Talking Points

Unit II: Independence

 

1. How did 18th century colonial society become more complex and hierarchical than in the 17th Century?

 

2. How did a shift in numbers set the stage for a possible shift in power in the colonial structure?

 

3. How did 18th century colonial society become increasingly ethnically and religiously diverse? What might the effect of this melting pot be on American culture?

 

4. What distinctive national character traits might have contributed to developing what will become an American? How might Michel-Guillaume Jean de Crevcoeur have answered this question?

 

5. How did 18th century colonial society become more economically and politically developed? Describe with regard to the growing commerce of the region and the politics that affected it.

 

6. Describe colonial transportation, it’s hazards and contributions toward American culture.

 

7. What were the distinctly American qualities of Colonial culture, esp. as regards evangelical religion, education, free press and self-government?

 

8. What was the impact of the Great Awakening and the significance of it?

 

9. How did the relationship between England and the colonies change economically, politically and culturally?

 

8. Where were the colonial markets?

 

9.  How was royal power checked in the colonies?

 

10. Describe the Zenger case and its implication for establishing the rights of colonists in the area of what will become a first amendment right?

 

11. In what ways did cultural reliance on England begin to fade?

 

12. In what way did France gain foothold in America, what was the basis for their colony and how did they expand their holdings?

 

13. Trace and describe the clash between English and French colonists in America.

 

14. How did the conflicts in America involve Spain? Explain.

 

15.  How did Washington inaugurate war with France and what military mistake did he come to regret?

16. Describe the global warfare of the mid 18th century and America’s part in it. How is colonial status regarded by the British and why?

 

17.  What was Braddock’s blunder and the effects of this?

 

18. How did William Pitt resolved the conflict and what agreement was reached?

 

19. What was the effect of the F & I war on the Colonies? Explain with regard to Colonial relations with the mother country, colonial unity and American problems with the Indians.

 

20. What became of the French in the New World?

 

21.  What were the roots of the Revolution?

 

22. Why did England begin to tax the colonies in 1764? Trace the increasing oppressive acts of the mother country.

 

23. Explain the principle of No taxation without representation in terms of the concept and the reality.

 

24. Trace the gradually developing unity of the colonists in response to what they see as an usurping of their rights (removal of salutary neglect).

 

25. What was the cause and the effects of the Intolerable Acts?

 

26. At the moment war broke out, what were the colonial goals and how did these shift toward independence?

 

27. Describe colonial advantages and disadvantages in this war.

 

28.  How and why did George Washington answer the call?

 

29. Describe the opening volleys of the war and King George III’s response. How was this America’s “Rubicon”? (*that’s right: look it up)

 

30. Describe the grab for Canada. How did this work out and why?

 

31. What was Paine’s meaning in “Common Sense” and what was it’s impact? What did he mean by the idea of Republicanism?

 

32. How did Jefferson explain Independence and why did he have to do so?

 

33. What percentage of Americans would call themselves Loyalist and why? What will happen to them?

 

34. Describe the campaign for New York, Washington’s retreat and the resulting surprise victories.

 

35. How did Burgoyne blunder into defeat at Saratoga and what was the major significance here?

 

36. Describe the odd alliance with France and why it will lead Washington to warn all future presidents away from entangling alliances.

 

37. How did this colonial conflict become a World War and what were the stakes?

 

38. Describe the conflict in the West and the significance.

 

39. How did the war wind down and what did the Paris Peace Treaty say about winners and losers here?

 

40. What were the effects of the war on the Loyalists? And on African-Americans?

 

Assignments:

1. Chart shifting colonial policies of the British in America.

2. Chart the course of the French and Indian War.

3. Chart the course of the Revolutionary War.