ZINN CHAPTER 4 1. What is the thesis of this chapter? Around 1776, certain important people in the English colonies made a discovery that would prove enormously useful for the next two hundred years. They found that by creating a nation, a symbol, a legal unity called the United States, they could take over land, profits, and political power from favorites of the British Empire. In the process, they could hold back a number of potential rebellions and create a consensus of popular support for the rule of a new, privileged leadership.When we look at the American Revolution this way, it was a work of genius, and the Founding Fathers deserve the awed tribute they have received over the centuries.
Before the British acquired land the colonies were financed and established under jurisdiction of joint stock companies working under charters given by crowns. The colonies were established to meet demand for territorial expansion by the British in addition to pay off political and economic debts incurred in the struggle for colonization. Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, New York and New Jersey are some of the examples of these colonies (Kennedy, 1998). Self-governing colonies are ruled by a governor who is elected by the universal suffrage with normal control of the colony. The governor and other leaders have the right to make decisions without involving the colonial administration.
But Americans were not backing down; in fact it was the exact opposite. John Jays letter to Parliament and Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” were two amongst many publishing’s strongly stating that ties from Britain would mean the flourishing of free trade for America. America, with the assistance of France, would soon gain this independence politically and would soon look into commercial trade as a crucial issue. Through Benjamin Franklins views, Americans believed that “the War of Independence was as much about guaranteeing commercial freedom as it was about securing natural rights”(Lambert 40). However much they thought Independence politically would translate to the trading world Americans would soon find that “demanding a full measure of independence at home, they would undermine the independence of America in the Atlantic world” (Lambert
In the 1700s, Europeans saw numerous opportunities in the New World. They envisioned the colonization as a chance for them to live a free and prosperous life, but, in reality, the American colonists faced many setbacks. The tension between Great Britain and the New England colonies led to American Revolution. In Transcript of Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson acknowledged how the act of force was a rational option in order to obtain liberty from Great Britain; however, in The Rise and Fall of the Newburgh Conspiracy, George Marshall depicted how there is a more reasonable alternative to resolving problems within the new independent country. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson explained how governments should not be overthrown for petty reasons, but he believed the King of Great Britain had taken the situation too far.
I believe that the British did only make concessions to strengthen their power and control over India. However there are arguments suggesting that these concessions were made purely to benefit India and to increase Indian participation and decision making within the government. The argument that supports this statement is demonstrated through source 13. In Source 13 it tells us that ‘these concessions can be seen as a way of strengthening the Raj and their control within India’, it then continues to say that this opinion is exemplified within the Rowlatt Acts. From my own knowledge I know that these acts, passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in London on the 10th march 1919, gave authorization to imprison people for up to two years without trial, anybody living within the Raj suspected of terrorism.
Richard Henry Lee sent a document to Arthur Lee on February 24, 1774. He wrote to him, “America is now most firmly united and as firmly resolved to defend their liberties ad infinitum against every power on Earth that may attempt to take them away.” This means that Richard Henry Lee was sure that all Americans would fight for their freedoms forever with whomever that takes their freedom away. He believed that the colonists were willing to devote their lives to defend and stand up for their liberty and rights. (Doc. C) The colonies worked as one to do donate many goods to Boston.
The messages sent from the famous jumps of Sam Patch were the beginning of a new of democracy, and a fulfillment to the true meaning of the word equality. In the early 1800s there was already a change being made to American politics. Soon after the war of 1812 it was made a point to put some restrictions on presidency because the president had too much power (Pettengill). Distributing the power evenly amongst the other branches of government paved the way to a more independent American government, and created early ideas of a two party system. These early ideas made it possible for the different views of the rich and working class to have their own set representation as needed when capitalism, or free market enterprise, and common wealth made its way into American economy.
An agreement was made with the US government that if the US would help Panama gain their independence, they would allow the canal to be built. In 1903, Panama became its own country, and the United States immediately recognized the new government. Columbia sent troops to reclaim Panama, but US warships prevented them from landing. After the United States helped Panama win its independence, a treaty was immediately negotiated to allow the US to build a canal. The treaty granted considerably more to the US then the failed agreement with Columbia had, including rights to use military within Panama and US control of the Canal Zone in perpetuity.
7.the significance of the declaration of independence was that it united all colonies and it made it easier to get foreign aid. Thomas Jefferson wrote the declaration of independence in lofty style. He explained their claim for independence in universal terms. All humankind have "natural rights" and because the king flouted these rights the colonies had the right to cut the connection with Britain. 8.
When Cuba rebelled again in 1895, the United States was primed and ready to involve itself in a new foreign land. Coupled with “yellow journalism,” which was embellishing stories for the sake of higher circulation, the plight of Cuban rebels captured the hearts of American citizens (Henretta & Brody, 2009, p. 616). The Spanish-American war served as a cure for American cabin fever, and helped materialize a foreign policy toward national expansion. As the U.S. Navy defeated Spain in the Philippines, it was determined that America needed to use this as an opportunity to get a foothold in the West Pacific. Beyond the physical expansion of occupying Manila, it enabled America to open a trade route with China, which was rapidly being gathered up by the other world powers.