This class has completely changed the way I write. In the past, I have been limited by my instructor to a very strict and concise way of writing. It was to the point that she had a template for every sentence of every paragraph that we wrote. After two years of that, I cannot express how amazing it felt to actually have my own voice in my own writing, and not some robotic conformity to how others thought I should sound. It had my victories and my absolute face down failures in this course, but I am walking away with not only a better understanding of what writing should be, but also of what my true voice is.
Now don’t get me wrong, this class has been far from easy. However, it was challenging in the exact way that I needed. I knew that everything that I have written in the last two years is total garbage, because that is what I had been programmed to write. That garbage was supposed to get me the grade, instead of actually allowing me to talk about how I felt on the topic. This class liberated me from that programming. My words came out of my brain, not out of the word bank instructors felt would better express “my voice”. And with this new freedom, I was able to grow as a writer.
The first thing that I think was strengthened this is my pride in my writing. It has been a long time since I have been able to say I enjoyed or even was proud of the work I produced. As I near the end of this class, I now am able to say both. I rediscovered my voice, but also my love for writing. The transition from my old rules which had been so pounded into my head that I could recite them in my sleep was not a smooth one. As I wrote more and more the road became exceedingly less bumpy and I am now at a point that I and comfortable writing.
Another strength that I have gained in this class is my ability to draw in the reader. When I started this class, my hooks were non-existent. Over the course of this class I was able to go from “The PSEC motto “Be the change you wish to see in the world” is something we all should adopt.” too “The PSEC motto is the basis of which society should be built.” My introductory skills moved from the top of my cons list to the top of my pros. This class had a big part in that change.
I have also never enjoyed writing about history and this class changed that too. In high school the sources we were allowed to use were very limited. Whether that is because of the dismal library resources or the “security” blocks on the computer, credible resources were few and far between. I even had one teacher tell me to just make up statistics, that no one really ever checked our sources. This class completely changed the way that I support my writing. It gave me a chance to access real resources from credible sources. I learned how to do much more efficient research, as well as how to cite the sources I found correctly.
However, there is a defiantly still weakness that I need to address. My vocabulary is weak, to put it nicely. All my writing classes focused more on words that weren’t even in some dictionaries, instead words I could actually use. Because of this I have gotten into the habit of using a thesaurus pretty much every other sentence. That habit is probably the hardest one I have to break. Like the rest of my former weaknesses though, as time goes on I feel more and more confident in my abilities.
As the end of this class comes closer, I feel that my writing strength has improved immensely. My love for writing has returned, which was something I thought a few months ago was not possible. I am sad to see this class end, and I wish that it went much longer than one quarter. But what I have learned and gained in this quarter is going to stay with me for the rest of my life, and I am forever grateful for the sense of pride that it gave me for my writing.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Portfolio: Entrance Essay
The PSEC motto is the basis of which society should be built. Especially in this day and age, when so many are in need and so many others have the means to help. When there are so many ways to get involved and support today, to possibly change someone’s life, it’s a shame that so many of us choose not to. That is why in this last year I have chosen to be active.
In years past, I have wasted summer after summer sitting in front of the television. To combat the urge to waste away my hours, I taught myself how to knit and crochet. After the first few weeks however I began to realize I had no use for most of the things I was making. Instead of stopping and giving in to the television once again, I decided to find out a way that I could put my new skills to good use. Through this I found out about Project Linus.
Project Linus is a charity for children who have prolonged stays in hospitals. They provide them with hand made quilts to help make there stays at least a little more bearable. Over the past ten years they have collected over 20,000 blankets for kids ranging from infants to teenagers. Though I am still working on my first Project Linus blanket, I have caught the charitable bug and I have started to look for other organizations such as the FPRR (Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation) which I have just found recently.
I believe that everyone who has the chance to make a difference in the world should strive too. Without people willing to make a change, we would all be stuck in the same place. I found something I could do well, and found a way that I could use it to help others. We all have that power, it just takes the initiative.
In years past, I have wasted summer after summer sitting in front of the television. To combat the urge to waste away my hours, I taught myself how to knit and crochet. After the first few weeks however I began to realize I had no use for most of the things I was making. Instead of stopping and giving in to the television once again, I decided to find out a way that I could put my new skills to good use. Through this I found out about Project Linus.
Project Linus is a charity for children who have prolonged stays in hospitals. They provide them with hand made quilts to help make there stays at least a little more bearable. Over the past ten years they have collected over 20,000 blankets for kids ranging from infants to teenagers. Though I am still working on my first Project Linus blanket, I have caught the charitable bug and I have started to look for other organizations such as the FPRR (Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation) which I have just found recently.
I believe that everyone who has the chance to make a difference in the world should strive too. Without people willing to make a change, we would all be stuck in the same place. I found something I could do well, and found a way that I could use it to help others. We all have that power, it just takes the initiative.
Portfolio: Essay 2
Being from Maryland some may say that my decision to become a patriot in these last few years was made for me. For some reason my being from a predominantly patriotic state, my surroundings have influenced my abilities to make an informed decision on my own. (Alden Allan 283-292) However that is not true. I am a patriot because I am standing up for my rights. I am tired of being a subordinate to an evil master, who only has their best interest in mind instead of mine.
Through and through I am a patriot. In my point of view, there is no turning back anymore. Thomas Paine said it best when he said, “A new method of thinking hath arisen” (Paine 28). Too much has been done to the colonies, for us to go back to serving such an evil master. We have been oppressed and manipulated for far too long. All of our attempts at peace were ignored. Now it is time for action. We have some power against them that has certainly been demonstrated in the last few years. Not to mention we have also proved that we can govern ourselves, even in times of great stress. Not only that, but we are now to the point that reconciliation is near impossible. When our choices are, fight for the very slim chance that we can go back to being ruled by a corrupt government, or take up arms and fight for our rights and get to not only govern ourselves, but be able to keep a close eye on that government so that nothing like this ever happens again, the choice seems obvious to me. However nothing we do will work unless we come together to make the decision that will best benefit us all.
The New York committee of fifty-one hit it right on the head when they expressed that the situation we are currently in, involves not only just the patriots, or a few select colonies, but a whole continent. (New York Committee of Fifty-One). We have to come together and be organized if we have any hope of successfully facing the problems in front of us. England is exploiting our every weakness, and being unorganized is one of the biggest weaknesses we can have. In my home state we realized this, and now we have our own form of organized government. The Committee of 51 was also probably right when they said that “"No remedy can be of avail unless it proceeds from the joint acts and approbation of all."” but if we cannot convince the rest of the colonies of this, at least we will be prepared. No one should have to live in a government without rights.
Rights are important to everyone in the new world. When our ancestors first came over here, they came because it represented a new beginning and new opportunities for them. What should have been great new opportunities turned into horrible subjugation for all involved. For these reasons, in Maryland’s constitution has a very clear and open declaration of rights. The most important of which, in my opinion is “That freedom of speech and debate, or proceedings in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any Court of Judicature.” (Declaration of Rights Article 10). No more wrongful persecution of those who deserve no such punishment. This constitution represents everything we have fought for, everything we have won the right to have as Americans.
In my opinion, there are no legitimate reasons to stay loyal to the crown. You may say that my statehood has something to do with that. You may say that everyone and all the situations within Maryland have caused me to sway in one direction. But the way I see it, its only common sense. I don’t hate Britain, but I surely hate being oppressed by them. When I have the power to help create my own form of government that can be much more closely monitored, I see no reason not to take part.
Bibliography:
Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. 1776
New York Committee of Fifty-One, Letter from the New York Committee of Fifty-One to the Boston
----Committee of Correspondence. 1774.
Alden Allan, Anne. "Patriots and Loyalists: The Choice of Political Allegiances by the Members of
----Maryland's Proprietary Elite." The Journal of Southern History May 1972: 283-292.
Ninth Provincial Convention. Constitution of Maryland. Maryland State Archives
Through and through I am a patriot. In my point of view, there is no turning back anymore. Thomas Paine said it best when he said, “A new method of thinking hath arisen” (Paine 28). Too much has been done to the colonies, for us to go back to serving such an evil master. We have been oppressed and manipulated for far too long. All of our attempts at peace were ignored. Now it is time for action. We have some power against them that has certainly been demonstrated in the last few years. Not to mention we have also proved that we can govern ourselves, even in times of great stress. Not only that, but we are now to the point that reconciliation is near impossible. When our choices are, fight for the very slim chance that we can go back to being ruled by a corrupt government, or take up arms and fight for our rights and get to not only govern ourselves, but be able to keep a close eye on that government so that nothing like this ever happens again, the choice seems obvious to me. However nothing we do will work unless we come together to make the decision that will best benefit us all.
The New York committee of fifty-one hit it right on the head when they expressed that the situation we are currently in, involves not only just the patriots, or a few select colonies, but a whole continent. (New York Committee of Fifty-One). We have to come together and be organized if we have any hope of successfully facing the problems in front of us. England is exploiting our every weakness, and being unorganized is one of the biggest weaknesses we can have. In my home state we realized this, and now we have our own form of organized government. The Committee of 51 was also probably right when they said that “"No remedy can be of avail unless it proceeds from the joint acts and approbation of all."” but if we cannot convince the rest of the colonies of this, at least we will be prepared. No one should have to live in a government without rights.
Rights are important to everyone in the new world. When our ancestors first came over here, they came because it represented a new beginning and new opportunities for them. What should have been great new opportunities turned into horrible subjugation for all involved. For these reasons, in Maryland’s constitution has a very clear and open declaration of rights. The most important of which, in my opinion is “That freedom of speech and debate, or proceedings in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any Court of Judicature.” (Declaration of Rights Article 10). No more wrongful persecution of those who deserve no such punishment. This constitution represents everything we have fought for, everything we have won the right to have as Americans.
In my opinion, there are no legitimate reasons to stay loyal to the crown. You may say that my statehood has something to do with that. You may say that everyone and all the situations within Maryland have caused me to sway in one direction. But the way I see it, its only common sense. I don’t hate Britain, but I surely hate being oppressed by them. When I have the power to help create my own form of government that can be much more closely monitored, I see no reason not to take part.
Bibliography:
Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. 1776
New York Committee of Fifty-One, Letter from the New York Committee of Fifty-One to the Boston
----Committee of Correspondence. 1774.
Alden Allan, Anne. "Patriots and Loyalists: The Choice of Political Allegiances by the Members of
----Maryland's Proprietary Elite." The Journal of Southern History May 1972: 283-292.
Ninth Provincial Convention. Constitution of Maryland. Maryland State Archives
Portfolio: Final Exam Frame 1
Frame 1
America, arguably the strongest and most dominant power in the world, is fighting an uphill battle. This battle is not against some foreign power, or physical threat. This battle is against illiteracy. In this day and age, illiteracy is a problem most people don’t even realize is a severe as it is. However a large number of our population suffers with this problem. Illiteracy is a problem we have the ability and resources to fix, if more people would realize how real this problem is.
Geoffrey Meredith is one of those people. Meredith puts this problem in real perspective. One fifth of the American population is functionally illiterate. The level of illiteracy can vary within this group. From being so severe, that the seemingly simple everyday tasks become impossible, to problems with comprehension of more intense materials. These people who are still able to function in today’s society are still fighting an uphill battle against the advances in the world and technology. Meredith puts it best when she states that in today’s world, reading has become a survival skill.
Meredith also understands how strange this may seem to those who aren’t aware that this is such a problem. The assumption that our technology and advancements in this day in age have wiped out illiteracy is widespread, but completely false. Everywhere you look today you are surrounded by words. On television, billboards, newspapers, books, restaurants, stores, gas stations, almost everywhere there is print that is meant to be read. This would make most people think that we are a completely literate society, yet for almost 20 percent of us that is not the truth. There are probably people you know in your own lives who are illiterate, and you don’t have a clue.
I, in my own life I have experienced this problem. In my freshman year of high school I had a teacher that was very distraught that her son had just graduated high school in the same district she taught in, but his reading abilities were that of a first grader. He was turned down by every college he applied to, even though he had somehow managed to keep good grades. A friend I had in middle school through high school was illiterate the whole time I knew him and I had no idea. We all thought he was just being a stubborn rebel when he would refuse to read anything aloud in class, but the truth was he couldn’t. Who knows how many others there were in my high school. Maybe the ones sitting in the back weren’t just shy, but had a much more severe problem. That is why I believe that illiteracy needs to be addressed.
Illiteracy is a problem that must be stopped. The current ways things are don’t work. The no child left behind act has had little to an even adverse effect on our youth. Those who are having the most problems seem to be the ones receiving the least amount of help. With the state the public school system is in right now, we could see the illiteracy rates raise even higher in the coming years. As technology and the world around us advance more and more of our population will be left behind. We may already have the power to educate a huge portion of this demographic, and we are not using those resources.
One of those resources is our government. They have the power to make changes. Candidate after candidate in this last election built their platforms around environmental issues and foreign policy, when quite possibly our biggest threat stays unaddressed. The no child left behind act had the right idea. Its execution was not so on target. By taking some of the money away from other failing government projects, to properly fund public schools we could make a huge impact on this problem. There are fundraisers and organizations for everything you could possibly think of, but not nearly enough of them focus on illiteracy.
Illiteracy is a real problem in America. Its numbers have risen dramatically. We as a country have the power to fix this problem, yet we do nothing about it. Illiteracy could cripple us as a country. It is an underlying problem that needs to be brought to the front of the line. While one fifth of our people continue to struggle our government funnels money into corrupt Wall Street banks that refuse to quit their frivolous spending, and weapons contracts that will only cause more destruction. Fixing this problem would not result in wars, or economic crisis, yet we continue to ignore it. More people need to realize that this is a real problem like Geoffrey Meredith. It is only when people acknowledge the problem that we can fix it.
America, arguably the strongest and most dominant power in the world, is fighting an uphill battle. This battle is not against some foreign power, or physical threat. This battle is against illiteracy. In this day and age, illiteracy is a problem most people don’t even realize is a severe as it is. However a large number of our population suffers with this problem. Illiteracy is a problem we have the ability and resources to fix, if more people would realize how real this problem is.
Geoffrey Meredith is one of those people. Meredith puts this problem in real perspective. One fifth of the American population is functionally illiterate. The level of illiteracy can vary within this group. From being so severe, that the seemingly simple everyday tasks become impossible, to problems with comprehension of more intense materials. These people who are still able to function in today’s society are still fighting an uphill battle against the advances in the world and technology. Meredith puts it best when she states that in today’s world, reading has become a survival skill.
Meredith also understands how strange this may seem to those who aren’t aware that this is such a problem. The assumption that our technology and advancements in this day in age have wiped out illiteracy is widespread, but completely false. Everywhere you look today you are surrounded by words. On television, billboards, newspapers, books, restaurants, stores, gas stations, almost everywhere there is print that is meant to be read. This would make most people think that we are a completely literate society, yet for almost 20 percent of us that is not the truth. There are probably people you know in your own lives who are illiterate, and you don’t have a clue.
I, in my own life I have experienced this problem. In my freshman year of high school I had a teacher that was very distraught that her son had just graduated high school in the same district she taught in, but his reading abilities were that of a first grader. He was turned down by every college he applied to, even though he had somehow managed to keep good grades. A friend I had in middle school through high school was illiterate the whole time I knew him and I had no idea. We all thought he was just being a stubborn rebel when he would refuse to read anything aloud in class, but the truth was he couldn’t. Who knows how many others there were in my high school. Maybe the ones sitting in the back weren’t just shy, but had a much more severe problem. That is why I believe that illiteracy needs to be addressed.
Illiteracy is a problem that must be stopped. The current ways things are don’t work. The no child left behind act has had little to an even adverse effect on our youth. Those who are having the most problems seem to be the ones receiving the least amount of help. With the state the public school system is in right now, we could see the illiteracy rates raise even higher in the coming years. As technology and the world around us advance more and more of our population will be left behind. We may already have the power to educate a huge portion of this demographic, and we are not using those resources.
One of those resources is our government. They have the power to make changes. Candidate after candidate in this last election built their platforms around environmental issues and foreign policy, when quite possibly our biggest threat stays unaddressed. The no child left behind act had the right idea. Its execution was not so on target. By taking some of the money away from other failing government projects, to properly fund public schools we could make a huge impact on this problem. There are fundraisers and organizations for everything you could possibly think of, but not nearly enough of them focus on illiteracy.
Illiteracy is a real problem in America. Its numbers have risen dramatically. We as a country have the power to fix this problem, yet we do nothing about it. Illiteracy could cripple us as a country. It is an underlying problem that needs to be brought to the front of the line. While one fifth of our people continue to struggle our government funnels money into corrupt Wall Street banks that refuse to quit their frivolous spending, and weapons contracts that will only cause more destruction. Fixing this problem would not result in wars, or economic crisis, yet we continue to ignore it. More people need to realize that this is a real problem like Geoffrey Meredith. It is only when people acknowledge the problem that we can fix it.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Reflective Letter First Draft
This class has completely changed the way I write. In the past few years, I have been limited by my instructor to a very strict and concise way of writing. To the point that she had a template for every sentence of every paragraph that we wrote. I can not express how amazing it felt to actually have my own voice in my own writing, and not some robotic conformity to how others thought I should sound.
This class has been far from easy, but it was challenging in the exact way that I needed. I knew that all of my writing in the last two years, with the exception of one piece is total crap, because that is what I had been programmed to write. Crap that got the grade instead of actually allowing me to talk about how I felt on the topic.
Its been a long time since I have been able to say I enjoyed my writing, or even that I was proud of my writing, and as I near the end of this class, I now am able to say both. It let me rediscover my voice, but also my love for writing. Though I did have trouble transitioning from my old rules which had been so pounded into my head that I could recite them in my sleep. However, as I wrote more and more the road became exceedingly less bumpy and I am now at a point that I and comfortable writing.
I have also never enjoyed writing about history and this class changed that too. In high school the sources we were aloud to use were very limited. Whether that be because of the dismal library resources or the “security” blocks on the computer, credible resources were few and far between. I even had one teacher tell me to just make up statistics, that no one really ever checked our sources. This class completely changed the way that I support my writing. It gave me a chance to access real resources from credible sources. I learned how to do much more efficient research, as well as how to cite the sources I found correctly.
As the end of this class comes closer, I feel that my writing strength has improved immensely. My love for writing has returned, which was something I thought a few months ago was not possible. I am sad to see this class end, and I wish that it went much longer then one quarter. But what I have learned and gained in this quarter is going to stay with me for the rest of my life, and I am forever grateful for the sense of pride that it gave me for my writing.
This class has been far from easy, but it was challenging in the exact way that I needed. I knew that all of my writing in the last two years, with the exception of one piece is total crap, because that is what I had been programmed to write. Crap that got the grade instead of actually allowing me to talk about how I felt on the topic.
Its been a long time since I have been able to say I enjoyed my writing, or even that I was proud of my writing, and as I near the end of this class, I now am able to say both. It let me rediscover my voice, but also my love for writing. Though I did have trouble transitioning from my old rules which had been so pounded into my head that I could recite them in my sleep. However, as I wrote more and more the road became exceedingly less bumpy and I am now at a point that I and comfortable writing.
I have also never enjoyed writing about history and this class changed that too. In high school the sources we were aloud to use were very limited. Whether that be because of the dismal library resources or the “security” blocks on the computer, credible resources were few and far between. I even had one teacher tell me to just make up statistics, that no one really ever checked our sources. This class completely changed the way that I support my writing. It gave me a chance to access real resources from credible sources. I learned how to do much more efficient research, as well as how to cite the sources I found correctly.
As the end of this class comes closer, I feel that my writing strength has improved immensely. My love for writing has returned, which was something I thought a few months ago was not possible. I am sad to see this class end, and I wish that it went much longer then one quarter. But what I have learned and gained in this quarter is going to stay with me for the rest of my life, and I am forever grateful for the sense of pride that it gave me for my writing.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Essay 2 Reflection
When writing this essay, I experienced a few changes. The first of which being I was much more comfortable writing in my own voice. I had trouble transitioning from my old writing rules to the new on essay number one, but this essay was exceedingly less bumpy.
However I was not as proud of this paper as I was my last. Even though my last paper received a horrible score, it was one of the best things I had written in a very long time. And while my voice was stronger in this essay, I feel I had much less support and overall content then my last. It got to the point where I had to just buckle down and finish, whereas my last essay I always had something to write about. Even writing this reflection on this essay is hard for me.
But in the end I came out with a finished product that was in my opinion not horrible but far from the best thing I have ever written. I am certainly glad to be done with it, but still excited with the fact that my voice is growing stronger the more I write.
However I was not as proud of this paper as I was my last. Even though my last paper received a horrible score, it was one of the best things I had written in a very long time. And while my voice was stronger in this essay, I feel I had much less support and overall content then my last. It got to the point where I had to just buckle down and finish, whereas my last essay I always had something to write about. Even writing this reflection on this essay is hard for me.
But in the end I came out with a finished product that was in my opinion not horrible but far from the best thing I have ever written. I am certainly glad to be done with it, but still excited with the fact that my voice is growing stronger the more I write.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Essay 2: Rough Draft 2
Being from Maryland, some may say that my decision to become a patriot in these last few years was made for me. That my being from a predominantly patriotic state my surroundings have influenced my abilities to make an informed decision on my own. (Alden Allan 283-292) However that is my case this is far from true. I am a strong believer that when something is broke, you fix it. I believe that the current government is broken. I am a patriot because I want to see that system fixed. I am a patriot because I am not going to sit back and be manipulated any longer. I refuse to keep on being a subordinate to an evil master, who only has their best interest in mind instead of mine.
In my point of view, there is no turning back anymore. Thomas Paine said it best when he said, “A new method of thinking hath arisen” (Paine 28). Too much has been done to the colonies, for us to go back to serving such an evil master. We have been oppressed and exploited for far too long. All of our attempts at peace were ignored. Now it is time for action. Our power against them that has certainly been demonstrated in the last few years. Not to mention that we have proved that we can not only govern ourselves in times of great stress, but we also have shown that we can govern successfully.
We are now to the point that reconciliation is near impossible. When our choices are, fight for the very slim chance that we can go back to being ruled by a corrupt government, or take up arms and fight for our rights and get to not only govern ourselves, but be able to keep a close eye on that government so that nothing like this ever happens again, the choice seems obvious to me. However nothing we do will work unless we come together to make the decision that will best benefit us all.
The New York Committee of Fifty-One hit it right on the head when they expressed that the situation we are currently in, involves not only just the patriots, or a few select colonies, but a whole continent. (New York Committee of Fifty-One). We have to come together and organize if we want to have any hope of successfully facing the problems in front of us. England is exploiting our every weakness, and being unorganized is one of the biggest weaknesses we can have. In my home state we realized this, and now we have our own form of organized government. The Committee of 51 was probably right when they said that “"No remedy can be of avail unless it proceeds from the joint acts and approbation of all."” but if we cannot convince the rest of the colonies of this, at least we will be prepared. No one should have to live in a government without rights.
Rights are exceedingly important to everyone in the new world. Our ancestors first came here because it represented a new beginning and new chances for them. What should have been great new opportunities turned into horrible subjugation for all involved. For these reasons, in Maryland’s constitution has a very clear and open declaration of rights. The most important of which, in my opinion is “That freedom of speech and debate, or proceedings in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any Court of Judicature.” (Declaration of Rights Article 10). No more wrongful persecution of those who deserve no such punishment. This constitution represents everything we have fought for, everything we have won the right to have as Americans.
In my opinion, there are no legitimate reasons to stay loyal to the crown. You may say that my statehood has something to do with that. You may say that everyone and all the situations within Maryland has caused me to sway in one direction. But the way I see it, its only common sense. I don’t hate Britain, but I surely hate being oppressed by them. When I have the power to help create my own form of government that can be much more closely monitored, I see no reason not to take part.
Bibliography:
Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. 1776
New York Committee of Fifty-One, Letter from the New York Committee of Fifty-One to the Boston Committee of Correspondence. 1774.
Alden Allan, Anne. "Patriots and Loyalists: The Choice of Political Allegiances by the Members of Maryland's Proprietary Elite." The Journal of Southern History May 1972: 283-292.
Ninth Provincial Convention. Constitution of Maryland. Maryland State Archives
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Essay 2: Rough Draft
Being from Maryland some may say that my decision to become a patriot in these last few years was made for me. Those being from a predominantly patriotic state my surroundings have influenced my abilities to make an informed decision on my own. (Alden Allan 283-292) However that is not true. I am a patriot because I am not going to sit back and be manipulated any longer. I am tired of being a subordinate to an evil master, who only has their best interest in mind instead of mine.
Through and through I am a patriot. In my point of view, there is no turning back anymore. Thomas Paine said it best when he said, “A new method of thinking hath arisen” (Paine 28). Too much has been done to the colonies, for us to go back to serving such an evil master. We have been oppressed and manipulated for far too long. All of our attempts at peace were ignored. Now it is time for action. We have some power against them that has certainly been demonstrated in the last few years. Not to mention we have also proved that we can govern ourselves, even in times of great stress. Not only that, but we are now to the point that reconciliation is near impossible. When our choices are, fight for the very slim chance that we can go back to being ruled by a corrupt government, or take up arms and fight for our rights and get to not only govern ourselves, but be able to keep a close eye on that government so that nothing like this ever happens again, the choice seems obvious to me. However nothing we do will work unless we come together to make the decision that will best benefit us all.
The New York committee of fifty-one hit it right on the head when they expressed that the situation we are currently in, involves not only just the patriots, or a few select colonies, but a whole continent. (New York Committee of Fifty-One). We have to come together and be organized if we have any hope of successfully facing the problems in front of us. England is exploiting our every weakness, and being unorganized is one of the biggest weaknesses we can have. In my home state we realized this, and now we have our own form of organized government. The Committee of 51 was also probably right when they said that “"No remedy can be of avail unless it proceeds from the joint acts and approbation of all."” but if we cannot convince the rest of the colonies of this, at least we will be prepared. No one should have to live in a government without rights.
Rights are important to everyone in the new world. When our ancestors first came over here, they came because it represented a new beginning and new opportunities for them. What should have been great new opportunities turned into horrible subjugation for all involved. For these reasons, in Maryland’s constitution has a very clear and open declaration of rights. The most important of which, in my opinion is “That freedom of speech and debate, or proceedings in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any Court of Judicature.” (Declaration of Rights Article 10). No more wrongful persecution of those who deserve no such punishment. This constitution represents everything we have fought for, everything we have won the right to have as Americans.
In my opinion, there are no legitimate reasons to stay loyal to the crown. You may say that my statehood has something to do with that. You may say that everyone and all the situations within Maryland has caused me to sway in one direction. But the way I see it, its only common sense. I don’t hate Britain, but I surely hate being oppressed by them. When I have the power to help create my own form of government that can be much more closely monitored, I see no reason not to take part.
Bibliography:
Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. 1776
New York Committee of Fifty-One, Letter from the New York Committee of Fifty-One to the Boston Committee of Correspondence. 1774.
Alden Allan, Anne. "Patriots and Loyalists: The Choice of Political Allegiances by the Members of Maryland's Proprietary Elite." The Journal of Southern History May 1972: 283-292.
Ninth Provincial Convention. Constitution of Maryland. Maryland State Archives
Through and through I am a patriot. In my point of view, there is no turning back anymore. Thomas Paine said it best when he said, “A new method of thinking hath arisen” (Paine 28). Too much has been done to the colonies, for us to go back to serving such an evil master. We have been oppressed and manipulated for far too long. All of our attempts at peace were ignored. Now it is time for action. We have some power against them that has certainly been demonstrated in the last few years. Not to mention we have also proved that we can govern ourselves, even in times of great stress. Not only that, but we are now to the point that reconciliation is near impossible. When our choices are, fight for the very slim chance that we can go back to being ruled by a corrupt government, or take up arms and fight for our rights and get to not only govern ourselves, but be able to keep a close eye on that government so that nothing like this ever happens again, the choice seems obvious to me. However nothing we do will work unless we come together to make the decision that will best benefit us all.
The New York committee of fifty-one hit it right on the head when they expressed that the situation we are currently in, involves not only just the patriots, or a few select colonies, but a whole continent. (New York Committee of Fifty-One). We have to come together and be organized if we have any hope of successfully facing the problems in front of us. England is exploiting our every weakness, and being unorganized is one of the biggest weaknesses we can have. In my home state we realized this, and now we have our own form of organized government. The Committee of 51 was also probably right when they said that “"No remedy can be of avail unless it proceeds from the joint acts and approbation of all."” but if we cannot convince the rest of the colonies of this, at least we will be prepared. No one should have to live in a government without rights.
Rights are important to everyone in the new world. When our ancestors first came over here, they came because it represented a new beginning and new opportunities for them. What should have been great new opportunities turned into horrible subjugation for all involved. For these reasons, in Maryland’s constitution has a very clear and open declaration of rights. The most important of which, in my opinion is “That freedom of speech and debate, or proceedings in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any Court of Judicature.” (Declaration of Rights Article 10). No more wrongful persecution of those who deserve no such punishment. This constitution represents everything we have fought for, everything we have won the right to have as Americans.
In my opinion, there are no legitimate reasons to stay loyal to the crown. You may say that my statehood has something to do with that. You may say that everyone and all the situations within Maryland has caused me to sway in one direction. But the way I see it, its only common sense. I don’t hate Britain, but I surely hate being oppressed by them. When I have the power to help create my own form of government that can be much more closely monitored, I see no reason not to take part.
Bibliography:
Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. 1776
New York Committee of Fifty-One, Letter from the New York Committee of Fifty-One to the Boston Committee of Correspondence. 1774.
Alden Allan, Anne. "Patriots and Loyalists: The Choice of Political Allegiances by the Members of Maryland's Proprietary Elite." The Journal of Southern History May 1972: 283-292.
Ninth Provincial Convention. Constitution of Maryland. Maryland State Archives
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Essay 2 Outline 1
Outline:
I: There is no going back
-----A: "A new method of thinking hath arisen." Thomas Paine
----------1: The colonists now understand that breaking from Britian is the ----------only option they may have soon
---------2: Why fight against the inevitable?
-----B: "The cause is general and concerns a whole continent" NY -----Committee of 51
----------1: IT is time for the colonists to come together. To much has ----------happened to go back.
----------2: "No remedy can be of avail unless it proceeds from the joint ----------acts and approbiation of all."
II: America tried to go about this peacefully
-----A: "Our breast remain to tender a regard for the kingdom from -----which we derive our origin
----------1: They didnt want to not be British, they wanted to not be ----------oppressed.
-----B) Previous attempts were not taken into action
----------1) Petitions like the olive branch petition tried very hard to go ----------about this peacefully, and the king never even looked at this document
I: There is no going back
-----A: "A new method of thinking hath arisen." Thomas Paine
----------1: The colonists now understand that breaking from Britian is the ----------only option they may have soon
---------2: Why fight against the inevitable?
-----B: "The cause is general and concerns a whole continent" NY -----Committee of 51
----------1: IT is time for the colonists to come together. To much has ----------happened to go back.
----------2: "No remedy can be of avail unless it proceeds from the joint ----------acts and approbiation of all."
II: America tried to go about this peacefully
-----A: "Our breast remain to tender a regard for the kingdom from -----which we derive our origin
----------1: They didnt want to not be British, they wanted to not be ----------oppressed.
-----B) Previous attempts were not taken into action
----------1) Petitions like the olive branch petition tried very hard to go ----------about this peacefully, and the king never even looked at this document
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Facilitator Prep: Olive Branch Petition
On July 8th 1775 the Continental Congress wrote a petition that would become known as the olive branch petition. This was a petition written to Great Britain and its citizens in order to try and mend some of the bridges with them. The colonies all understood that their relationship with Britain was vital. The congress was made up of Representatives from all the colonies from all the colonies, and all of them signed this petition. These Representatives were also sure to make sure that this petition was easily understandable so their words could not be misunderstood.
Monday, November 3, 2008
First Continental Congress and my PSEC experience.
The First Continental Congress serves as an inspiration to many people. They were a group of people who saw something that needed to be fixed, and they fixed it. After British parliment began to pass a number of acts that were not in the best interest of the colonies, they decided to form their own congress where all of the colonies were represented, so their best intrests were always key. This was considered treason by Britian, yet they did not give up. For this they are one of the best examples of what humans are capable when they work together to get organized with a cause.
I being born at the time I am, know the importance of organized government. I also know how important it is to keep government, whether it be big or small, under a close eye so that nothing gets out of hand. I have recently had a closer encounter with this then ever before, at Pudget sound Early College.
PSEC, the school that I am currently attending is very democratic. The part of this system I think can best learn from The First Continental Congress is the Advisory coucil. It is their job to oversee everything that happens in the democratic aspects of our school. Gerda Learner makes the good point that we must take our lessons from the actions of those before us. At PSEC the advisory council can learn from the actions of the congress because they are a great example of the right way to make sure everything gets done when it needs to be.
I being born at the time I am, know the importance of organized government. I also know how important it is to keep government, whether it be big or small, under a close eye so that nothing gets out of hand. I have recently had a closer encounter with this then ever before, at Pudget sound Early College.
PSEC, the school that I am currently attending is very democratic. The part of this system I think can best learn from The First Continental Congress is the Advisory coucil. It is their job to oversee everything that happens in the democratic aspects of our school. Gerda Learner makes the good point that we must take our lessons from the actions of those before us. At PSEC the advisory council can learn from the actions of the congress because they are a great example of the right way to make sure everything gets done when it needs to be.
Facilitator Prep Sheet
The Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms
This declaration was written by Thomas Jefferson and John Dickinson, on behalf of the representitives of the United Colonies of North America. Its intended audience was the Parliment of Great Britian. It basically explains why the people of the colonies are going to defend themselves agaisnt Britian if neccessary, yet not break bonds with them. It is written in a tone that is clearly understandable to all, so their point can not be misconcieved. They justify this by talking about how Britian wants to have absolute power over everything, and this was not intended by "the divine author".
This declaration was written by Thomas Jefferson and John Dickinson, on behalf of the representitives of the United Colonies of North America. Its intended audience was the Parliment of Great Britian. It basically explains why the people of the colonies are going to defend themselves agaisnt Britian if neccessary, yet not break bonds with them. It is written in a tone that is clearly understandable to all, so their point can not be misconcieved. They justify this by talking about how Britian wants to have absolute power over everything, and this was not intended by "the divine author".
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Give Me Liberty or Give me Death
I have heard the quote "Give me Liberty or Give me Death" many times over the course of my school career but tonight was the first time i found out there was a document behind it! The author Patrick Henry has an incredibly strong voice in this letter, written to a president (I was confused on this part, on which president he is referring to). This letter, obviously talks about how Henry beleives that now is the time for their liberty to be taken, and that to do so they must fight for it. He refers to "us" and "ourselves" a lot in this letter, so i suppose he believes he is the voice of the people.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Synthesis
The Stamp Act is probably the single worst political decisions ever made. What was probably expected to just be a simple tax movement, ended in consequences much more severe. When the act was originally passed in 1765 there could have been no way for Parliment to percive the vicious backlash that this would create. The Stamp Act was basically a tax on everything that had a stamp on it. Since everything at the time that came from England was considered the best, many colonists relyed on everything to be shipped to them. This not only angered people that they had to pay all this extra money, but also the principle that they had no say in the process. They had been independently governed for such a long time, the thought of being ruled over by another governing body stirred up a lot of unrest in the colonies. This would become the flash point that started the American Revolution rolling.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Text Analysis : Circular Letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence; May 13, 1774
This letter discusses the downsides of the recent act of Parliament for the Boston colony. It is written by The Boston Committee of Correspondence, with the intent of it reaching British Parliament to possibly repeal these acts, as well to alert the people of Boston to these problems. It is these people that they are represnting, as well as trying to protect in this letter. To try and better get their argument across, the tone of this letter stays very straightforward an clear, but you can definatly tell that they are trying to persaude as many people as possible to their side. They do this by pointing out how illogical these changes are if Boston is to survive.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Essay #1 Reflection
This essay has completely changed the way I write. This is probably because I had a crazy English teacher the last two years, who had a plan for every sentence, of every paragraph of every paper we wrote. I can not tell you how good it felt to actually feel like I had a voice in my own writing, and not some robotic conformance to the rules.
I have also never enjoyed writing about history and this essay changed that too. With the ability to use so many more sources on a topic of my choice, I went a lot farther in depth then I had ever gone before. I was able to write about something I cared about, instead of being forced to pick a side on a topic I had no interest in. The combination of these two is created the most enjoyable writing experience I have had in a long time.
Its been a long time since I have been able to say I enjoyed my writing, or even that I was proud of my writing, and at the end of this essay I was able to say both. It let me rediscover my voice, but also my love for writing.
I have also never enjoyed writing about history and this essay changed that too. With the ability to use so many more sources on a topic of my choice, I went a lot farther in depth then I had ever gone before. I was able to write about something I cared about, instead of being forced to pick a side on a topic I had no interest in. The combination of these two is created the most enjoyable writing experience I have had in a long time.
Its been a long time since I have been able to say I enjoyed my writing, or even that I was proud of my writing, and at the end of this essay I was able to say both. It let me rediscover my voice, but also my love for writing.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Decision making is a major part of being a human being. We all make thousands of decisions a day. We are capable of taking in large quantities of information and doing what we decided is best. Not all decisions are easy ones. Sometimes there is such are large amount of varying information that It is hard to make a decision. Take election season for example. Nearly every commercial break is filled with slanderous commercials, endorsed by candidates calling each other everything short of demon spawn. All this conflicting information makes it hard to take a firm stand on anything. On historical event where this is most blatantly seen is Bacons Rebellion.
Bacons rebellion was a poor farming revolution that took place in the Virginia in 1676, against the threats that the colonists thought were facing them. An oppressive government and hostile natives. Nathanial Bacon, the leader of this rebellion was a somewhat wealthy landowner at the time. He united a large army against the government and the natives, after more and more native attacks on colonists went unanswered by the government. They attempted to overthrow the government but in the end were not successful. However this was not the end of Bacons historical significance.
Bacons rebellion had many effects on the colonies as well as the future of the United States of America. Many people assume that the leader of this important event would be highly respected and regarded as a hero. However those who know a little about the Rebellion know that this is not necessarily true. Nathanial Bacon is viewed in many conflicting ways. A hero, a villain, a traitor, and a visionary. As a historical figure, why is Nathanial Bacon viewed in so many conflicting ways? These conflicting ideals are probably due to the how multi-sided Bacon was as a person.
Common sense tends to dictate that the only act of Bacon's that is not debatable is the fact that he lead a rebellion of poor farmers and the lower class of the colonies against what he thought were the main threats to their welfare. The natives, who were upset with the colonists for intruding on their lands, the government who was refusing to provide protection, or give permission to the colonists to protect themselves. He organized militias, and united these demoralized people against something.
In fact they celebrate the fact that Bacon was their gracious leader. Life was far from easy for the colonists, and no one seemed to care about their safety or well being. The dropping price of tobacco, which was a major export for the settlements, resulted in the same amount of work for a lot less money. Not surprisingly, all of these factors lead to a very volatile situation. The oppression the colonists began to feel from the government, who were implementing more taxes and refusing to protect them from the nearby Indians only added fuel to the fire.
Bacon was the beacon of hope to these people. According to Robert Beverley “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking multitude.” , and this was a role that Bacon accepted and fulfilled to the best of his abilities. He organized and orchestrated a plan to overthrow and undermine the government, as well as formulated a plan to protect the frontiers from native invasion and attack. He took office in the government and did his best to help the people in a cause that he truly cared about. This part of Bacons life is hard to debate. How he carried out his plans are where the true debate begins.
One of the many adjustments that colonists had to make when they moved to the colonies was adjusting to the natives that lived near them. Many colonists assumed that that the Indians that surrounded them were dangerous and wanted them to be eliminated from Virginia. Most of these Indians however lived on treaty protected land. Therefore Governor Berkley and the government were hesitant to attack. This hesitance made the colonists suspicious that Berkley was more sympathetic to the Indians then to his own people. Bacon used these suspicions and his eloquence to unite the colonists. In a speech given at the Green Spring Old Fields, Bacon rallied his troops by saying “You have victory before the fight, the conquest before the battle. I know you can and dare to fight while they will lie in their place of refuge and dare not so much as appear in the field before you”. One of the least arguable of Bacons trait is his ability to rally a crowd.
This gave colonists, who had never been sympathetic to the natives, justification to kill. Possibly because of the oppression they felt, combined with the dismal conditions, this soon got out of hand. “The [Indians] began and killed one of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so thick that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing could not hinder them from being heard.” This anonymous account paints a clear picture of how many of these battles were fought. The collective short fuse of the colonists, lead to innocent men and women and sometimes even children being killed. Even the SusqueHanoughs, who had been friendly toward the colonists since their landing in America, were not safe from Bacon’s forces. As more and more Indians died at the hands of Bacons men, more and more Indians began to see him as a villainous murderer.
Yet another varying view of Bacon is that of a traitor. This view was chiefly adopted by Governor William Berkley himself. Berkley adopted this view after Bacon defied his direct orders. Before the rebellion, Bacon had requested many times that he be able to lead forces against the Indians with Berkley’s permission. Each time he requested this, Berkley turned him down. Bacon eventually carried out his plans, which infuriated the Governor.
His opinions of Bacon are best condensed in his Declaration against the proceedings of Nathanial Bacon where he states “I am so conscious of human frailty and my own defects, that I will not only acknowledge them, but repent of and amend them, and not, like the rebel Bacon, persist in an error only because I have committed it”. This quote to me vividly illustrates that Berkely may have even been a little jealous of the loyalty that his subjects were showing to Bacon. Berkley seems to feel that he is more trustworthy, yet all of this people are lining up behind Bacon.. You can definitely tell from this quote that Berkley felt threatened by the power that Bacon had over his people. This is probably why he decided to declare Bacon as a traitor and issue an order for his capture. However, his fears were well founded and he was twice forced out of Jamestown by supporters of the rebellion.
In the end, Bacon died of natural causes and the rebellion died soon after. Supporters were hunted out and killed, but the ideals Bacon implanted in the minds of the colonists lived on. His was the first major rebellion in the new world, and his ideals along with his insistence on the right to bear arms played a major part in the forming of the constitution. This is just another varying view of the Bacon.
As you can see, it is hard for us, who can only relive his story through words in books and secondary retellings, to pick a side. At the same time that I believe that Bacon was nothing short of a murderer who instilled mob mentality into unpredictable minds, I also believe that the ideals that he instilled help in the forming of American ideals even before there was an America. Every side has its evidence to support it. Every side was formed because Nathanial Bacon had a great ability to appeal to people’s emotions. No matter how you view Bacon you have to agree that he was a master at that ability. He demonstrates this ability in every view, whether it be on the side of the natives, colonists or government.
The colonists followed him because he represented what the new world was supposed to mean. A world different from the one they had just left. No more unfounded taxes or oppressive government. They had all wanted a new start and ended up in the same situation as they had just left. Bacon was their chance to get what they had been promised. He represented a true new world and the colonists quickly fell in line behind him. He used his abilities to build an army to follow him. An army that bailed him out many times, an army that was hunted and killed after his death for doing so.
The Natives hated him because he represented the worst kind of colonist. The kind that was ready and able to take away their land, even if they were protected by treaty. He organized the men who were sent to kill them and take away the land that had rightfully been theirs since before the colonists even knew there was a new world. His followers were thought of as malicious and dark hearted. He instilled a fear in them that would cause turmoil between the colonists and the natives for years to come.
Governor Berkley was angry with him, because he was causing a disturbance in the peace he had tried so hard to create in Virginia. Being a governor in a time where the colonies were just beginning to get settled was not an easy job. Berkley had a record to be proud of at the time, and Bacon represented a horrible black mark on that record. He was trying to destroy everything the governor was trying to build.
Nathanial Bacon was a man of many sides. He had a huge influence on many different aspects of the 17th century. For this multidimensionality his memory and legacy result in a multitude of conflicting stories that we all have to cipher through. All this information can overwhelm the process of picking a side, or the ability to back your side up. There are a few facts that are not debatable though. He was a huge historical figure of not only his time but in all that followed him. No matter how you choose to see him, his memory should be respected for the contributions he made.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stedman, Edmund Clarence , and Ellen Mackay Hutchinson . A Library of American Literature from the Earliest Settlement to the Present Time. C. L. Webster, 1887.
(1894, October). Bacon's Speech at Green Spring. The William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 3, No. 2, 121
Bacons rebellion was a poor farming revolution that took place in the Virginia in 1676, against the threats that the colonists thought were facing them. An oppressive government and hostile natives. Nathanial Bacon, the leader of this rebellion was a somewhat wealthy landowner at the time. He united a large army against the government and the natives, after more and more native attacks on colonists went unanswered by the government. They attempted to overthrow the government but in the end were not successful. However this was not the end of Bacons historical significance.
Bacons rebellion had many effects on the colonies as well as the future of the United States of America. Many people assume that the leader of this important event would be highly respected and regarded as a hero. However those who know a little about the Rebellion know that this is not necessarily true. Nathanial Bacon is viewed in many conflicting ways. A hero, a villain, a traitor, and a visionary. As a historical figure, why is Nathanial Bacon viewed in so many conflicting ways? These conflicting ideals are probably due to the how multi-sided Bacon was as a person.
Common sense tends to dictate that the only act of Bacon's that is not debatable is the fact that he lead a rebellion of poor farmers and the lower class of the colonies against what he thought were the main threats to their welfare. The natives, who were upset with the colonists for intruding on their lands, the government who was refusing to provide protection, or give permission to the colonists to protect themselves. He organized militias, and united these demoralized people against something.
In fact they celebrate the fact that Bacon was their gracious leader. Life was far from easy for the colonists, and no one seemed to care about their safety or well being. The dropping price of tobacco, which was a major export for the settlements, resulted in the same amount of work for a lot less money. Not surprisingly, all of these factors lead to a very volatile situation. The oppression the colonists began to feel from the government, who were implementing more taxes and refusing to protect them from the nearby Indians only added fuel to the fire.
Bacon was the beacon of hope to these people. According to Robert Beverley “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking multitude.” , and this was a role that Bacon accepted and fulfilled to the best of his abilities. He organized and orchestrated a plan to overthrow and undermine the government, as well as formulated a plan to protect the frontiers from native invasion and attack. He took office in the government and did his best to help the people in a cause that he truly cared about. This part of Bacons life is hard to debate. How he carried out his plans are where the true debate begins.
One of the many adjustments that colonists had to make when they moved to the colonies was adjusting to the natives that lived near them. Many colonists assumed that that the Indians that surrounded them were dangerous and wanted them to be eliminated from Virginia. Most of these Indians however lived on treaty protected land. Therefore Governor Berkley and the government were hesitant to attack. This hesitance made the colonists suspicious that Berkley was more sympathetic to the Indians then to his own people. Bacon used these suspicions and his eloquence to unite the colonists. In a speech given at the Green Spring Old Fields, Bacon rallied his troops by saying “You have victory before the fight, the conquest before the battle. I know you can and dare to fight while they will lie in their place of refuge and dare not so much as appear in the field before you”. One of the least arguable of Bacons trait is his ability to rally a crowd.
This gave colonists, who had never been sympathetic to the natives, justification to kill. Possibly because of the oppression they felt, combined with the dismal conditions, this soon got out of hand. “The [Indians] began and killed one of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so thick that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing could not hinder them from being heard.” This anonymous account paints a clear picture of how many of these battles were fought. The collective short fuse of the colonists, lead to innocent men and women and sometimes even children being killed. Even the SusqueHanoughs, who had been friendly toward the colonists since their landing in America, were not safe from Bacon’s forces. As more and more Indians died at the hands of Bacons men, more and more Indians began to see him as a villainous murderer.
Yet another varying view of Bacon is that of a traitor. This view was chiefly adopted by Governor William Berkley himself. Berkley adopted this view after Bacon defied his direct orders. Before the rebellion, Bacon had requested many times that he be able to lead forces against the Indians with Berkley’s permission. Each time he requested this, Berkley turned him down. Bacon eventually carried out his plans, which infuriated the Governor.
His opinions of Bacon are best condensed in his Declaration against the proceedings of Nathanial Bacon where he states “I am so conscious of human frailty and my own defects, that I will not only acknowledge them, but repent of and amend them, and not, like the rebel Bacon, persist in an error only because I have committed it”. This quote to me vividly illustrates that Berkely may have even been a little jealous of the loyalty that his subjects were showing to Bacon. Berkley seems to feel that he is more trustworthy, yet all of this people are lining up behind Bacon.. You can definitely tell from this quote that Berkley felt threatened by the power that Bacon had over his people. This is probably why he decided to declare Bacon as a traitor and issue an order for his capture. However, his fears were well founded and he was twice forced out of Jamestown by supporters of the rebellion.
In the end, Bacon died of natural causes and the rebellion died soon after. Supporters were hunted out and killed, but the ideals Bacon implanted in the minds of the colonists lived on. His was the first major rebellion in the new world, and his ideals along with his insistence on the right to bear arms played a major part in the forming of the constitution. This is just another varying view of the Bacon.
As you can see, it is hard for us, who can only relive his story through words in books and secondary retellings, to pick a side. At the same time that I believe that Bacon was nothing short of a murderer who instilled mob mentality into unpredictable minds, I also believe that the ideals that he instilled help in the forming of American ideals even before there was an America. Every side has its evidence to support it. Every side was formed because Nathanial Bacon had a great ability to appeal to people’s emotions. No matter how you view Bacon you have to agree that he was a master at that ability. He demonstrates this ability in every view, whether it be on the side of the natives, colonists or government.
The colonists followed him because he represented what the new world was supposed to mean. A world different from the one they had just left. No more unfounded taxes or oppressive government. They had all wanted a new start and ended up in the same situation as they had just left. Bacon was their chance to get what they had been promised. He represented a true new world and the colonists quickly fell in line behind him. He used his abilities to build an army to follow him. An army that bailed him out many times, an army that was hunted and killed after his death for doing so.
The Natives hated him because he represented the worst kind of colonist. The kind that was ready and able to take away their land, even if they were protected by treaty. He organized the men who were sent to kill them and take away the land that had rightfully been theirs since before the colonists even knew there was a new world. His followers were thought of as malicious and dark hearted. He instilled a fear in them that would cause turmoil between the colonists and the natives for years to come.
Governor Berkley was angry with him, because he was causing a disturbance in the peace he had tried so hard to create in Virginia. Being a governor in a time where the colonies were just beginning to get settled was not an easy job. Berkley had a record to be proud of at the time, and Bacon represented a horrible black mark on that record. He was trying to destroy everything the governor was trying to build.
Nathanial Bacon was a man of many sides. He had a huge influence on many different aspects of the 17th century. For this multidimensionality his memory and legacy result in a multitude of conflicting stories that we all have to cipher through. All this information can overwhelm the process of picking a side, or the ability to back your side up. There are a few facts that are not debatable though. He was a huge historical figure of not only his time but in all that followed him. No matter how you choose to see him, his memory should be respected for the contributions he made.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stedman, Edmund Clarence , and Ellen Mackay Hutchinson . A Library of American Literature from the Earliest Settlement to the Present Time. C. L. Webster, 1887.
(1894, October). Bacon's Speech at Green Spring. The William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 3, No. 2, 121
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Revised Draft
Bacons Rebellion had many effects on the colonies as well as the future of the United States of America. Many people assume that the leader of this important event would be highly respected and regarded as a hero. However those who know a little about the Rebellion know that this is not necessarily true. Nathanial Bacon is viewed in many conflicting ways. A hero, a villain, a traitor, and a visionary. As a historical figure, why is Nathanial Bacon viewed in so many conflicting ways? These conflicting ideals are probably due to the how multi-sided Bacon was as a person.
Common sense tends to dictate that the only act of Bacon's that is not debatable is the fact that he lead a rebellion of poor farmers and the lower class of the colonies against what he thought were the main threats to their welfare. The natives, who were upset with the colonists for intruding on their lands, the government who was refusing to provide protection, or give permission to the colonists to protect themselves. He organized militias, and united these demoralized people against something.
In fact they celebrate the fact that Bacon was their gracious leader. Life was far from easy for the colonists, and no one seemed to care about their safety or well being. The dropping price of tobacco, which was a major export for the settlements, resulted in the same amount of work for a lot less money. Not surprisingly, all of these factors lead to a very volatile situation. The oppression the colonists began to feel from the government, who were implementing more taxes and refusing to protect them from the nearby Indians only added fuel to the fire.
Bacon was the beacon of hope to these people. According to Robert Beverley “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking multitude.” , and this was a role that Bacon accepted and fulfilled to the best of his abilities. He organized and orchestrated a plan to overthrow and undermine the government, as well as formulated a plan to protect the frontiers from native invasion and attack. He took office in the government and did his best to help the people in a cause that he truly cared about. This part of Bacons life is hard to debate. How he carried out his plans are where the true debate begins.
Many colonists assumed that that the Indians that surrounded them were dangerous and wanted them to be eliminated from Virginia. Most of these Indians however lived on treaty protected land. Therefore Governor Berkley and the government were hesitant to attack. This hesitance made the colonists suspicious that Berkley was more sympathetic to the Indians then to his own people. These suspicions were a major factor in Bacons decision to organize militias to march against the Indians, even though the governor did not approve.
This gave colonists, who had never been sympathetic to the natives, justification to kill. Possibly because of the oppression they felt, combined with the dismal conditions, this soon got out of hand. “The [Indians] began and killed one of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so thick that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing could not hinder them from being heard.” This anonymous account paints a clear picture of how many of these battles were fought. The collective short fuse of the colonists, lead to innocent men and women and sometimes even children being killed. Even the SusqueHanoughs, who had been friendly toward the colonists since their landing in America, were not safe from Bacon’s forces. As more and more Indians died at the hands of Bacons men, more and more Indians began to see him as a villainous murderer.
Yet another varying view of Bacon is that of a traitor. This view was chiefly adopted by Governor William Berkley himself. Berkley adopted this view after Bacon defied his direct orders. Before the rebellion, Bacon had requested many times that he be able to lead forces against the Indians with Berkley’s permission. Each time he requested this, Berkley turned him down. Bacon eventually carried out his plans, which infuriated the Governor.
His opinions of Bacon are best condensed in his Declaration against the proceedings of Nathanial Bacon where he states “I am so conscious of human frailty and my own defects, that I will not only acknowledge them, but repent of and amend them, and not, like the rebel Bacon, persist in an error only because I have committed it”. In that same Declaration he also states “I have lived thirty-four years amongst you, as uncorrupt and diligent as ever Governor was; Bacon is a man of two years amongst you, his person and qualities unknown to most of you, and to all men else, by any virtuous action that ever I heard of. And that very action which he boasts of was sickly and foolishly, and, as I am informed, treacherously carried to the dishonor of the English nation; yet in it he lost more men than I did in three years' war”. You can tell from these two quotes that Berkley definitely felt threatened by the power that Bacon had over his people. This is probably why he decided to declare Bacon as a traitor and issue an order for his capture. However, his fears were well founded and he was twice forced out of Jamestown by supporters of the rebellion.
In the end, Bacon died of natural causes and the rebellion died soon after. Supporters were hunted out and killed, but the ideals Bacon implanted in the minds of the colonists lived on. His was the first major rebellion in the new world, and his ideals along with his insistence on the right to bear arms played a major part in the forming of the constitution. This is just another varying view of the Bacon.
As you can see, it is hard for us, who can only relive his story through words in books and secondary retellings, to pick a side. At the same time that I believe that Bacon was nothing short of a murderer who instilled mob mentality into unpredictable minds, I also believe that the ideals that he instilled help in the forming of American ideals even before there was an America. Every side has its evidence to support it. Every side was formed because Nathanial Bacon had a great ability to appeal to people’s emotions. No matter how you view Bacon you have to agree that he was a master at that ability. He demonstrates this ability in every view, whether it be on the side of the natives, colonists or government.
The colonists followed him because he represented what the new world was supposed to mean. A world different from the one they had just left. No more unfounded taxes or oppressive government. They had all wanted a new start and ended up in the same situation as they had just left. Bacon was their chance to get what they had been promised. He represented a true new world and the colonists quickly fell in line behind him. He used his abilities to build an army to follow him. An army that bailed him out many times, an army that was hunted and killed after his death for doing so.
The Natives hated him because he represented the worst kind of colonist. The kind that was ready and able to take away their land, even if they were protected by treaty. He organized the men who were sent to kill them and take away the land that had rightfully been theirs since before the colonists even knew there was a new world. His followers were thought of as malicious and dark hearted. He instilled a fear in them that would cause turmoil between the colonists and the natives for years to come.
Governor Berkley was angry with him, because he was causing a disturbance in the peace he had tried so hard to create in Virginia. Being a governor in a time where the colonies were just beginning to get settled was not an easy job. Berkley had a record to be proud of at the time, and Bacon represented a horrible black mark on that record. He was trying to destroy everything the governor was trying to build.
Nathanial Bacon was a man of many sides. He had a huge influence on many different aspects of the 17th century. For this multidimensionality his memory and legacy are viewed in many conflicting ways. He was a huge historical figure of not only his time but in all that followed him. No matter how you choose to see him, his memory should be respected for the contributions he made.
Common sense tends to dictate that the only act of Bacon's that is not debatable is the fact that he lead a rebellion of poor farmers and the lower class of the colonies against what he thought were the main threats to their welfare. The natives, who were upset with the colonists for intruding on their lands, the government who was refusing to provide protection, or give permission to the colonists to protect themselves. He organized militias, and united these demoralized people against something.
In fact they celebrate the fact that Bacon was their gracious leader. Life was far from easy for the colonists, and no one seemed to care about their safety or well being. The dropping price of tobacco, which was a major export for the settlements, resulted in the same amount of work for a lot less money. Not surprisingly, all of these factors lead to a very volatile situation. The oppression the colonists began to feel from the government, who were implementing more taxes and refusing to protect them from the nearby Indians only added fuel to the fire.
Bacon was the beacon of hope to these people. According to Robert Beverley “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking multitude.” , and this was a role that Bacon accepted and fulfilled to the best of his abilities. He organized and orchestrated a plan to overthrow and undermine the government, as well as formulated a plan to protect the frontiers from native invasion and attack. He took office in the government and did his best to help the people in a cause that he truly cared about. This part of Bacons life is hard to debate. How he carried out his plans are where the true debate begins.
Many colonists assumed that that the Indians that surrounded them were dangerous and wanted them to be eliminated from Virginia. Most of these Indians however lived on treaty protected land. Therefore Governor Berkley and the government were hesitant to attack. This hesitance made the colonists suspicious that Berkley was more sympathetic to the Indians then to his own people. These suspicions were a major factor in Bacons decision to organize militias to march against the Indians, even though the governor did not approve.
This gave colonists, who had never been sympathetic to the natives, justification to kill. Possibly because of the oppression they felt, combined with the dismal conditions, this soon got out of hand. “The [Indians] began and killed one of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so thick that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing could not hinder them from being heard.” This anonymous account paints a clear picture of how many of these battles were fought. The collective short fuse of the colonists, lead to innocent men and women and sometimes even children being killed. Even the SusqueHanoughs, who had been friendly toward the colonists since their landing in America, were not safe from Bacon’s forces. As more and more Indians died at the hands of Bacons men, more and more Indians began to see him as a villainous murderer.
Yet another varying view of Bacon is that of a traitor. This view was chiefly adopted by Governor William Berkley himself. Berkley adopted this view after Bacon defied his direct orders. Before the rebellion, Bacon had requested many times that he be able to lead forces against the Indians with Berkley’s permission. Each time he requested this, Berkley turned him down. Bacon eventually carried out his plans, which infuriated the Governor.
His opinions of Bacon are best condensed in his Declaration against the proceedings of Nathanial Bacon where he states “I am so conscious of human frailty and my own defects, that I will not only acknowledge them, but repent of and amend them, and not, like the rebel Bacon, persist in an error only because I have committed it”. In that same Declaration he also states “I have lived thirty-four years amongst you, as uncorrupt and diligent as ever Governor was; Bacon is a man of two years amongst you, his person and qualities unknown to most of you, and to all men else, by any virtuous action that ever I heard of. And that very action which he boasts of was sickly and foolishly, and, as I am informed, treacherously carried to the dishonor of the English nation; yet in it he lost more men than I did in three years' war”. You can tell from these two quotes that Berkley definitely felt threatened by the power that Bacon had over his people. This is probably why he decided to declare Bacon as a traitor and issue an order for his capture. However, his fears were well founded and he was twice forced out of Jamestown by supporters of the rebellion.
In the end, Bacon died of natural causes and the rebellion died soon after. Supporters were hunted out and killed, but the ideals Bacon implanted in the minds of the colonists lived on. His was the first major rebellion in the new world, and his ideals along with his insistence on the right to bear arms played a major part in the forming of the constitution. This is just another varying view of the Bacon.
As you can see, it is hard for us, who can only relive his story through words in books and secondary retellings, to pick a side. At the same time that I believe that Bacon was nothing short of a murderer who instilled mob mentality into unpredictable minds, I also believe that the ideals that he instilled help in the forming of American ideals even before there was an America. Every side has its evidence to support it. Every side was formed because Nathanial Bacon had a great ability to appeal to people’s emotions. No matter how you view Bacon you have to agree that he was a master at that ability. He demonstrates this ability in every view, whether it be on the side of the natives, colonists or government.
The colonists followed him because he represented what the new world was supposed to mean. A world different from the one they had just left. No more unfounded taxes or oppressive government. They had all wanted a new start and ended up in the same situation as they had just left. Bacon was their chance to get what they had been promised. He represented a true new world and the colonists quickly fell in line behind him. He used his abilities to build an army to follow him. An army that bailed him out many times, an army that was hunted and killed after his death for doing so.
The Natives hated him because he represented the worst kind of colonist. The kind that was ready and able to take away their land, even if they were protected by treaty. He organized the men who were sent to kill them and take away the land that had rightfully been theirs since before the colonists even knew there was a new world. His followers were thought of as malicious and dark hearted. He instilled a fear in them that would cause turmoil between the colonists and the natives for years to come.
Governor Berkley was angry with him, because he was causing a disturbance in the peace he had tried so hard to create in Virginia. Being a governor in a time where the colonies were just beginning to get settled was not an easy job. Berkley had a record to be proud of at the time, and Bacon represented a horrible black mark on that record. He was trying to destroy everything the governor was trying to build.
Nathanial Bacon was a man of many sides. He had a huge influence on many different aspects of the 17th century. For this multidimensionality his memory and legacy are viewed in many conflicting ways. He was a huge historical figure of not only his time but in all that followed him. No matter how you choose to see him, his memory should be respected for the contributions he made.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Essay: Draft One
Bacons Rebellion had many effects on the colonies as well as the future of the United States of America. Someone uneducated in the particulars of Bacons Rebellion might assume that the leader of this important event would be highly respected and regarded as a hero. However those who know a little about the Rebellion know that this is not necessarily true. Nathanial Bacon is viewed in many conflicting ways. As a historical figure, why is Nathanial Bacon viewed in so many conflicting ways? These conflicting ideals are probably due to the how multi-sided Bacon was as a person.
One popular view of Bacon is that of a gracious leader. At that point in history life was far from easy. People were struggling to survive in less than optimal conditions, and this created a lot of short fuses. The oppression the colonists began to feel from the government, who were implementing more taxes and refusing to protect them from the nearby Indians only added to the growing unrest.
Bacon was the beacon of hope to these people. This view of Bacon is best summed up by the Robert Beverley quote “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking multitude.” This was a role that Bacon accepted and fulfilled to the best of his abilities. He organized and orchestrated a plan to overthrow and undermine the government which the frontiersman and farmers were feeling so oppressed by. He took office in the government and did his best to help the people in a cause that he truly cared about. This part of Bacons life is hard to debate. However his actions are the base on which most opinions start to differ.
The colonists believed that the Indians that surrounded them were dangerous and wanted them to be eliminated from Virginia. Most of these Indians however lived on treaty protected land. Therefore Governor Berkley and the government were hesitant to attack. This hesitance made the colonists suspicious that Berkley was more sympathetic to the Indians then to his own people. These suspicions were a major factor in Bacons decision to organize militias to march against the Indians, even though the governor did not approve.
This gave colonists, who had never been sympathetic to the natives, justification to kill. Possibly because of the oppression they felt, combined with the dismal conditions, this soon got out of hand. “The [Indians] began and killed one of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so thick that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing could not hinder them from being heard.” This anonymous account paints a clear picture of how many of these battles were fought. The collective short fuse of the colonists, lead to innocent men and women and sometimes even children being killed. Even the SusqueHanoughs, who had been friendly toward the colonists since their landing in America, were not safe from Bacon’s forces. As more and more Indians died at the hands of Bacons men, more and more Indians began to see him as a villainous murderer.
Yet another varying view of Bacon is that of a traitor. This view was chiefly adopted by Governor William Berkley himself. Berkley adopted this view after Bacon defied his direct orders. Before the rebellion, Bacon had requested many times that he be able to lead forces against the Indians with Berkley’s permission. Each time he requested this, Berkley turned him down. Bacon eventually carried out his plans, which infuriated the Governor.
His opinions of Bacon are best summed up in his Declaration against the proceedings of Nathanial Bacon where he states “I am so conscious of human frailty and my own defects, that I will not only acknowledge them, but repent of and amend them, and not, like the rebel Bacon, persist in an error only because I have committed it”. In that same Declaration he also states “I have lived thirty-four years amongst you, as uncorrupt and diligent as ever Governor was; Bacon is a man of two years amongst you, his person and qualities unknown to most of you, and to all men else, by any virtuous action that ever I heard of. And that very action which he boasts of was sickly and foolishly, and, as I am informed, treacherously carried to the dishonor of the English nation; yet in it he lost more men than I did in three years' war”. You can tell from these two quotes that Berkley definitely felt threatened by the power that Bacon had over his people. This is probably why he decided to declare Bacon as a traitor and issue an order for his capture. However, his fears were well founded and he was twice forced out of Jamestown by supporters of the rebellion.
In the end, Bacon died of natural causes and the rebellion died soon after. Supporters were hunted out and killed, but the ideals Bacon implanted in the minds of the colonists lived on. His was the first major rebellion in the new world, and his ideals along with his insistence on the right to bear arms played a major part in the forming of the constitution. This is just another varying view of the Bacon.
As you can see, it is hard for us, who can only relive his story through words in books and secondary retellings, to pick a side. Every side has its evidence to support it. Every side was formed because Nathanial Bacon had a great ability to appeal to people’s emotions. No matter how you view Bacon you have to agree that he was a master at that ability.
The colonists followed him because he represented what the new world was supposed to mean. A world different from the one they had just left. No more unfounded taxes or oppressive government. They had all wanted a new start and ended up in the same situation as they had just left. Bacon was their chance to get what they had been promised. He represented a true new world and the colonists quickly fell in line behind him.
The Natives hated him because he represented the worst kind of colonist. The kind that was ready and able to take away their land, even if they were protected by treaty. He organized the men who were sent to kill them and take away the land that had rightfully been theirs since before the colonists even knew there was a new world. His followers were thought of as malicious and dark hearted. He instilled a fear in them that would cause turmoil between the colonists and the natives for years to come.
Governor Berkley was angry with him, because he was causing a disturbance in the peace he had tried so hard to create in Virginia. Being a governor in a time where the colonies were just beginning to get settled was not an easy job. Berkley had a record to be proud of at the time, and Bacon represented a horrible black mark on that record. He was trying to destroy everything the governor was trying to build.
Nathanial Bacon was a man of many sides. He had a huge influence on many different aspects of the 17th century. For this multidimensionality his memory and legacy are viewed in many conflicting ways. He was a huge historical figure of not only his time but in all that followed him. No matter how you choose to see him, his memory should be respected for the contributions he made.
One popular view of Bacon is that of a gracious leader. At that point in history life was far from easy. People were struggling to survive in less than optimal conditions, and this created a lot of short fuses. The oppression the colonists began to feel from the government, who were implementing more taxes and refusing to protect them from the nearby Indians only added to the growing unrest.
Bacon was the beacon of hope to these people. This view of Bacon is best summed up by the Robert Beverley quote “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking multitude.” This was a role that Bacon accepted and fulfilled to the best of his abilities. He organized and orchestrated a plan to overthrow and undermine the government which the frontiersman and farmers were feeling so oppressed by. He took office in the government and did his best to help the people in a cause that he truly cared about. This part of Bacons life is hard to debate. However his actions are the base on which most opinions start to differ.
The colonists believed that the Indians that surrounded them were dangerous and wanted them to be eliminated from Virginia. Most of these Indians however lived on treaty protected land. Therefore Governor Berkley and the government were hesitant to attack. This hesitance made the colonists suspicious that Berkley was more sympathetic to the Indians then to his own people. These suspicions were a major factor in Bacons decision to organize militias to march against the Indians, even though the governor did not approve.
This gave colonists, who had never been sympathetic to the natives, justification to kill. Possibly because of the oppression they felt, combined with the dismal conditions, this soon got out of hand. “The [Indians] began and killed one of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so thick that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing could not hinder them from being heard.” This anonymous account paints a clear picture of how many of these battles were fought. The collective short fuse of the colonists, lead to innocent men and women and sometimes even children being killed. Even the SusqueHanoughs, who had been friendly toward the colonists since their landing in America, were not safe from Bacon’s forces. As more and more Indians died at the hands of Bacons men, more and more Indians began to see him as a villainous murderer.
Yet another varying view of Bacon is that of a traitor. This view was chiefly adopted by Governor William Berkley himself. Berkley adopted this view after Bacon defied his direct orders. Before the rebellion, Bacon had requested many times that he be able to lead forces against the Indians with Berkley’s permission. Each time he requested this, Berkley turned him down. Bacon eventually carried out his plans, which infuriated the Governor.
His opinions of Bacon are best summed up in his Declaration against the proceedings of Nathanial Bacon where he states “I am so conscious of human frailty and my own defects, that I will not only acknowledge them, but repent of and amend them, and not, like the rebel Bacon, persist in an error only because I have committed it”. In that same Declaration he also states “I have lived thirty-four years amongst you, as uncorrupt and diligent as ever Governor was; Bacon is a man of two years amongst you, his person and qualities unknown to most of you, and to all men else, by any virtuous action that ever I heard of. And that very action which he boasts of was sickly and foolishly, and, as I am informed, treacherously carried to the dishonor of the English nation; yet in it he lost more men than I did in three years' war”. You can tell from these two quotes that Berkley definitely felt threatened by the power that Bacon had over his people. This is probably why he decided to declare Bacon as a traitor and issue an order for his capture. However, his fears were well founded and he was twice forced out of Jamestown by supporters of the rebellion.
In the end, Bacon died of natural causes and the rebellion died soon after. Supporters were hunted out and killed, but the ideals Bacon implanted in the minds of the colonists lived on. His was the first major rebellion in the new world, and his ideals along with his insistence on the right to bear arms played a major part in the forming of the constitution. This is just another varying view of the Bacon.
As you can see, it is hard for us, who can only relive his story through words in books and secondary retellings, to pick a side. Every side has its evidence to support it. Every side was formed because Nathanial Bacon had a great ability to appeal to people’s emotions. No matter how you view Bacon you have to agree that he was a master at that ability.
The colonists followed him because he represented what the new world was supposed to mean. A world different from the one they had just left. No more unfounded taxes or oppressive government. They had all wanted a new start and ended up in the same situation as they had just left. Bacon was their chance to get what they had been promised. He represented a true new world and the colonists quickly fell in line behind him.
The Natives hated him because he represented the worst kind of colonist. The kind that was ready and able to take away their land, even if they were protected by treaty. He organized the men who were sent to kill them and take away the land that had rightfully been theirs since before the colonists even knew there was a new world. His followers were thought of as malicious and dark hearted. He instilled a fear in them that would cause turmoil between the colonists and the natives for years to come.
Governor Berkley was angry with him, because he was causing a disturbance in the peace he had tried so hard to create in Virginia. Being a governor in a time where the colonies were just beginning to get settled was not an easy job. Berkley had a record to be proud of at the time, and Bacon represented a horrible black mark on that record. He was trying to destroy everything the governor was trying to build.
Nathanial Bacon was a man of many sides. He had a huge influence on many different aspects of the 17th century. For this multidimensionality his memory and legacy are viewed in many conflicting ways. He was a huge historical figure of not only his time but in all that followed him. No matter how you choose to see him, his memory should be respected for the contributions he made.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Outline Edit 3
Hypothesis: As a historical figure, why is Nathanial Bacon viewed in so many conflicting ways?
Outline:
I (They Say): Bacon United Colonists against a cause
In a time where everyone was living through hard times and felt oppressed by those around them, Nathanial Bacon was a beacon of hope.
Bacon did what he thought was necessary in order to keep the people of Virginia safe against the threat he believed to be most pressing.
Robert Beverly Doc 8: “To minds already full of discontent, made people ready to vent all their resentment against the poor Indians”
He was a unitary among men who desperately wanted to be united against something. The early Virginians lived through incredibly harsh times, and were looking for a vent for all their aggressions.
Robert Beverly Doc 11 “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking multitude.”
II(They Say): The Indians became Scapegoats for the colonists.
A)After and during Bacons Rebellion many colonists were protecting themselves from the Indians which they viewed as a danger to them.
B)Unknown Author Doc 21 “The [Indians] began and killed on of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so thick that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing could not hinder them from being heard.”
C)This readiness for protection leads to a lot of innocents being killed. For this sudden increase in murders the Indians laid blame on the man who started the revolution Nathanial Bacon.
D)Thomas Mathews Doc 3: “Shott fourteen before [a friendly] Indian came, who with both hands shook him (Friendly)by on arm saying Susquehanougs Neoughs [I.E. these are Susquehanough our friends] and fled, whereupon [the col.] ran amongst hi s men crying out “For the lords sake shoot no more these are our friends the Susque-Hanoughs”.”
III (They Say): After Bacon defied the government he was labeled as a traitor by William Berkley.
A)After Bacon starting organizing malitias that only he would have control over, Berkley called for his capture and labeled him a rebel.”
B)A huge rally of Rebellion supporters may have influenced the governor’s decision to let Bacon go with only an apology.
C)Elizabeth Bacon Letter to Sister: “But the Governor were so much the Indians’ friend and our enemy that he sent the Indians word that Mr. Bacon was out against them that they might save themselves”
D)As soon as Bacon was free he began raiding Native villages. This action infuriated the governor who already was less than happy with Bacon.
1)NEED MORE SOURCES TO SUPPORT THIS STILL.
VI(I say): Bacon’s ideals helped shaped America in many ways but his actions hindered us more.
A) Bacon’s rebellion instilled the ideals of rebellion and the right to freedom in the colonists, but the immediate effects of the rebellion were dismal.
B) Unknown Author Document 6 “Which after the expense of a grate deale of time and charge, being finished came short of designed ends”
C) Many people in history have made similar changes to the way that we think, but have done so without the death of so many innocent lives to shroud over them.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Since Bacon was viewed in so many different ways, who was he really?
Hypothesis: Since Bacon was viewed in so many different ways, who was he really?
Outline:
Body
I(They Say). Bacon united the colonists against a cause
---A) Nathanial Bacon Doc 12 “I resolved to march out upon the Enemy with which volunteers I could ten get, but by so doing found that I not only lost the governors favor, but exposed my very life and fortune at home as well as abroad… but considering the necessity, I still proceeded.”
------1)Bacon did what he thought was necessary.
---B) Robert Beverly Doc 8 ”To minds already full of discontent, made people ready to vent all their resentment against the poor Indians”
------1)He was unitary among men.
---C) Robert Beverly Doc 11 “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking Multitude”
II(They Say). The Indians became scapegoats for the Colonists
---A) Unknown Author Doc 21 “The [Indians] began and killed on of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so think that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing, could not hinder them from being heard.”
------1)The colonists were ready and able to protect themselves.
---B) A true narrative of the Late rebellion in Virginia, By the Royal Commissioners Document 4 “The Indians sent out 5 greate men to Treate of Peace, who were not permitted to return to the Fort, but being kept Prisoners some tyme were at last murdered by the English.”
------1)Indians felt they often got the short end of most deals
---C) Thomas Mathews Doc 3 “Shott fourteen before [a friendly] Indian came, who with both hands shook him (friendly) by on arm saying Susquehanougs Neoughs [i.e. these are Susquehannaugh or friends] and fled, whereupon [the Col.] ran amongst his men, crying out “For the lords sake shoot no more these are our friends the Susque-hanoughs”.”
------1)Even "friendly" Indians were at risk
III (I Say). Bacons Ideals helped America in many ways but his actions hindered us more.
---A) Unknown Author Document 6 "Which after the expense of a grate deale of time and
charge, being finished, came short of the designed ends"
------1) Many people have been able to make points with much more succesfull ends.
Works Cited
I. So far all my references are coming from papers you have given me, but as I keep progressing in this assignment I am sure I will add more.
Outline:
Body
I(They Say). Bacon united the colonists against a cause
---A) Nathanial Bacon Doc 12 “I resolved to march out upon the Enemy with which volunteers I could ten get, but by so doing found that I not only lost the governors favor, but exposed my very life and fortune at home as well as abroad… but considering the necessity, I still proceeded.”
------1)Bacon did what he thought was necessary.
---B) Robert Beverly Doc 8 ”To minds already full of discontent, made people ready to vent all their resentment against the poor Indians”
------1)He was unitary among men.
---C) Robert Beverly Doc 11 “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking Multitude”
II(They Say). The Indians became scapegoats for the Colonists
---A) Unknown Author Doc 21 “The [Indians] began and killed on of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so think that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing, could not hinder them from being heard.”
------1)The colonists were ready and able to protect themselves.
---B) A true narrative of the Late rebellion in Virginia, By the Royal Commissioners Document 4 “The Indians sent out 5 greate men to Treate of Peace, who were not permitted to return to the Fort, but being kept Prisoners some tyme were at last murdered by the English.”
------1)Indians felt they often got the short end of most deals
---C) Thomas Mathews Doc 3 “Shott fourteen before [a friendly] Indian came, who with both hands shook him (friendly) by on arm saying Susquehanougs Neoughs [i.e. these are Susquehannaugh or friends] and fled, whereupon [the Col.] ran amongst his men, crying out “For the lords sake shoot no more these are our friends the Susque-hanoughs”.”
------1)Even "friendly" Indians were at risk
III (I Say). Bacons Ideals helped America in many ways but his actions hindered us more.
---A) Unknown Author Document 6 "Which after the expense of a grate deale of time and
charge, being finished, came short of the designed ends"
------1) Many people have been able to make points with much more succesfull ends.
Works Cited
I. So far all my references are coming from papers you have given me, but as I keep progressing in this assignment I am sure I will add more.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Nathanial Bacon was labeled a hero, traitor and a villain
Hypothesis: Since Bacon was viewed in so many different ways, who was he really?
Thesis: Nathanial Bacon can be called many things, the most fitting of which is villain..
Outline:
II. Background Info
A. In 1676 Nathanial Bacon led a rebellion against the Virginian Government
B. The Government refused to protect them from the nearby Indians
C. The rebellion took it upon themselves to protect their land from these hostile Indians
D. Because of these actions Nathanial Bacon has been called many things
III. Thesis
A. Nathanial Bacon can be called many things, the most fitting of which is villain.
IV. Body
A. Bacon united the colonists against a cause
1) NB Doc 12 “I resolved to march out upon the Enemy with which volunteers I could ten get, but by so doing found that I not only lost the governors favor, but exposed my very life and fortune at home as well as abroad… but considering the necessity, I still proceeded.” – Bacon did what he thought was necessary but it could have been done in a much less deadly manner.
2) RB Doc 8”To minds already full of discontent, made people ready to vent all their resentment against the poor Indians” – He was unitary among men who desperately wanted to be united against something.
3) RB Doc 11 “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking Multitude”
B. The Indians became scapegoats for the Colonists
1) UA Doc 21 “The [Indians] began and killed on of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so think that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing, could not hinder them from being heard.” – The colonists were not at all hesitant about killing Natives. They felt oppressed and they wanted to be in control of something.
2) Doc 4 “The Indians sent out 5 greate men to Treate of Peace, who were not permitted to return to the Fort, but being kept Prisoners some tyme were at last murdered by the English.” – Even when the Indians believed they were going to be getting something out of their relations they were killed.
3) TM Doc 3 “Shott fourteen before [a friendly] Indian came, who with both hands shook him (friendly) by on arm saying Susquehanougs Neoughs [i.e. these are Susquehannaugh or friends] and fled, whereupon [the Col.] ran amongst his men, crying out “For the lords sake shoot no more these are our friends the Susque-hanoughs”.” – Colonists shot and killed these people without even caring about whether or not they were “friendly”
V. My sources
A. The sources that I am choosing to use are needed to help convey my point
B. I agree that Bacon’s rebellion probably was a key factor leading to the American Revolt. But I think that the rebellion could have been run by better men.
C. There are so many ways that Bacons actions can be interpreted that it is hard to pick a side, but of all the documents I have read the majority do not paint his or the other settlers actions as heroic.
VII: Works Cited
A. So far all my references are coming from papers you have given me, but as I keep progressing in this assignment I am sure I will add more.
Thesis: Nathanial Bacon can be called many things, the most fitting of which is villain..
Outline:
II. Background Info
A. In 1676 Nathanial Bacon led a rebellion against the Virginian Government
B. The Government refused to protect them from the nearby Indians
C. The rebellion took it upon themselves to protect their land from these hostile Indians
D. Because of these actions Nathanial Bacon has been called many things
III. Thesis
A. Nathanial Bacon can be called many things, the most fitting of which is villain.
IV. Body
A. Bacon united the colonists against a cause
1) NB Doc 12 “I resolved to march out upon the Enemy with which volunteers I could ten get, but by so doing found that I not only lost the governors favor, but exposed my very life and fortune at home as well as abroad… but considering the necessity, I still proceeded.” – Bacon did what he thought was necessary but it could have been done in a much less deadly manner.
2) RB Doc 8”To minds already full of discontent, made people ready to vent all their resentment against the poor Indians” – He was unitary among men who desperately wanted to be united against something.
3) RB Doc 11 “In a word, he was everyway qualified to head a giddy and unthinking Multitude”
B. The Indians became scapegoats for the Colonists
1) UA Doc 21 “The [Indians] began and killed on of our men, which we quickly repaid them, firing in at all their men (inside the fort) so think that the groans of men women and children were so loud, that with all their howling and singing, could not hinder them from being heard.” – The colonists were not at all hesitant about killing Natives. They felt oppressed and they wanted to be in control of something.
2) Doc 4 “The Indians sent out 5 greate men to Treate of Peace, who were not permitted to return to the Fort, but being kept Prisoners some tyme were at last murdered by the English.” – Even when the Indians believed they were going to be getting something out of their relations they were killed.
3) TM Doc 3 “Shott fourteen before [a friendly] Indian came, who with both hands shook him (friendly) by on arm saying Susquehanougs Neoughs [i.e. these are Susquehannaugh or friends] and fled, whereupon [the Col.] ran amongst his men, crying out “For the lords sake shoot no more these are our friends the Susque-hanoughs”.” – Colonists shot and killed these people without even caring about whether or not they were “friendly”
V. My sources
A. The sources that I am choosing to use are needed to help convey my point
B. I agree that Bacon’s rebellion probably was a key factor leading to the American Revolt. But I think that the rebellion could have been run by better men.
C. There are so many ways that Bacons actions can be interpreted that it is hard to pick a side, but of all the documents I have read the majority do not paint his or the other settlers actions as heroic.
VII: Works Cited
A. So far all my references are coming from papers you have given me, but as I keep progressing in this assignment I am sure I will add more.
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