This week's essential question asks you to balance various perspectives on the issue of American independence. Consider all the economic, political and cultural factors that led to the American Revolution. Then factor in the risks associated with taking on the British Empire and loosing the security of the food and munitions reserves that could be provided to you as colonists if a crisis should incur. Would the benefits of independence (liberty, representation and tax releif) outweigh the comforts of British rule?
You may respond to this essential question from a purely analytical standpoint OR reflect on it creatively by adopting one of the following characters and creatively presenting his/her perspective:
-a young man or woman who would be aiding in the war effort
-a wealthy merchant benefitting from colonial trade
-an indentured servant or slave
So, would you support the American Revolution? (Please leave baseball and Michael Vick out of this week's discussion.)Be prepared to discuss your response in a seminar format on Friday 10/12.
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25 comments:
John Harden
Block A
Oct.10th, 07
Whether or not I would join the Revolution or support the subduing of a Colonist led revolution against the British depends solely one what my current location and economic standings would be at the time. If I was a wealthy merchant whom owns a trading business in the Colonies which relies and successfully strives heavily on the British people, I would not support the Revolution at all. I would feel comforted by British rule, knowing that my fellow colonial people and more importantly, my trade ships are protected by the Royal British Fleet, that enough sways me towards the British side. However, if I was a poor young man whom had no where to go, but work on various farms as possibly a servant, I would support the Revolution. Even though the British offered tax relief and food to those who supported her, I would rather have fought in the Colonial Revolutionary Army in hopes that we would win and I would be well rewarded for my service to the Revolutionaries. If I was located in England, I would not at all support my country losing another colony, despite the immoral attitude of the British monarchs towards other races and ethnicities, I would have supported my home country growing to a larger size, because not only does it lead to a rise in economic stability, but it also makes me feel secure being a citizen of the strongest nation in the world. The war as a whole could be considered, inevitable, as over time according to Benjamin Franklin the population of the colonies would be far superior and greater than that of Britain. Eventually, an uprising would start because the British monarchs and government would never allow a colony to just leave her side.
Mariel Elia <33
A BlizOck
Oct.11th.07
If I was living in the time of the American Revolution I would not join the American Revolution. During the "American Revolution", there were two sides, the people who supported the Declaration of independence (or the idea of freedom) and the ones that didn't (loyal to the British king).The ones for freedom were considered "patriots" and the ones who wanted to remain with the King are called "Loyalists". Each had their own reasons. Patriots were tired of the soldiers imposing themselves in the patriots' homes, unfair taxation, and no representation in Parliament and no real freedoms. The Loyalists wanted to stay with the King because it was the same as it had always been. I would be a Patriot because I would probably be fine financially and have some kids I have to support. I would be fed up with the taxes but not enough to really care. Women back in the day weren’t as respected as much as they are today. No one would really care about my opinion because I would be a woman. Even if I wasn’t I wouldn’t risk my life for a war that I know that we would loose its just silly.
If I had to pick to fight for the revolution or fight agaisnt the revolution i would pick to fight for the patriots. The reasons why are that i would not Bristish troops sleeping in my house and paying taxs so a king that lives across the ocean so he can have more money. I would join so that i would be able to live in courntay where the laws are made up by a group of people not some old guy sitting in a chair. It would't matter how much money i make i would still fight for freedom.
In Fact I would not support the revolution. The Revolution follows the Declaration of Independence, where a transition occurs. The transition has to do with the rights of the colonists. The colonists acquire their rights through resistance to british
imperial conformity, by resisting certain policies detrimental to the
inalienable rights of a democracy. The transitional period was from 1760's to 1770's. This is a crucial period of time, because this is where the center of power is transferred from the british government to the colonial citizens. As a result of this I would not want the British telling me what to do and sleeping in my house without any rules or regulations to follow. Also i would not support the revolution because if the british ruled the future would not be how it is today.
Michela Infantino
A Block
Living at the time of the American Revolution, I wouldn't risk my life on such a stupir reason for a war. Truthfully, war on a whole note is useless. During this war, there we're two sides, the Patriots and the Loyalists. The Patriots rebeled against the unfair taxations, which led to the rebelling of the Stamp Act, a tax law on all printed documents, the establishing of the Sons of Libery, the Boston Tea Party and Boston Massacre. The Patriots felt that the British government, the Parliment, acted as if the colonists we're puppets, tossing and turing them around, pretty much taking control over them, which is what a government does. The Loyalists however didn't feel over powered, since they we're already used to the way the British government acted and stayed loyal to the supporting of their King. Whether i supported the views of the Patriots or the Loyalists, it wasn't under the control of either to begin with, at the time Britian had taken leadership of the America's so it wasn't in anyones control, I take the neither side and stay outta the conflict, no protect not only myself but my family.
Karmila Saulong
Block A
I would not join the American Revolution if I were a wealthy business merchant. The thought of losing money and sources because of the war is a hard decision to make. Although, being free from the British would be great, they do provide plenty of things for us. There are many risks to take especially if one’s family is established in a colony in the America. However, the benefits of independence would be great but if we already have a family in America we shouldn’t fight the people who let us settle here. The colonist would no longer have to be concerned about taxing but that is how I make a living. However, would we really want to give up the security of food and the munition that is secured by the British colonists incase of a crisis? One day we may be able to gain independence but now isn’t the time. If the colonies continue to work and survive without the assistance of the British we will then know it is time to break free from them. The American Revolution is a waste of time because many people will eventually die from war and America is not yet a well developed nation. When the time comes we will be able to fight back and gain independence. As a wealthy merchant, I gain from the colonial trade and joining the American Revolution is an unwise decision. I am practically risking my life and the economic system that was created here. The British provided so much already and we should be grateful with having them. Without them, we would probably have all died already and we need to stay away from the idea of joining the American Revolution.
Kristina Sanzone*
A Block
October 11th, 2007
While the American Revolution is always a brilliant point in history to look back on for reference on how America got to the way it is today, I would have to honestly say that I would not support the American Revolution. At the time, it truly was so dangerous to even just be living in a house near the battlefield in the colonies. People’s homes were being used repetitively to house the wounded and dieing soldiers from the battle line. I think that, personally, that isn’t such a bad idea, since it is a way for you to truly show honor for your country, but it was a huge threat to the family living in that specific house. For example, in the movie The Patriot, Mel Gibson’s son goes off to fight in the war and comes back to the house, which is very near to the battle field, in hopes to recover a little before heading back out. Unfortunately, The Red Coats found out about these “terrible people” that were housing soldiers and decided to come and attack. Also, the disadvantages of this war were that so many people died trying to fight and so much money was poured into the war. We may have completely benefited in the long run, but at the time I can’t see myself supporting such a terrible experience.
Michela,
I agree with your idea of not joining the war because it is useless. THe idea of risking ones' family is not worth it. But you did have a spellin error... STUPID. However, you can't help but get involved in this war.
Janell McBean
A-Block
Supporting the American Revolution would be the last thing I would have done during that time period. Many issues occured and were erupting, the American Revolution was when the Thirteen Colonies in which became the United States of America and gained independence from the British Empire. The Colonies were said to have united against the British Empire and entered a period of armed conflict known as the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War was the name for the war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Thirteen Colonies. In my opinion, with the Kingdom of Great Britian and the Thirteen colonies, that must have been the most hectic moment of the American Revolution and it seemed very overwhelming to be involved in. However, the act upon the war created what was called an American Declaration of Independence which was created by Thomas Jefferson. The American Declaration of Independence declared that the United Colonies were independent of Great Britain and actually became The United States of America. Even though, this shows how our nation is so powerful, it still would not interest me in being the least bit involved in the American Revolution. Having to see the glory and victory from others who actually supported the American Revolution makes me proud enough to know people supported the American Revolution rather then me actually supporting it myself.
Samantha Goon
Block A
October 11, 2007
In my opinion, I would support the American Revolution. I believe in individual rights and liberty. No body should be allowed to take those away from ones life. Responding to John Harden's comment, he has an extremely great point of view and analysis of both sides. The British were extremly powerful, expanding their population and wiping out the French during 1750s-1760s in North America. The British were undergoing financial problems which caused more taxes. As a young women, if the government were to tax me with the little money I already have, I would have to protest. I would be for the Revolutionary war. The most important aspect in life for a colonist is to have freedom, justice, representation and no taxes. I will fight for my rights and for liberty and be damn proud. I may be taking an extreme risk of fighting against the British, but it's better than letting them run my life. For instance, this week in class we watched the movie, The Patriot. Mel Gibson wasn't for the war because he knew that it would be very dangerous to fight against the British. But his son and the rest of the town wanted to fight for their liberty. A couple of months later, his son and the other colonist come back hurt but still had the will to fight for his liberty. It's so important for some people to fight, and unlike most of my fellow classmates who would not support the Revolutionary War, I would for my liberty. If we won the Revolutionary War, the honor, courage and risk I took would be respected by many all over the world.
The American Revolution refers to the time of the the 18th century. It took place around the time when the British and colonist where around.It is was a time of shortages of food, supplies and weapons.I myself would not feel entirely uncomfortable with the Revolution.The American Revolution was one of the most important events to occur in the history of the United States. This war was a result of the colonists’ rebellion against British rule. War's can be avoided, unless there is no other way to solve once problem. Was the Revolution really neccessary. The American Revolution wasnt really a necessary it was a waste of humans, money and weapons .
Emily Marks October 11, 2007
Deciding whether or not I would join the Revolution or support the holding back of a Colonist led revolutions against the red coats, would depend only on my living situation. As in the movie if I had a family I would probably have the same reaction. If I was single and had no family obligations to attend to I would have to look at my principles and if my prior knowledge of the war could sway my decision. One thing I would never do is send someone to go out and fight if I had no plan on fighting it would be irrational of me to send a man to do the job I did not want to do. Also the condition of the fighters already in the war would sway my decision. My principles would also sway my decision to even support the war in the case of the American Revolution I probably would support the war seeing as I would have loved in that point in time to be a separate nation from that of the founders England.
The American Revolution took place during 18th century. It happen around the same time when the British and colonist where being established. A huge issuse here was that there was a short amount of food supply, weapons, etc... The American Revolution is def. one out of so many important events that occured so far in the history of America. The useless, waste of time and life war happen because the colonists tried to rebell against the British rule. Wars are a huge waste of time. Even after the fight the only thing they are gaining is more dead lifes to add to the list. When a war occurs the end result is most likely to be one team or both losing so many close/loved ones. They fight, some die, some live, land is gained, time & life is wasted. The Revolution was not neccessary, then agin neither is any war that occurs.
Karmila:
I agree with your point as well. But for example now with this 'war on terror,' our family is pretty neutral in this matter ; we just don't wanna get into it - meaning we aren't taking sides. There are ways of being neutral, even during a war period.
Gerald C Lara Jr.
October 11, 2007
Block A American History
Blog # 3
The American Revolution must go on. We, as colonist, must free ourselves from the motherland, and become free from taxes and British rule. Our colonies have grown large enough for us as a whole to sustain ourselves, and not serve under rule to a king that’s 3,000 miles away from here. The rules British have laid upon us have given us, as colonist, barely any right in our own very land, and continue to tax us for our food and labor. We are here for their benefits for two long. We should fight for our independence, and rid ourselves of these laws. We are capable of creating new laws that help the people of our soon to be nation.
The Revolution may help us with out independency, but could affect our economy horribly. The war must be fought within out own lands since we are trying to claim these lands for ourselves. Our food stock will not continue to grow as much as our supplies will run low due to the lack of resources after giving the British a large portion of out supplies. The British have quite a bit of advance technology and training that we do not have yet here in America. This could also hurt us in the run against them in the revolution.
This revolution may hurt us on our own land, but could help us sustain a new era of freedom. The states will become more productive and intelligent as we create ideas of our own, and build a foundation for the nation.
Tarina Meaders
ABlock
10/11/07
In the colonial times, patriotism was mostly one of the most significant things to worry about. But, if I were in that age
Tarina Meaders
ABlock
10/11/07
In the colonial times, patriotism was one of the most significant things to be concerned about. But, if I were in that age I know for a fact that i would not support the war. Currently, I dont like the idea of war to begin with so i doubt that if i were born hundreds of years ago, I'd feel different. Considering the possible fact that I would have a family to support because of the culture in colonial times,I would do whatever I could to decrease their chance of harm. There were also crops to tend to, and a home to protect. Usually, when a person is put in a compromising situation they try and think of the alternatives that would benefit them the most. Freedom is more important than a place to live but I can only imagine how hard it would be to support something so violent. Even though I wouldn't support the levy, I'd constantly be alternating the idea in my mind. When it comes to war or politics,the decision is always hard to settle on even though one may want what is best as a whole. Governmental relations is a recurring topic that often leaves the most intellegent dumbfounded.
Tarina Meaders
Ablock
10/11/07
In response to Mariel Elia's blog post, I'd like to say that your historical points are excellent, but your rationale is disagreeable. Why would you think that the war would be lost? And is that the only reason why you would not support the American Revolution? It seems as if your lack of faith would cause the colonists downfall if the majority of the people felt the same way as you. As we all know, The American Revolution was a great success because our nation is now America! And even though we would all grow comfortable being loyal to the British rule, everyone wants a chance to do things there own way and experience a taste of independence. Consider a pulsing colonist nation in that same position, eager for liberty.
Larry Williams
If you have a strong love for your country I believe that you should support the American Revolution because the british didnt care about are state as americans so why should we care about them just like in the movie in class it showed how bad the redcoats were. Im not saying that america wasn't bad neither because we agreed to war and war in general is bad. I believe us as americans should stand up and fight because when this happands in the future would you want your children to just stand there and take a beating? I would not. If people say they wouldnt support the Revolution because it's bad to be in war or something there just wrong because back in that time you had to fight for what you believed in.
role of an indentured servant or slave and he doent support the war
Dear, journal
I would never help out my masters in the American Revolution because if they get killed then hey I will be free. but then wait if I don't help out then I won't be free cause the British would take me and I would just be a slave, if I go and help out the British I would go free. but the American said the same thing, what should I do.... let me ask my lady....(after a while) fine I will help out the Americans and in 12 months I would be free thanks to mr. Washington and I could have a great life for my family, so ultimately I don’t support any of this crewel war but I will do it for my daughter and my son and my wife .
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time to fight
Mr. Washington has us fighting like a mad man hiding while the British are fight a war normal it is crazy to see this happen like it is but, anything for my family.
matthew bowlin
If i was to choose a side during the American revolution, I would be of those that supported the declaration of independence. Without this revolution, America would be completely different today. If the declaration of independence was never fought for, slavery and the belief in segregation would still be here today. the rights that we have today wouldn't be here. Freedom of speech and other rights would probably be ignored and would not have the same social order that we have today. Mike had a good point about not wanting British troops living in our houses. if side would have won, the democratic government that we have today would not happen and we would probably be ruled by a king of some sort.
As a matter of fact, if the American revolution never took place, many of us wouldn't even be here. It is plausible that by allowing the British to rule rather than the organized equality of thee patriots, it is possible that the foreign policy and allowance of immigrants into the Americas would be different. This revolution was important because it set a foundation for America as we know it today.
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