After the war there were a lot of problems in the East, a lot of merchant ships were destroyed. So the Americans were having problems exporting tobacco, rice, and wheat. The British Navigation Acts kept Americans from trading with the British West Indies. However, the American markets were flooded with lowpriced British manufactures causing a lot of urban artisans and wartime textile firms to go out of business. At this time the state governments were dealing with a lot of the war debt. Speculators wanted their state debt certificates paid back in full, which meant that taxes had to be raised. But then on the other had farmers and artisans weren't making a lot of money so they couldn't afford to pay the taxes and the state legislatures felt for them. So to help out the artisans and farmers they printed more currency and they passed laws that made it ok for the people in debt to make payments towards the money they owed.
Because there was no such legislation in Massachusetts the debtors were mad, which led to an violent uprising. They persuaded the Massachusetts legislature to raise taxes in order to pay the state's war debt and in turn that helped because they weren't required to print more currency (would have led to inflation). So the people that were owned money wanted the debtors to be jailed for not paying, but the people that owned money were protesting all of the taxes and the property seizures. Pissed off farmers and some men of higher status forcibly closed courts. These actions and this rebellion were rather similar to the colonial resistance to the British Stamp Act.
In order to stop the rebellion Massachusetts legislature passed the Riot Act which outlawed illegal assemblies. So the governor made his own little army, with troops from the Continental Congress, and they fought off the rebellion. Shay's side ended up losing because of the freezing weather and the lack of supplies in the winter of 1786-87. The rebellion showed that cost of war and the independence was not shared evenly. The Massachusetts' governor was voted out of office and people in debt in New York, Pennsylvannia, Connecticut, and New Hampshire closed court houses also and wanted the same economic relief the people in Massachusetts wanted. Now the Americans feared their new government was bound for failure and other countries were thinking the same.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Articles of Confederation
In the beginning of chapter 7 in Henretta, it talks about how the Patriots had to divide up poiltical power between themselves now that they had independence. It also mentions Abigail Adams, who many historians would consider to be the first American feminist. Abigail Adams demanded legal equal rights for married women. She is a very important figure because without her females might still be considered as inferior to men, and not be able to do certain things that we are able to do now such as vote.
This chapter also talks a lot about The Articles of Confederation, which was the first formalized state of government that the sates had. They were passed by government in November 1777, giving the confederation government much authority. Congress had to issue three ordinances that dealt with problems dealing with the lands north of the Phio River. The Ordinance of 1784, was Thomas Jefferson's idea, and it called for the division of the region into territories and the admission of a territory as a state as soon as its population equaled that of the smallest existing state. The Land Ordinance of 1785 required that the regions be surveyed before settlement. Jefferson also came up with the grid system here, which broke open land in the west into sections of 640 acres. This land was sold by the government for $1 per acre of land, however bacause paper money was not accepted, mainly speculators were able to buy and sell the land which ultimately made the righ get richer.
Lastly, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was issued to provide for the creation of the territories now known as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, ans Wisconsin. This ordinance prohibited slavery in those territories. It also guaranteed the right to a trial by jury, freedom of religion, and provided for public education.
This chapter also talks a lot about The Articles of Confederation, which was the first formalized state of government that the sates had. They were passed by government in November 1777, giving the confederation government much authority. Congress had to issue three ordinances that dealt with problems dealing with the lands north of the Phio River. The Ordinance of 1784, was Thomas Jefferson's idea, and it called for the division of the region into territories and the admission of a territory as a state as soon as its population equaled that of the smallest existing state. The Land Ordinance of 1785 required that the regions be surveyed before settlement. Jefferson also came up with the grid system here, which broke open land in the west into sections of 640 acres. This land was sold by the government for $1 per acre of land, however bacause paper money was not accepted, mainly speculators were able to buy and sell the land which ultimately made the righ get richer.
Lastly, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was issued to provide for the creation of the territories now known as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, ans Wisconsin. This ordinance prohibited slavery in those territories. It also guaranteed the right to a trial by jury, freedom of religion, and provided for public education.
Adams' "Thoughts on Government"
Upon the closing of the Revolution, America was ready to begin their quest towards independence. Each state created their own Constitution to replace that of the colonial charter. States defined their rights, limitations on power and how their government was to be set up, all resulting in several different versions of a similar idea. However, I think the most interesting element of this was the forward thinking of John Adams and his ideas for the new government, published in his writing, Thoughts on Government. Adams essentially mixed two different ideas into one; that of a republican society where power was shared but by “the king, lords, and commons.” He liked the idea of dividing up specific government functions and assigning different jobs to each function: One to make laws, one to enforce laws and one to ‘judge’ those laws (Legislative, administrative, and judicial). Adams motivation behind this setup was that it would spread out the authority instead of giving all power to one person/king. Two houses, an upper and a lower were included in his “thoughts” along with an elected governor that had the power to veto. A judicial board would be appointed to review the governmental functions.
Adams presented this idea over 200 years ago yet our American government is still structured similarly. I find it really impressive that one person could have possibly thought up the core idea for an entire nation’s government, yet states were too apprehensive to give too much power (especially veto power) to a governor, or any executive figure at all.
Adams presented this idea over 200 years ago yet our American government is still structured similarly. I find it really impressive that one person could have possibly thought up the core idea for an entire nation’s government, yet states were too apprehensive to give too much power (especially veto power) to a governor, or any executive figure at all.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Home court advantage
Despite the forces against them, how why was the american army able to defeat a world super power? how was a group of ragged militia led by a general who's war resume contained defeats and mishaps leading his troops able to turn the war around and give the americans hope? Was it because of the colonist's motivation (the fact they had something to fight for; their freedom) . I believe it was a culmination of the following.
for one, the establishment of a continental congress (first and second) unified patriots by making them feel like there was a promising future. they were finally able to get together and discuss how they believe the country should be ran after the British were drove out. the men who were educated by leaders of the enlightenment were able to put their knowledge to the test by trying to form a provisional government. even though the first congressional congress didn't work out, they were confident they could get it right a second time.
i also feel that the national was in turmoil at the time, being forced to declare loyalty to the crown or loyalty to the patriots. this was driven by authors such as Thomas Paine who called for an independence and a nonmonarchial form of government. either you were with the country or you were against it in the eyes of the patriots. there was no room for being neutral. such skirmishes forced British loyalists to either take up arms or flee to the mother country.
there was a certain appeal to supporting the patriots. people who were used to being ruled, finally had a chance to dictate how their lives were run. patriots encouraged all citizens to become active in the decisions that affect how their lives were run. from taxes to laws, people now were given the opportunity to dictate their life and the way the direction they wanted to take it.
the most important factor in the American revolution i believe was the home turf advantage. the patriots were fighting for their land, their people and their freedom. such desperations made hero's out of ordinary men. the British troops however, lacked moral. having to be away from their families and fighting people who they considered their own citizens, must have taken a toll. the American people had spoken out, either by paying local taxes and supporting the patriot movement , or taking up arms and defending their natural rights. this home court advantage, i believe, directly led to the defeat of the British in colonial America.
for one, the establishment of a continental congress (first and second) unified patriots by making them feel like there was a promising future. they were finally able to get together and discuss how they believe the country should be ran after the British were drove out. the men who were educated by leaders of the enlightenment were able to put their knowledge to the test by trying to form a provisional government. even though the first congressional congress didn't work out, they were confident they could get it right a second time.
i also feel that the national was in turmoil at the time, being forced to declare loyalty to the crown or loyalty to the patriots. this was driven by authors such as Thomas Paine who called for an independence and a nonmonarchial form of government. either you were with the country or you were against it in the eyes of the patriots. there was no room for being neutral. such skirmishes forced British loyalists to either take up arms or flee to the mother country.
there was a certain appeal to supporting the patriots. people who were used to being ruled, finally had a chance to dictate how their lives were run. patriots encouraged all citizens to become active in the decisions that affect how their lives were run. from taxes to laws, people now were given the opportunity to dictate their life and the way the direction they wanted to take it.
the most important factor in the American revolution i believe was the home turf advantage. the patriots were fighting for their land, their people and their freedom. such desperations made hero's out of ordinary men. the British troops however, lacked moral. having to be away from their families and fighting people who they considered their own citizens, must have taken a toll. the American people had spoken out, either by paying local taxes and supporting the patriot movement , or taking up arms and defending their natural rights. this home court advantage, i believe, directly led to the defeat of the British in colonial America.
David Littman's Blog
As tensions grew increasing, the odds of a war seemed more and more likely. One of the turning points in peoples minds whom were still respecting their loyalty to the crown was the pulication of Thomas Paine's article entitled "Common Sense". This pamphlet pursuaded the minds of loyalists to reject the king and that America had far more to offer people than Britain. This appeal to the loyalists to drop their loyalty to England was in perfect timing, for tensions were so high, that people were now willing to fight to defend the country. This tension was created from the diminishing freedoms colonists had been experiencing and the taxes that unified the colonists of all classes, geographic location, and gender. Loyalists were beginning to feel threatened by the patriots extreme belief in freedom, and neighbors were killing their fellow neighbors that were not revolutionists. With British loss of New Jersey, loyalists were unprotected by the kings army and were forced to flee the country.
With the alliance of the French army, the momentum of the war shifted with the Continental Army gaining much needed financial and military support. The Britains suffered greatly from the brutal winters, disease, and low morale. The Continental Army was able to succeed in defeating the British because of soldiers strong belief in what they were fighting for. Washington's brilliant and leadership were the key for America's eventual final victory at Yorktown, winning the war and gaining the Independence the patriots so strongly believed in. America now faced the difficult process of establishing themselves as an independent country, developing a system of law that would comply with the beliefs stated in the declaration of independence. The aristocrats took the natural belief that they would become the governing body, yet those whom actually suffered through war and risked their lives thought otherwise. The next several years following the war brought many conflicts as issues such as slavery and government were challenged and brought people apart as they would eventually go to divide the country in half.
With the alliance of the French army, the momentum of the war shifted with the Continental Army gaining much needed financial and military support. The Britains suffered greatly from the brutal winters, disease, and low morale. The Continental Army was able to succeed in defeating the British because of soldiers strong belief in what they were fighting for. Washington's brilliant and leadership were the key for America's eventual final victory at Yorktown, winning the war and gaining the Independence the patriots so strongly believed in. America now faced the difficult process of establishing themselves as an independent country, developing a system of law that would comply with the beliefs stated in the declaration of independence. The aristocrats took the natural belief that they would become the governing body, yet those whom actually suffered through war and risked their lives thought otherwise. The next several years following the war brought many conflicts as issues such as slavery and government were challenged and brought people apart as they would eventually go to divide the country in half.
Henretta6, Skemp I7-8,II6-8
Chapter 6 of Henretta describes the eventual declaration of independence by the American colonies and Revolutionary War itself. Thomas Paine was an important player in the persuasion of the American colonists towards separation from Britain through his writing called "Common Sense." This writing attacked King George III, and finally persuaded many colonists that both Parliament and the king were tyrannical. One might wonder if the American colonists might have been less united if "Common Sense" had never been written. Other important concepts from this particular reading include the alliance of the French with the American colonists in order to get back at England for the last war, and also the status of African-American slaves at this time: slavery was still allowed in the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, many thousands fled with British soldiers, and still thousands of others fought on the colonists' side.
Skemp readings discuss the same time period from the personal perspectives of the two Franklins who are this time started to differ considerably and also present documents written by them during this time period. Particularly moving was the letter from the elder Franklin to William in 1784 after the war was over. The two Franklins seem the perfect example of the civil war that occurred along with the Revolutionary War that split families apart, but at least the Franklins were not shooting at each other. In these chapters we view William Franklin condemning the Boston Tea Party and believing that the colonists should pay for the damages and reporting on his own father to Britain, and Benjamin Franklin on the other side refusing to send William's own son Temple to a "corrupt English school." How ironic that the position that Skemp says Benjamin probably helped William to obtain, the governorship of New Jersey would in later years create the largest chasm between them.
Skemp readings discuss the same time period from the personal perspectives of the two Franklins who are this time started to differ considerably and also present documents written by them during this time period. Particularly moving was the letter from the elder Franklin to William in 1784 after the war was over. The two Franklins seem the perfect example of the civil war that occurred along with the Revolutionary War that split families apart, but at least the Franklins were not shooting at each other. In these chapters we view William Franklin condemning the Boston Tea Party and believing that the colonists should pay for the damages and reporting on his own father to Britain, and Benjamin Franklin on the other side refusing to send William's own son Temple to a "corrupt English school." How ironic that the position that Skemp says Benjamin probably helped William to obtain, the governorship of New Jersey would in later years create the largest chasm between them.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Destructive Pride
Most may disagree with me but I can see where the colonists and the British are coming from. From the British point of view, levying a tax to make Americans pay for their own defense seems sensible. The Americans on the other hand never asked for this defense so to them it seems absolutely absurd. I think the British were simply blinded by their own pride. The British saw their empire as vast, powerful and one. They did not care about granting representation in Parliament, they were use to having their way go. When push came to shove on most of the taxes levied by the British, the British would back down. But it was their own sense of pride, the notion that they were being defied by people miles away, that made them keep insisting and keep taxing. The passage that most perfectly defines this is, "Finally, former prime minister William Pitt and his friends demanded that 'the Stamp Act be repealed absolutely, totally, and immediately' as a failed policy. Pitt tried to draw a subtle distinction between taxation and legislation; he argued both that Parliament could not tax the colonies and that British authority over America was 'sovereign and supreme, in every circumstance of government and legislation whatsoever.'" Their pride kept holding them back. It was this same sense of pride that made the British march in columns while the colonists shot from behind rocks and inside houses. A revolution also must have seen implausible. How could anyone defeat the greatest army on earth? This revolution is indicative of what America would be. A place where people could fight for what they believed to be right. Against all odds, America defeated the British, freed slaves, won women's rights and civil rights. It defines the spirit of the country.
A couple of other points that I found to be interesting. I did not realize that only five people were killed in the Boston Massacre, just by the title obviously, you would guess more. Also, I can at least see where Grenville or Rockingham were coming from in their terms. But Townshend almost seemed like he was trying to bully the colonists. Taxing colonists who were already uneasy with the British to pay for the salaries of royal governors, judges and imperial officials seemed as if he was just trying to stir up trouble. The colonists already did not want to pay taxes for the British military, why would they want to pay the salaries of royal governors, judges and imperial officials so they would be paid by the crown and made more loyal to the crown?
A couple of other points that I found to be interesting. I did not realize that only five people were killed in the Boston Massacre, just by the title obviously, you would guess more. Also, I can at least see where Grenville or Rockingham were coming from in their terms. But Townshend almost seemed like he was trying to bully the colonists. Taxing colonists who were already uneasy with the British to pay for the salaries of royal governors, judges and imperial officials seemed as if he was just trying to stir up trouble. The colonists already did not want to pay taxes for the British military, why would they want to pay the salaries of royal governors, judges and imperial officials so they would be paid by the crown and made more loyal to the crown?
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