You Can Choose It Assignment | You Can Choose It
Your answers are to be based upon the lectures, Chapters 5-7 in the online textbook by Corbett and other materials provided by the instructor. Do NOT use Internet sources such as Wikipedia, Quizlet, History.com, Britannica, etc. Be especially careful of PLAGIARISM which is described in the handout posted on CANVAS.
You have a choice. Choose any TWO of the following THREE question groups
GROUP ONE: DECLARING INDEPENDENCE
GROUP TWO: WINNING INDEPENDENCE
GROUP THREE: A MORE PERFECT UNION
Answer each group you choose in an essay, single-spaced, 12 pt, of about ONE page in length. You won’t be marked down if you write more. You should have a minimum of a page and a half total. It is very important that you put your answers in your own words and do not cut and paste or even paraphrase the lectures, materials or textbook. I want to see some analytical thinking on your own part. Use the facts others have given, but don’t parrot their words. If you use the textbook, note it like this (Corbett). You don’t need footnotes /endnotes.
GROUP ONE: DECLARING INDEPENDENCE: How did the French and Indian War set the stage? How did British Americans view their rights and liberties as opposed to what King George III thought? How did the issue of taxation without representation become crucial? How did tensions rise in the late 1760’s and subside after 1770? Tell me how the Boston Tea Party finally lit the fuse that led to revolution. Where were New England and the Middle Colonies divided on strategy? What finally made independence the option and how did John Adams, Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson persuade the Continental Congress to vote for it?
GROUP TWO: WINNING INDEPENDENCE: Why did the war for independence appear doomed in 1776 and how did George Washington and Benedict Arnold turn things around? Why did General Howe’s plan in 1777 fail and why was the Battle of Saratoga decisive? How did the situation turn grim again by 1780? What role did Benedict Arnold’s treason, Nathaniel Greene’s tactics and French aid play in saving the situation? How did Washington win the victory at Yorktown and why did Britain finally concede American independence? In what way was the American Revolution cultural as well as political? How did it change our views of status and authority.
GROUP THREE: A MORE PERFECT UNION: How did the Articles of Confederation grant the United States a legal existence…and not much more? What challenges did the newly independent states face and why couldn’t the Articles meet them? Why was the Northwest Ordinance an important step? What kind of national government did James Madison propose? What compromises took place over the makeup of Congress and slavery? In what ways was the Constitution a delicate compromise between North and South? Why did Antifederalists remain strong. How were Madison and Hamilton able to win ratification for the Constitution in spite of this? Even though equality is not mentioned, why was it a ‘middle class constitution?’
