...Precipitating the American Revolution The colonies’ quickly growing economy made declaring independence an inevitability, especially after the Seven Years’ War, when Britain started to impose taxes on the colonies to regain the losses incurred during the war. The timing and severity of new policies enacted by the Crown and Parliament, starting with the Sugar Act of 1764 and ending with the Intolerable Acts of 1774, gave almost every colonist a common grievance, expediting the process of colonial unity against British rule (Walton/Rockoff 2010, pp. 93-107). Joseph D. Reid, Jr., a professor in economics, concludes in his paper that “conflict over economic issues best explains the length, intensity of, and participation in protest by the colonists” (Reid 1978, pp. 81-100). English mercantilism explains why Parliament passed certain taxes for the colonies. The goal of mercantilism was to achieve power and wealth for the state by acquiring large amounts of specie, and the mercantilists wanted to use legislation to regulate the economy in a way that helped Britain more than the colonies (Walton/Rockoff 2010, pp. 93-107). The Navigation Acts of 1651 set the stage for the revolution to come almost century later, although the Navigation Acts themselves were not all bad. In fact, the colonists were some of the lightly taxes people in the world (Reid 1978, pp. 81-100). However, the acts that followed infuriated the colonists. After the repeal of the Stamp Act of 1765, Charles Townshend...
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...The American Revolution is a significant event in American history when the colonists in the thirteen colonies rebelled against Britain for their independence. It marked the beginning of a new country with a new government and constitution. However, the official date of when the move toward independence for Americans began is debated. The date that best describes the beginnings of American independence is 1765 because rebellions and boycotts protesting taxation by Britain, like the Stamp Act and Currency Act, fully began around that time. To begin, 1765 was the year that rebellions and resistance against Britain fully began and became apparent. In 1764, some of the first hated taxes were passed. The Sugar Act was passed, taxing sugar and products with sugar in them. Britain also passed the Currency Act that barred colonists from using their own issued money to pay taxes or debts. Then in 1765, the Stamp Act was passed, leading to the colonists calling for the taxes to be repealed because they did not have representation in Parliament or for their independence. The battle against Britain began at this point because when the Stamp Act was passed in 1765, official struggles against Britain began with the issuance of the Declaration or Rights and Grievances in...
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...is an introduction that states the purpose of the document, which was to explain why the American people were declaring independence from the government of Great Britain. The second part is a theory of good government and individual rights generally accepted by Americans from the 1770s until today. In this theory, all individuals are equal in their possession of certain immutable rights. These rights are not granted by the government. Rather, they are inherent to human nature. Therefore, the first purpose of a good government is to secure or protect these rights. Further, a good government is based on the consent of the governed -- the people -- who are the sole source of the government's authority. If their government persistently violates this theory of good government, then the people have the right to overthrow it. The third part of the document is a list of grievances against King George III, who was singled out to represent the actions of the British government. These grievances are examples of actions that violated the criteria for good government stated in the second part of the Declaration of Independence. These grievances, therefore, justify separation from the King's bad government and establishment of a good government to replace it. The fourth and final part of the document is an unqualified assertion of sovereignty by the United States of America. It proclaims the determination of Americans to defend and maintain their independence and rights. The Six Basic Principles...
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...Common Sense Written by Thomas Paine By: Alexis Quirarte 4 April 2013 Professor Billingsley History 16: History of The U.S. to 1877 Common sense was an extremely popular pamphlet written during the American Revolutionary War. The author of this great, and historical piece of work was a man known by the name of Thomas Paine. This historical piece of work when it was first released sold more than 120,000 copies in its first year. The pamphlet was released on anonymity due to the origin of its contents. In the pamphlet Pain was the voice of the American people that were concerned about the English radicalism. At the start, Paine explains that in the essay to come he is offering the reader nothing but, “simple facts, plain arguments,” and of course, “common sense” (27-30). He says he asks the reader for nothing more than to read on without prejudice and let their feelings decide for themselves; however, calmly Paine approaches the beginning of his work, though, later he will certainly show himself to be quite passionate. Paine begins his argument with more general, theoretical reflections about government and religion, and then progresses into the specifics of the Colonial situation. It is also extremely important to realize that throughout his pamphlet, Common Sense, Thomas Paine argues two main points: the first being independence from England and the second being the creation of a democratic republic. Paine uses an enthymeme by stating that “in absolute governments...
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...Evolution of the Right to Petition, and Modern Applications Back when I lived in Houston, TX there was a plan to place a small sewage treatment facility right next to the entrance of my neighborhood. As soon as residents heard of this plan they immediately gathered to petition our local government to stop these plans in their tracks. Soon after submitting their petition the group was met with a lawsuit from the company responsible for construction, claiming charges of defamation. Every day Americans assume they are able to enjoy and exercise the inalienable rights that were protected by our founding fathers in the Bill of Rights. However, in recent years it has come to the attention of many that our right to petition, as protected in the first amendment of the Bill of Rights, may be at risk. The source of concern is a controversial one that forces us to weigh the importance of our right to enter a plea against another citizen, against our right to petition freely without fear of redress. Over the past couple decades Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation in government, also know as SLAPPs, have become a tool used by corporations (especially those in real-estate) to silence critics who petition against their actions. The goal of delay and distraction is accomplished by forcing defendants to bear the burden of litigation costs in order to defend themselves from the impending lawsuit. Twenty-Eight states have already passed anti-SLAPP statutes, however I believe it is...
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...The Declaration of Independence was targeted for American Colonists, King George II (current King of England), and other nations surrounding them at the time that it was written. Today, the Declaration of Independence helps citizens acquire and develop an understanding of American politics as well as the governmental processes that help shape our public policies. The audience will develop a more insightful understanding of key aspects such as majority rule, representative democracy, constitutionalism, civil liberties, and other distinguishing characteristics of the American political system. The tone of the Declaration of Independence was written in a very serious and impertinent manner. The writers of the Declaration wanted to strongly and seriously convey their message to their audience in the document. Jefferson's original draft was found completed with changes made by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and also the Congress. “Historians have often sought to identify the sources that most influenced the words and political philosophy of the Declaration of Independence. By Jefferson's own admission, the Declaration contained no original ideas, but was instead a statement of sentiments widely shared by supporters of the American Revolution. As he explained in...
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...Why and What Do We Compare? The Story of Revolution and Democratization Mehrzad Boroujerdi, Syracuse University Introduction The field of comparative politics starts with the assumption that knowledge in the social sciences must proceed by way of the search for comparisons, or what has been called "suggestive contrasts." Scholars of comparative politics compare in order to discover similarities and explain differences. As infrequent and highly complex events, revolutions have attracted a great deal of attention from comparativists. In this article, we will address the following topics: • The Concept of Revolution • Why Revolutions Happen? • Can Revolutions be Predicted? • What Do Revolutions Accomplish? • What Are some of the Failures of Revolutions? • Comparing Characteristics and Outcomes of Some Revolutions • Questions The Concept of Revolution: According to the American philosopher Richard Rorty "revolution," like such other words as "reason," "democracy," and "socialism" is a "thick word" which can be contrasted with such "thin words" as truth, dialogue, and justice. How do we define a "revolution?" How are revolutions distinct from other forms of political change such as Coup d'état, rebellion, mutiny, insurrection, or uprising? All of the above nouns may denote acts of violence aimed at changing or overthrowing an existing order or authority. However, there are important legal and political differences among them as well. ...
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...Mercedes; As per your request I am writing you a synopsis of my initial pages to my book and possibility political paper. Understand the tone, audience and meaning of the paper is to a specific group of people who are tired of the past 20 years of dialogue by bureaucrats to fix broken government, broken promises, and refusal to follow rules of governing. The paper is support by the ideals as set by our founding fathers the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. It provides an list of well thought out Grievances, Enemies, Terms of Agreement, Officers and Ranks, Rules of Conduct and Engagement, Treaties and Policies, Resolve and initiates with for peaceful actions. The paper explains and supports all claims made and then asks the reader to decide what type of country they wish to live in by answering for selves three questions, demands an answer and explains the resolve of the people. 1. Do you wish to live in a country where there are established rules of governing and laws for all the people or no rules of governing and only laws for the chosen people? 2. Do you wish to live in a country where there is freedom, choice, and free speech or as slaves to a government and tax payers for world affairs and quiet comical remarks of support for our constitution and bill of rights? 3. Are “We the People” of the “United States of America” a “Constitutional Republic” as stated by the US Constitution, the rules of governing or are we a represented democracy of which we...
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...Architecture was imported from the Old World. Literature was a struggling industry, as most Americans couldn’t afford to buy books, and there were few libraries. Also, there was no freedom of the press until after the Zenger case. 14. What were the facts of the Zenger case? Why so important? Zenger wrote things critical of the royal governor, which was illegal at the time. However, he never lied, and only wrote facts. His lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, defended him excellently and Zenger won, setting a precedent for the future. 15. How were colonial governments similar? Different? Some colonies had (8) royal governors(GA, SC, NC, VA, NJ, NY. MA, NH), some (3) proprietary (MD, PA, DE), and some (2) elected their governors (RI and CT). Almost all had a 2-house legislature though. Most legislatures could set the taxes (taxation WITH representation)...
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...figures before, during, and after the American revolution. Respectively, Woody Holton and Gordon S. Wood present unique aspects of Abigail Adams and Benjamin Franklin which highlight societal, institutional, and ideological changes brought about by the American revolution. Holton’s depiction of Abigail Adams provides an in depth analysis of the challenges she faces as a wife who assumes the roles typically undertaken by the family patriarch. In wood’s book, the depiction of Benjamin Franklin allows the reader to understand the progressive development of Franklin as he transitions from a gentleman to an ardent revolutionary. An interesting aspect of Wood’s portrayal of Franklin resides in his detailed analyses of his contributions to the American Revolution and the generally negative reception he receives upon returning to the independent colonies. Both Wood and Holton chose these individuals, and specifically the overriding topics of each book, in order to explain these chosen themes through the perspective of well-known historical figures. Although both authors make interesting arguments, Holton’s research on Abigail Adams presents a more significant contribution to historical research by highlighting her contribution to women’s rights and feminism. Woody Holton’s work, Abigail Adams (2009) tells the story of the wife of John Adams before, during, and after the American Revolution. Holton’s depiction of Abigail’s life prior to the American Revolution consists of her childhood, courtship...
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...1. Explain why the title of this chapter is "Tyranny Is Tyranny." In your explanation, please include the most obvious reason which will be evident by the end of the chapter, but also include the deeper connections related to the content of the entire chapter. How exactly would one explain why the title of this chapter is "Tyranny Is Tyranny?” According to the Dictionary, tyranny is nothing more than a nation under cruel and harsh dictatorship. Therefore, it is easy for most readers to place the title “Tyranny is Tyranny” because the text analyzes the movement for "leveling" (economic equality) in the colonies and the causes of the American Revolution. The chapter also argues that the Founding Fathers push for war to distract the people from their own economic problems and stop popular movements. The three main points of why such a title has been chosen will be discussed: how people were treated before the Declaration of Independence, how people felt being under British control, and how life was when the Declaration of Independence was established. The title of this chapter is “Tyranny is Tyranny” because tyranny was the exact word to describe how people were treated before the Declaration of Independence was established. Colonists under the control of Great Britain were treated unfairly and miserably. Lower classes of people had to pay taxes even though they couldn’t “make a dumpling to feed their hunger.” Higher classes were not threatened as much because they actually...
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...In the book Shay’s Rebellion by Leonard L. Richards the author clearly supports that the Shay’s Rebellion of 1786 and 1787 fundamentally changed the American nation towards a stronger national government. Richard’s new found set of data allows for a more detailed and accurate depiction of the Shay’s Rebellion than any other before stated version. Richard’s explains the use of this data to observe the participants of the rebellion, the causes and the outcomes all in a socioeconomic stand point. The book Shay’s Rebellion by Leonard L. Richards is about the subject of the armed uprising in Massachusetts that occurred in the summer of 1786 through the winter of 1787, called Shay’s Rebellion. Shay’s Rebellion was started by a western Massachusetts farmer named Daniel Shay who was a...
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...Note any variation in the placement of checkmarks from anticipation to reaction and explain why you changed your mind. Anticipation Reaction _____ 1. _____ 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 4. _____ 5. _____ 6. _____ 7. The British government usually left American colonists to make their own laws pertaining to local matters. American colonial trade was severely crippled by British trade laws. The European Enlightenment had little influence on the thought of American colonists. Because they were part of the British empire, colonists were constantly involved in England’s imperial wars with France and Spain. Parliament taxed the American colonists as a way to express its authority over them, not because it needed. the money. Colonists protested the Sugar Act and Stamp Act as violations of their rights as Americans. Colonists protested the Tea Act because it threatened to raise the price of tea. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 4. _____ 5. _____ 6. _____ 7. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After reading Chapter 3 you should be able to: 1. 2. Define the basic assumptions of the British colonial system and describe its operation. Assess the impact of the Great Awakening and Enlightenment on the spiritual and intellectual life of the colonies. 42 3. 4. 5. Describe the relationship between the French and Indian War and the coming of the American Revolution. Trace the course of key events...
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...The French Revolution © Student Handouts, Inc. www.studenthandouts.com The Old Regime (Ancien Regime) • Old Regime – socio-political system which existed in most of Europe during the 18th century • Countries were ruled by absolutism – the monarch had absolute control over the government • Classes of people – privileged and unprivileged – Unprivileged people – paid taxes and treated badly – Privileged people – did not pay taxes and treated well Society under the Old Regime • In France, people were divided into three estates – First Estate • High-ranking members of the Church • Privileged class – Second Estate • Nobility • Privileged class – Third Estate • Everyone else – from peasants in the countryside to wealthy bourgeoisie merchants in the cities • Unprivileged class The Three Estates Estate Privileges Exemptions •Collected the tithe •Censorship of the press •Control of education •Kept records of births, deaths, marriages, etc. •Catholic faith held honored position of being the state religion (practiced by monarch and nobility) •Owned 20% of the land •Paid no taxes •Subject to Church law rather than civil law •Moral obligation (rather than legal obligation) to assist the poor and needy •Support the monarchy and Old Regime •Collected taxes in the form of feudal dues •Monopolized military and state appointments •Owned 20% of the land •Paid no taxes •Support the monarchy and Old Regime •Nobles First Population •Circa 25,000,000 •None •None •Paid all taxes...
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...Revolution to Civil War By Maya Bhardwaj Abstract: social movements and regime change across the Middle East and North Africa. While interconnected, uprisings in each nation took different forms and reached out distinctions and interactions between uprisings, revolution, and civil war. standing scholarly debate. The presence or absence of civil war is examined in examinations of civil war: the nature of the governmental regime, territoriality complete understanding of what constitutes civil war and provides a framework 76 Introduction the Middle East, authoritarian regimes thought invulnerable to protest and impossible to oust began to cede to massive protest. Attacks on governmental institutions and elite leaders ensconced from public opinion developed divergently in each nation, employing tailored strategies to mobilize the public and reap key support. This paper focuses on the nature and development of these Arab Spring further use these distinctions to illuminate the conceptual, instrumental, and semantic nature of civil war in general. - exacerbated the grievances felt by rebel forces and smoothed over ethnic, religious, and tribal ten- trastingly, in Syria, instances of mild reform under Bashar al-Assad, popular concerns for security, kept civil war at bay. Conceptual Isolation of Civil War presence or absence of civil war. However, the scholarly distinction between civil war and other insurgency and counter-insurgency, uprisings, genocide or genocidal...
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