Synthesis

-----Based on my accrued knowledge, the American Revolution was over before the fighting began. Adams said,"The Revolution was in the minds of the people". The people changed, and so the war was just the reaction to this change. The Stamp Act was just the event that pushed the colonists over the edge. It was not the thought of being taxed, but the thought that Britain could tax them without them even having a say or a voice in being taxed. The early Americans recognized that in order for them to be free, decisions could not be made for them. They would have to make them and the repercussions of some of their actions was a war. The colonists did not want a war, nor did they think that one would come upon them. It just happened.
-----Most people outside of America did not even know what the Stamp Act was. Only America was upset with this prospect, and the unheard of reaction of violence that followed was astonishing to the British Parliament. Though the Act was repealed, it had to be one of the stupidest moves the British ever made, to make the colonists feel so shunned by them that they could tax them as if they were slaves of women. In essence, this was just a huge cultural misunderstanding. Britain did not understand that this would mean so much to the colonists and did not realize how much damage the shunning by their aristocracy was causing to the wealthy of the Americas. No matter how much the American wealthy tried to act like a true British citizen, they always missed something. It was this critical eye of the British that would push the Americans over the edge into a revolution of their minds and hearts, making a war imminent for the two countries.

Thoughts on Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

This was fantastic! Henry has amazing ideas and sees the world as it is, not what he wants it to be. The statement "I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past" is another way of saying that history repeats itself. This coincides with some other reading that we have done, making it seem like more of a common, sophisticated idea because influential people believed it. Also, I love the way Henry makes his case that this is our last course of action: He says it plainly. Everyone knows the last sentence of this document, but what really stood out to me was the "but as for me," part. Henry is saying that even if he has to do it alone, he WILL do it. He WILL fight for his freedom.

Thoughts on Letter from New York Committee to the Boston Committee

In this letter from one committee to another,New York shows a very deep unity and loyalty to the colony on=f Boston and the rest of their sister colonies. Showing much sympathy, the committee believes that all of the colonies should meet to talk about what to do with the emergency they have been faced with. That being the closing down of their harbor and the blocking of all incoming vessels. Again, showing an undying loyalty to the sister colonies, New York states that no matter what happens or what is decided, they will go with what is best for the freedom of the American people and the sister colonies as a whole.

Thoughts on Circular Letter of the Boston Committee

Though directed by the colonists to the other colonists, this is a very unifying letter. The writers are saying that what has happened in Boston (the shutdown of their ports) will most certainly happen to everyone else if they are not united in their cause and stand against the deliberate attack on their liberty. Multiple times, the writer speaks of the unity the colonies must have in this time, also making a sort of equality between all men. I thought that the last statement, "we are, gentlemen, Your friends and fellow countrymen", is a huge statement. This alone shows the unity the colonies had, with each other personally and nationally. This unity and nationalism is what will lead to breaks from Britain and the alliance of the Americans against them.

Declaration of American Rights Facilitator Prep

--Who is writing?
First Continental Congress
--Who is the audience?
England but also, it is a declaration to all people of what they stand for and will no let happen
--Who do the writers represent?
The writers represent the American Colonists
--What is being said, argued and/or requested?
All of the resolves listed is what is being said. This basically includes the rights of the Colonists as well as not being able to be tried in England for a crime in America.
--How is it being said, argued and/or requested?
It is being said in a very commanding tone. We WILL NOT stand or the things that England is trying to make us do!”
--What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
The proof that they use is the proof that, once again, it is unconstitutional for these things to happen. (they seem to use that argument a lot)

Essay #1 Reflection

Revised Writing Philosophy
----- In all my writing I strive to make a point, prove that point through facts and logical thinking, and state this information in such a way that it is understood. By proving my point, I will get my point across in the way that I mean to and with as much information as is needed, while keeping my voice clear amidst the thoughts of others I incorporate. This will hopefully, in turn, cause the reader to generate their own opinion on the topic I am writing about. My point is not to question the writer, but to present them with the views of multiple people, as well as my own. Just as Deemer states, I wish not be the "teacher" of the topic I am writing, but another idea based in facts among a pool of them. This will cause a sort of forum-like discussion which will then lead to alternative thought processes.
Essay Reflection
-----As I have been taught, I analyzed the writing of others, generated my own feelings and thoughts, and stated both, with the intention of informing the reader. In so doing I stayed close to my writing philosophy. A major thing that did change was my I Say. This is a new concept to me and so I have not quite thought of exactly how to state my ideas. Though very opinionated, I have not been encouraged to show my own views as much as I am now. This new way of thinking changes the way I write my thesis and more than half my paper. I have done my best to present my own vies in the paper, but I think that I need to work on this a lot. I am not talking about the critical thinking, but the actual thought process. I must change the way I approach information, making It my own, wile backing it with the views of others.

Text Analysis Facilitator Prep Sheet

--Who is writing?

The Virginia House of Burgesses

--Who is the audience?

“The honourable the Knights, Citizens, and the Burgesses of Great Britain”-- the House of Commons

--Who do the writers represent?

The writers represent the reasons and positions of the colonists, In other words, the writer represents the interests of the people.

--What is being said, argued and-or requested?

What is being said is that the House of Commons is that the stamp costs that Parliament would like to raise is not going to happen, and that the people’s interests should not be inferred by their silence over the matter. “Our word is the word of the people as a hole, even though they are not saying it.”

--How is it being said, argued and/or requested?

It is being said with decent firmness and in a respectful manner.

--What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?

“It is essential to British liberty that laws imposing taxes on the people ought not to be made without the consent of representatives chosen by themselves.” The proof being given is that without the say of the people, the Parliament should not be able to impose taxes on them. This is a very legitimate argument. Also, they say that their way of voting was recognized by the King and confirmed by his Majesty.