God the way they thought was correct. They wanted to establish trade, economy, and all other things that are important to a successful settlement.

4.

* Land and Property: The Pequots believed that you could never truly own land, you were only using it for the time being. They were nomadic and always tried to replenish what they took. They had a deep spiritual connection to the land and saw it as a gift. The English believed that land was something to be conquered and owned. The only way you could truly own land was to build permanent settlements and tame nature. They didn't think the Pequots owned the land because they didn't build anything there.
* Division of Labor and Gender: The English men worked the fields, built the houses, farmed and hunted, and generally did all manual labor. The women were primarily supposed to take care of the home and children. The Pequot men were often not home, hunting and battling. The women did all the labor such as farming and taking care of the fort, as well as cooking, cleaning, and watching children. The Pequot men thought the English babied their wives, and the English men viewed the Pequots as lazy men who made their wives do all the work.
* Warfare: The English were well versed in total war. They believed that you should wipe out everyone: men, women, and children. In their eyes, this was the only way to get rid of your enemy entirely. The Pequots spared women and children, thinking it too cruel to commit complete genocide. They either adopted women and children as servants or wives, or they left them to fend for themselves.

5. The Dutch did not have a desire to conquer the Native peoples. They needed the Natives for trade and thus to accomplish their goals. They didn't build permanent settlements or attempt to take away Pequot land, because that would disturb relations. They had no interest in taming the New World, they just wanted to get whatever trade they could and move on. The English, on the other hand, established permanent settlements and, after a while, didn't care about relations with the Natives. They saw them as a threat and wanted them out of the way so they could continue westward expansion.
12. It made it acceptable for other European groups to massacre Natives as a means to get more land or anything else they wanted. It also introduced the Natives to the idea of total war. It also disrupted the balance of power, as it wiped out most of the Pequots and made way for theEnglish to take over.

Primary Source Explanation:

1. Winthrop envisioned a sort of Utopia. He knew, of course, that everything wasn't going to be perfect from the beginning, but he hoped to reach perfection quickly. It was to be a colony where everybody worked together, lent helping hands to one another, and there were no disputes. I believe that a model society such as this is not as within reach as Winthrop expected it to be. It could be achieved eventually though, which is why the Natives had such a good society.
2. He means that their city will be raised above all others. He's saying it will be better than other society's before because it will be built on Christian values, and God will be watching over them.
3. Winthrop was most certainly not thinking about the Natives when he was delivering this sermon. The Puritans never treated the Native people they dealt with as equals. In their eyes, the Pequots were not human beings. They weren't upholding John Winthrop's vision in their dealings with the Natives because they weren't working with them. The Puritans viewed the Natives as less than people, just servants to do their bidding and get them what they need.
Extended Activity:

3. The Narragansetts escaped the epidemics for the most part. Smaller tribes suffered losses and the survivors became a part of the Narragansett tribe. The first documented contact with the Narragansetts took place in 1524 when Giovanni de Verrazano came to Rhode Island. The Narragansetts were one of the most powerful tribes in the area and offered protection to other tribes in exchange for goods or services. They had winter homes and summer homes. In the summer they would move inland for hunting, and in the winter they lived near the shore. Their culture was very similar to that of the Pequots, but they didn’t fare so badly in the wars. They tried to ally with the English rather than immediately being against them.
Scientific evidence shows Mohegan presence in Connecticut for over 10,000 years. At the time of European contact they were part of the Pequot tribe, but they soon separated. Mohegan means “wolf clan” in their language. Men were hunters and went to war. Women were farmers and also did most of the childcare and cooking. Both were storytellers and took part in art, medicine and music. Chiefs were men. Children had a lot of chores, and played games and with homemade dolls. The Mohegans favored collaboration with the English and became friends with them, starting an uneasy alliance. True to their word, they helped the English defeat the Pequots. This alliance kept the Mohegan people relatively safe during white vs. native wars.

First Impressions

Upon first impression, Howard Zinn seems very intelligent and different from other writers of history. He imparts a new perspective which students need to hear in order to develop a full understanding and opinion. He can be a bit grim at times, however he has to in order to stay true to his perspective and point of view. He does get a little biased at some points, but he admits this and tries to overcome it. I enjoy his ideas and admire what he is trying to do.