-Written during 1684-
"Who was the old mother? Why, England of course! We were the colonists. Ben Franklin was right. King George III and his ministers didn't believe the colonists were grown up and capable of ruling themselves (Hakim, pg.50)." When Ben Franklin said this it how little the English knew about us Americans. I'm a patriot colonist born and raised here in New Hampshire and I, to this day, still believe that the English were wrong for trying to rule over the American colonies and strip us of our independence. While many believe that the English having control over the American colonies was a good way of life, in reality, you have to realize that there was peace between the American colonies and the English when they left us alone. In New Hampshire, we strived while having independent spirits, but when the British Parliament abused their power and took control we started to have problems. The unfair taxation on us and having no representation in the British Parliament were two reasons why I supported my colony, the Declaration of Independence, and the American Revolution.
The British did help the colonies grow but they somewhat assumed that since they were helping us, we all would be fine with giving back something in return. But that wasn't the case was it. When the British Parliament started putting taxes on the supplies we imported from them I was outraged not only by the tax act but by fact that this act was passed without the recognition of the New Hampshire colonists. In fact, none of the colonies' colonists knew about the taxes till it happened. I mean some of us rely on these resources and now we're being taxed to receive them just like that. Now that is completely messed up. This is only such a problem for me because I'm not a very wealthy colonist and I do rely on some of these resources from the English. I can't afford to pay more money to receive these resources. I can see if I was a wealthy merchant at the time, then I'd feel comfortable with British rule because the taxes wouldn't felt like much and I would have known that my fellow colonial people and most importantly, my trade ships, were protected by the Royal British Fleet. But I'm not a wealthy merchant; I'm just a man with nowhere to go. This isn't' fair to me or to others who are in my shoes or worse. I had to fight for those who were hurting from this because I knew how they felt. That act was part of the townshend acts that the British Parliament passed. I remember when theses acts took effect the merchants in New Hampshire boycotted British goods.
Back in 68, after the taxes were put into action, a circular letter was sent to each governor of the American colonies from the House of Representatives of the colony of Massachusetts Bay. Our governor spoke upon the people of New Hampshire and said that his Majesty wants us to take no notice of the Parliaments actions. I didn't understand why the King would say something like that but I knew that none of us were going to let this go. The merchants certainly didn't. Their boycotts took effect toward British shipments. The British repealed the tax acts in 1770. The truth is, the King doesn't really know anything about us. He has never even been here to New Hampshire. Along with most of the other English leaders, it seemed as if the King care much about our problems; he just blamed the Parliament and denied having authority over them. That's when I figured that being part of the Parliament was where the real power was at.
The New Hampshire Congress took action in 1776. The members of the Congress voted to take up civil government for New Hampshire in a constitution going against the British Parliament's abuse of power. We “Have taken into our serious consideration the unhappy circumstances, into which this colony is involved by means of many grievous and oppressive acts of the British Parliament, depriving us of our natural and constitutional rights and privileges; to enforce obedience to which acts a powerful fleet and army have been sent to this country by the ministry of Great Britain, who have exercised a wanton and cruel abuse of their power, in destroying the lives and properties of the colonists in many places with fire and sword, taking the ships and lading from many of the honest and industrious inhabitants of this colony employed in commerce, agreeable to the laws and customs a long time used here(http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/nh09.asp).”They were right. It is time to do something. We've waited to long I, now is the time to do something. I would have been happy to be under the Britain's protection if I got to keep my rights including constitutional rights and the right for my colony's independence. But now the British have just pushed us to that point where it is plain and obvious what we should do next.
There were very many Patriots all over the American colonies, and to see all of us come together and fight for our rights was a beautiful thing. I saw many who shared my same dream and my same opinions toward the actions of the British Parliament. To me this war seemed to bring the Americans together almost as if we were an independent country, instead of individual colonies, fighting for the right we all deserved to share. I didn't hate the British and I didn't want any harm put on the British people, but what I was fighting for was pure and should have been unquestionable. Great Britain abused their power in many ways but one way that stood out for me was when they claimed that they had the "so called" right to bind us under their control which to me seemed almost like slavery. Thomas Paine, who was a Patriot although he was English, said something like this in is document, "Common Sense." “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.” The American Revolution was painful and discouraging, but I wouldn't of have changed a thing that happened during this historical event because in the end I got what I was praying for, an independent country.
Citations:
Title: A History of Taxation in New Hampshire
Author(s): Maurice H. Robinson
Source: Publications of the American Economic Association, 3rd Series, Vol. 3, No 3 (Aug., 1902), pp 1-226
Publisher(s): American Economic Associations table
URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2485865?
Primary documents-
Constitution of New Hampshire
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/nh09.asp
Circular Letter to the Governors in America
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/circ_let_gov_1768.asp
Books-
A History of U.S
Hakim, Joy. .: From colonies to Country. New York, Third Edition: Published by Oxford University Press, inc., third edition copyright 2003
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Essay 2 outline
Tre’s Outline for Essay #2
Thesis: While many believe that the British having control over the American colonies was a good thing, in reality, you have to recognize that there was peace between the American colonies and Great Britain as long as Britain left the colonies alone. The colonies strived while having independent spirits, but when Britain abused their power and took control conflict arose between the two places.
I. The British Parliament has taken it upon themselves to impose taxes on the American colonies and strip them of their Independence.
-What has influenced me to be Patriot?- It would depend on my economical status at the time. I'm a colonist: If I was wealthy I probably would have supported Britain since taxes wouldn't have effected me as much and I was being protected by Britain. But I'm a patriot so in this case I'm part of the poorer society. Taxes effect me because I can't afford the resources that I need and I'm against the fact that Britain passed these tax acts without giving the colonies any heads up.http://msfrancisushistoryablock.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog3-would-you-support-american.html
1. Part of “Constitution of New Hampshire” stating British abuse of power
a. “Have taken into our serious consideration the unhappy circumstances, into which this colony is involved by means of many grievous and oppressive acts of the British Parliament, depriving us of our natural and constitutional rights and privileges; to enforce obedience to which acts a powerful fleet and army have been sent to this country by the ministry of Great Britain, who have exercised a wanton and cruel abuse of their power, in destroying the lives and properties of the colonists in many places with fire and sword, taking the ships and lading from many of the honest and industrious inhabitants of this colony employed in commerce, agreeable to the laws and customs a long time used here.” http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/nh09.asp
b. The British Parliament Have abused their power and have deprived the colony of their natural and constitutional rights and privileges. Questions to answer: What rights exactly? Could this be considered as a form of slavery? Thomas said something about that in “The Crisis.” “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.”
2. Colonies need to act NOW!!! “Circular Letter to the Governors in America”
a. ”I have his Majesty's commands to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a letter from the speaker of the House of Representatives of the colony of Massachusetts Bay, addressed by order of that House to the speaker of the assembly of each colony upon the continent of North America. As his Majesty considers this measure to be of a most dangerous and factious tendency, calculated to inflame the minds of his good subjects in the colonies, to promote an unwarrantable combination, and to excite and encourage an open opposition to and denial of the authority of Parliament, and to subvert the true principles of the constitution; it is his Majesty's pleasure that you should immediately upon the receipt hereof exert your utmost influence to defeat this flagitious attempt to disturb the public peace by prevailing upon the Assembly of your province to take no notice of it, which will be treating it with the contempt it deserves. ”
b. The colonies are asked to get together and take action. “there should appear in the Assembly of your province a disposition to receive or give any countenance to this seditious paper; it will be your duty to prevent any proceeding upon it by an immediate prorogation or dissolution. (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/circ_let_gov_1768.asp)
II. Economic, Social, and Political Issues in New Hampshire
1. 2. 3. An Economical factor that also counts as a Political factor and a Social Factor: Great Britian shipped supplies to the American colonies, but ever since their products, like peper during the stamp act, were taxed the American colonists were outraged and believed that the British had no right to pass taxes without the consent of the colonists.
History of Taxtion in New Hampshire
a. b. c. Parenthetic Citation
Title: A History of Taxation in New Hampshire
Author(s): Maurice H. Robinson
Source: Publications of the American Economic Association, 3rd Series, Vol. 3, No 3 (Aug., 1902), pp 1-226
Publisher(s): American Economic Association
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2485865?
III. Outcome of American colonies without British rule
1. Peace between America and Great Britain
a. Values of independence were in the colonies almost from the beginning. Each colony considered itself independent of the other colonies, and preferred a loose bond with Britain.
Thesis: While many believe that the British having control over the American colonies was a good thing, in reality, you have to recognize that there was peace between the American colonies and Great Britain as long as Britain left the colonies alone. The colonies strived while having independent spirits, but when Britain abused their power and took control conflict arose between the two places.
I. The British Parliament has taken it upon themselves to impose taxes on the American colonies and strip them of their Independence.
-What has influenced me to be Patriot?- It would depend on my economical status at the time. I'm a colonist: If I was wealthy I probably would have supported Britain since taxes wouldn't have effected me as much and I was being protected by Britain. But I'm a patriot so in this case I'm part of the poorer society. Taxes effect me because I can't afford the resources that I need and I'm against the fact that Britain passed these tax acts without giving the colonies any heads up.http://msfrancisushistoryablock.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog3-would-you-support-american.html
1. Part of “Constitution of New Hampshire” stating British abuse of power
a. “Have taken into our serious consideration the unhappy circumstances, into which this colony is involved by means of many grievous and oppressive acts of the British Parliament, depriving us of our natural and constitutional rights and privileges; to enforce obedience to which acts a powerful fleet and army have been sent to this country by the ministry of Great Britain, who have exercised a wanton and cruel abuse of their power, in destroying the lives and properties of the colonists in many places with fire and sword, taking the ships and lading from many of the honest and industrious inhabitants of this colony employed in commerce, agreeable to the laws and customs a long time used here.” http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/nh09.asp
b. The British Parliament Have abused their power and have deprived the colony of their natural and constitutional rights and privileges. Questions to answer: What rights exactly? Could this be considered as a form of slavery? Thomas said something about that in “The Crisis.” “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.”
2. Colonies need to act NOW!!! “Circular Letter to the Governors in America”
a. ”I have his Majesty's commands to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a letter from the speaker of the House of Representatives of the colony of Massachusetts Bay, addressed by order of that House to the speaker of the assembly of each colony upon the continent of North America. As his Majesty considers this measure to be of a most dangerous and factious tendency, calculated to inflame the minds of his good subjects in the colonies, to promote an unwarrantable combination, and to excite and encourage an open opposition to and denial of the authority of Parliament, and to subvert the true principles of the constitution; it is his Majesty's pleasure that you should immediately upon the receipt hereof exert your utmost influence to defeat this flagitious attempt to disturb the public peace by prevailing upon the Assembly of your province to take no notice of it, which will be treating it with the contempt it deserves. ”
b. The colonies are asked to get together and take action. “there should appear in the Assembly of your province a disposition to receive or give any countenance to this seditious paper; it will be your duty to prevent any proceeding upon it by an immediate prorogation or dissolution. (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/circ_let_gov_1768.asp)
II. Economic, Social, and Political Issues in New Hampshire
1. 2. 3. An Economical factor that also counts as a Political factor and a Social Factor: Great Britian shipped supplies to the American colonies, but ever since their products, like peper during the stamp act, were taxed the American colonists were outraged and believed that the British had no right to pass taxes without the consent of the colonists.
History of Taxtion in New Hampshire
a. b. c. Parenthetic Citation
Title: A History of Taxation in New Hampshire
Author(s): Maurice H. Robinson
Source: Publications of the American Economic Association, 3rd Series, Vol. 3, No 3 (Aug., 1902), pp 1-226
Publisher(s): American Economic Association
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2485865?
III. Outcome of American colonies without British rule
1. Peace between America and Great Britain
a. Values of independence were in the colonies almost from the beginning. Each colony considered itself independent of the other colonies, and preferred a loose bond with Britain.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Text Analysis "The Crisis by Thomas Paine"
Who is writing?
The writer of this article is Thomas Paine.
Who is the audience?
The colonists are audience of this article.
Who do the writers represent?
Thomas Paine represents the colonists. He states his own opinion on the need of Independence in America.
What is being said, argued and/or requested?
What was being said was the that Americans could of broken free from British control if they acted sooner rather than later.
How is it being said, argued and/or requested?
Thomas Paine said what he said in confident, straightforward type of way. He wasn't afraid to state his opinions. Throughout this article Paine's tone didn't change and his firm opinion stayed very well supported.
What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
The proof was Paine's experience with the colonists during "the crisis" between the Americans and the British. He states also that Britain had declared that they had a right to bind America but not consider it slavery. "Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but 'to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER' and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God."
The writer of this article is Thomas Paine.
Who is the audience?
The colonists are audience of this article.
Who do the writers represent?
Thomas Paine represents the colonists. He states his own opinion on the need of Independence in America.
What is being said, argued and/or requested?
What was being said was the that Americans could of broken free from British control if they acted sooner rather than later.
How is it being said, argued and/or requested?
Thomas Paine said what he said in confident, straightforward type of way. He wasn't afraid to state his opinions. Throughout this article Paine's tone didn't change and his firm opinion stayed very well supported.
What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
The proof was Paine's experience with the colonists during "the crisis" between the Americans and the British. He states also that Britain had declared that they had a right to bind America but not consider it slavery. "Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but 'to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER' and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A Declaration by the Representatives... Text Analysis
Who is the writer?
The Representatives of the united states Colonies of America
Who is the audience?
The Reps are the audience also, because they are having a meeting with eachother
Who do the writers represtent?
They new congress that has gotten together so they can set forth their right to bear arms against Great Britain.
What is being said, argued and/or requested?
This Congress states the many wrongs of Great Britain and the Acts that Britain past. They wish to take action and regain their liberty. They wish to bear arms against Great Britian.
How is it being said, argued and/or reguested?
It's being said in a way that sounds determined or serious. The Colonies plans are being requested in a demanding way.
What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
"Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great, if necassary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable---" "We fight not for glory or for request. We exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies, without any imputation or even suspicion of offence.
The Representatives of the united states Colonies of America
Who is the audience?
The Reps are the audience also, because they are having a meeting with eachother
Who do the writers represtent?
They new congress that has gotten together so they can set forth their right to bear arms against Great Britain.
What is being said, argued and/or requested?
This Congress states the many wrongs of Great Britain and the Acts that Britain past. They wish to take action and regain their liberty. They wish to bear arms against Great Britian.
How is it being said, argued and/or reguested?
It's being said in a way that sounds determined or serious. The Colonies plans are being requested in a demanding way.
What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
"Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great, if necassary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable---" "We fight not for glory or for request. We exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies, without any imputation or even suspicion of offence.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Synthesis Response
One thing that the video, and the 3 documents had in common was that they both were about the Act of the British Parliament toward the American Colonies, the Stamp Act. The Stamp Act allowed the British Parliament to tax items that were stamped. At this time many goods in America were from England, and the Americans weren't happy that they were being taxed for all of their shipped items. The Americans were already independently governed, and the thought of being ruled by another governing body was just out of the question. The Stamp Act was one of the worst political decisions made in history. My own view is with the American's opinion toward this act. When it comes to this topic, most of us will agree that the British were wrong for attempting to pass this act, but on the other hand the Americans didn't have a say in the matter so the British might have thought that passing this act wouldn't have been all that difficult. Another possibilty could have been that the British thought that since they protected the American colonies, the Americans could give back. In John Adams' quote, he speaks of this act not as a Revolution, but as "an effect and consequence of it." Or in other words, an effect leading toward the American Revolution.
Text Analysis paragraphs
Circular Letter of Boston Committee of Correspondence; May 13, 1774
The countrymen have received a copy of the Act of the British Parliament. The Town of Boston has been treated in an unjust manner. The countrymen want to unite to fight this violation of liberties. This act's main objective is to divide the colonies. The countrymen want to maintain the rights of America and want to fight for their freedom from British control.
Letter from the New York of fifty-one to the Boston Committee of Correspondence; May 23, 1774
The citizens have appointed a large committee of 51 people because of the British parliament. The citizens of New york have taken the vote of the town of Boston under consideration. They condole with Boston and have nothing to add on the matter.They can't explain why though. They want Boston's opinion of British congress.
Declaration of Resolves of the First Continental Congress
British power has claimed the right to bind the people of America by statutes in all classes. The people of several colonies have appointed deputies to meet and sit in general congress in Philadelphia. The inhabitants of the English colonies in North America have resolved their rights in this matter.
The countrymen have received a copy of the Act of the British Parliament. The Town of Boston has been treated in an unjust manner. The countrymen want to unite to fight this violation of liberties. This act's main objective is to divide the colonies. The countrymen want to maintain the rights of America and want to fight for their freedom from British control.
Letter from the New York of fifty-one to the Boston Committee of Correspondence; May 23, 1774
The citizens have appointed a large committee of 51 people because of the British parliament. The citizens of New york have taken the vote of the town of Boston under consideration. They condole with Boston and have nothing to add on the matter.They can't explain why though. They want Boston's opinion of British congress.
Declaration of Resolves of the First Continental Congress
British power has claimed the right to bind the people of America by statutes in all classes. The people of several colonies have appointed deputies to meet and sit in general congress in Philadelphia. The inhabitants of the English colonies in North America have resolved their rights in this matter.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Essay #1 Reflection
Revised writing philosophy
My original writing philosophy was about me just doing my best in whatever task I am given. Now I feel that that philosophy lacked detail. I've changed my philosophy more toward following standards and looking for what the teacher wants out of my work. When I write I write for myself, and I write to impress. In my opinion the way I wrote that first assigned Final Draft Essay was very well detailed. I never wrote essays this way. This writing process is new to me but works a lot better toward the proffesionalism of my writing. In a way I'm still following my original philosophy but now I'm expanding that philosophy while including the writing process.
Essay #1 Reflection
The way I wrote this essay was very different from what I'm used to. The writing process is somewhat similar but this process involves more details, such as templates, more quotes, more paragraphs and most importantly, more steps before the final draft. My overall experience was pretty alright. I didn't stress much about how my outline or rough drafts looked and I came up with a decent final draft that I felt was my best work . Once I get my results I'll find out if my for if my best was good enough.
My original writing philosophy was about me just doing my best in whatever task I am given. Now I feel that that philosophy lacked detail. I've changed my philosophy more toward following standards and looking for what the teacher wants out of my work. When I write I write for myself, and I write to impress. In my opinion the way I wrote that first assigned Final Draft Essay was very well detailed. I never wrote essays this way. This writing process is new to me but works a lot better toward the proffesionalism of my writing. In a way I'm still following my original philosophy but now I'm expanding that philosophy while including the writing process.
Essay #1 Reflection
The way I wrote this essay was very different from what I'm used to. The writing process is somewhat similar but this process involves more details, such as templates, more quotes, more paragraphs and most importantly, more steps before the final draft. My overall experience was pretty alright. I didn't stress much about how my outline or rough drafts looked and I came up with a decent final draft that I felt was my best work . Once I get my results I'll find out if my for if my best was good enough.
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