Ch 203 exam 1

"The city upon a hill"

A phrase that is associated with John Winthrop's sermon "A Model of Christian Charity," given in 1630. Winthrop warned the Puritan colonists of New England who were to found the Massachusetts Bay Colony that their new community would be a "city upon a hill," watched by the world.

"An errand into the wilderness"

A puritan sermon led by John Winthrop.

2. Rowlandson's narrative purports to be "a true history." Should readers be skeptical of some of the author's claims? Why or why not?

Mary Rowlandson's narrative, though shown to be "true history" can be looked at with some skepticism. She clearly carries religious biases and only provides one perspective for such a hectic time period. In order to be proven as true history one would have to see and analyze multiple historical documents from this time period to see if history aligns.

Metacom

Native American leader who led an attack on the villages of Massachusetts; also called King Philip

3. Explain why Native Americans should not be considered a homogenous group.

Native Americans should not be considered a homogenous group because there is so much diversity embedded into this "one" group of people. There are numerous different traditions, backgrounds, and beliefs therefore it should not be considered all alike.

Declension

One extreme love for God.

4. Explain how the Chronicles of Bartolomé de las Casas (1552) can change the way that Christopher Columbus is typically seen in history text books?

The chronicles of Bartolome de las Casas changed the way Christopher Columbus is typically perceived in text books because it provides true insight about his personal morals and violent acts he engaged in. Christopher Columbus is typically glorified and credited for the discovery of America in the chronicle it explains the genocide he committed against the Native American people and how he was a fraudulent explorer.

4. What are some benefits of and drawbacks to the way the U.S. Constitution was framed? Who was included and who was excluded? How might these issues impact U.S. society today?

The framing of the U.S. Constitution introduced a system of checks and balances, federalism, and the separation of powers, which were innovative and inclusive for citizens. However, it excluded women, non-property owners, Native Americans, and enslaved Africans, leading to long-term societal divisions and ongoing struggles for equality and representation.

What is the origin of the word, "America"? How does it help us to understand the way American "identity" is established in the U.S.A. in the past and in the present?

The origin of the word America came from an explorer named Amerigo Vespucci. Understanding the origin of the word "America" helps us improve our understanding of the U.S' historical events and highlight the important impact of prominent figures. In the current day understanding the origin of the word America helps us see the similarities between the current word and the name associated with it.

2. Why did America become a site targeted by Western Europeans in the 15th Century? Do any of these reasons continue to influence those who come to the United States from various parts of the world today?

Western Europeans targeted America in the 15th century in the pursuit for new resources, economic opportunities, and trade opportunities. These reasons continue to influence the United States as people are always looking for a better quality life and economic opportunities to increase there stability.

Mary Rowlandson

Wrote about the relationship with the puritan settlers and the native Americans during king Phillips war

Thomas Jefferson

Wrote the Declaration of Independence

The Enlightenment

a movement that emphasized science and reason as guides to help see the world more clearly

3. Explain how each of the following three concepts shape Rowlandson's narrative and reinforce Puritan beliefs about themselves and their views of Native Americans: a. Predestination b. Declension c. Typology

a. Predestination: Is a few chosen people that are selected for salvation. God does an advance who's gonna be godly enough and go to heaven and the rest won't be saved and go to hell. There was an embedded hierarchy to this. b. Declension: The loss of puritan values and belief in god. She reinforces her puritan beliefs about their own righteousness and the consequences of deviating from God's will. c. Typology: An extreme Puritan belief in the Bible and how heavily referenced the Bible text is.It shows how Rowlandson believes her life outcomes are determined by how much she believes in God.

Massachusetts General Court

reflected the Puritans' desire to govern the colony without outside interference.

American individualism

the belief, strongly held by Herbert Hoover and others, that hard work and individual effort, absent government interference, comprised the formula for success in the U.S.

Typology

the study and interpretation of types and symbols, originally especially in the Bible.

Amerigo Vespucci

A mapmaker and explorer who said that America was a new continent, so America was named after him.

6. Zitkala-Sa was made into an exemplar of successful assimilation into white American society, but experienced conflicts and alienation. Her essays reflect a desire to reconcile some of the ambiguities and contradictions of her identity. In your opinion, does she successfully come to terms with the disparate elements of her identity? Explain.

I believe Zikala - Sa did successfully come to terms with the disparate elements of her identity as she actively engaged in her native culture and worked to bridge the conflict between her people and the colonizers. She eventually becomes reflective and goes on a journey of self understanding solidifying her new grasp on herself.

The U.S. Constitution

A document that embodies the fundamental laws and principles by which the United States is governed.

2. How does Paine build a case for American independence? What are his main arguments?

. Paine argues for American independence by emphasizing the natural rights of individuals, the economic disadvantages of remaining under British rule, and the irrationality of a distant monarchy governing the colonies. He appeals to the colonists' sense of identity and the practical benefits of self-governance.

7. Like Rowlandson, Zitkala-Sa develops an Us vs. Them ideology (Sioux vs. the "Palefaced"). Both authors describe a unique American experience from a unique perspective. How do these narratives both contradict and confirm notions of American identity and American values?

Both author's narratives contradict the American identity and values by revealing the great divide between the indigenous people and settlers. Today division of cultures is not commonly condoned by citizens. The authors confirm the notions of American values and identity as they highlight the struggle that occurs in order for America to be founded and emerge which proves the historical values we as Americans carry today as we know that in order for survival there is struggle.

Predestination

Calvin's religious theory that God has already planned out a person's life.

Puritans and Puritanism

Dissenters from the Church of England who wanted a genuine Reformation rather than the partial Reformation sought by Henry VIII. The Puritans' religious principles emphasized the importance of an individual's relationship with God developed through Bible study, prayer, and introspection.

5. What does Canassatego's "Speech at the Treaty of Lancaster" (1744) reveal about the difference between Dutch and English settlers, and their relationship with the Iroquois? What role did land and the exchange of land play in these relationships?

Canassatego's speech revealed that the Dutch's relationship with the Iroquois was positive and provided them with resources like knives, guns and hatchets. The Dutch had land transactions with the Iroquois showing the significance of their relationship and how they were mutually beneficial. The Iroquois relationship with the English was never stable; they were suspicious of their motives and felt their right to the land was not acknowledged. Land played a large role in these relationships as Canassatego mentions their concerns with the English about the and protection of their land.

7. What are some of the current events, issues and/or debates in our society that involve the U.S. Constitution? Which of the three belief systems that we have studied thus far shape these debates (Native American, Puritan or Enlightenment)?

Current societal debates involving the U.S. Constitution include issues of gun control, freedom of speech, privacy rights, and equal protection under the law. These debates are shaped by Enlightenment principles, which prioritize individual rights, freedom, and innovation.

John Locke

English philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.

3. What were some of the Enlightenment principles that shaped the ideas of English colonists during the 1700s and the American Revolution?

Enlightenment principles that influenced the colonists included the value of reason, the natural rights of man (life, liberty, and property), and the ideas of social contract theory as espoused by philosophers like John Locke. These principles underpinned the revolutionary call for independence and the formation of a government by the people.

The Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution, drafted by Madison, placed limitations of government and protects natural rights.

Christopher Columbus

He mistakenly discovered the Americas in 1492 while searching for a faster route to India.

7. The Puritans believed they had to be a model for the rest of the world to see (a "city upon a hill"). Do you think people in the United States of America continue to adhere to this notion? What are some of the risks and/or rewards of maintaining this philosophy?

I believe that people in the United States should adhere to this notion but maybe not to the fullest extent. The pros of following "city upon a hill" would be the ability to create a stronger bond among citizens and instill national pride. The cons to this would be its lack of inclusion of all types of people. People may gain large egos from standards of exceptionalism.

4. Describe some of the contributions that indigenous peoples of the Americas have made to "American" culture. Which have formed an integral part of the American identity today?

Indigenous people have proved agricultural structures that have provided America with the success it has today. Crops like corn, beans, and potatoes originated from this group of people allowing our country to flourish and pave the way for farming today.

King Philip's War

King Philip's War (1675-1678) was a conflict between Native American tribes led by Metacom (also known as King Philip) and English settlers in the New England colonies, marked by brutal raids and battles, resulting in significant casualties on both sides and the eventual defeat of the Native Americans, leading to substantial loss of their lands and power in the region.

The Sioux Indians

Major northern Plains Indian nation that fought and eventually lost a bitter war against the U.S. Army, 1876-1877

1. Describe the context of Mary Rowlandson's narrative. How does her testimony help us understand this historical time, the Metacom War, and the relationship that existed between the Puritans and the indigenous people?

Mary Rowlandson's narrative explains the complex relationship between puritans who settled in New England and the indigenous people. Her testimony helps us understand that during this historical time there was much conflict and brutal violence happening between these two groups of people. From Mary Rowlandson's testimony one can understand the personal relationship and the negative point of view the puritans had with the indigenous community during the Metacom War.

Common Sense (Thomas Paine)

Published in 1776, Common Sense challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. Paine used plain language that spoke to the common people of America and was the first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain.

John Winthrop

Puritan governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony. Speaker of "City upon a hill"

6. Describe some of the values ​​of the Puritans that had an impact on society and ideologies in the Americas in the 17th century. Do these values ​​and these ideologies continue to impact society and values ​​in the US today?

Puritans believed and valued individualism, predestination, God and Satan, work ethic, and typology. The Puritans belief of individual and work ethic are definitely embedded in the minds of Americans today. The U.S continues to carry the beliefs of the Puritans as pursuit for success and hard work is shown through the lives of Americans daily.

8. List some of the values ​​of the Puritans, Native Americans, and the Enlightenment and compare them. How are they similar? How are they different?

Puritans valued individualism, predestination, and work ethic. Native Americans valued the earth and resources as well as communal living. The w flight meant valued individualism, scientific invention, and the belief in progress. Puritans and the enlightenment share values of individualism and strive for better. The Native American shared a belief in using the earth's resources for gain with the enlightenment as they looked for scientific advancements. `

Shays' Rebellion

Rebellion led by Daniel Shays of farmers in western Massachusetts in 1786-1787, protesting mortgage foreclosures. It highlighted the need for a strong national government just as the call for the Constitutional Convention went out.

Republicanism vs. Direct Democracy

Republicanism governing a society or state as a republic, where the head of state is a representative of the people. Direct Democracy - Power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives (Popular sovereignty).

The Declaration of Independence

Signed in 1776 by US revolutionaries; it declared the United States as a free state.

9. What were some of the concerns of the Massachusetts General Court (1675) and how did it attempt to address them? Can you think of any examples of similar debates happening in the U.S. today?

Some of the concerns of the Massachusetts General Court (1675) was the lack of Church discipline, moral ethics, and extreme use of profanity. In order to resolve the lack of church discipline the government wants the church to document members and their attendance to record their commitment. To resolve the issue of morals the government made declarations against freedom to dress and added guidelines for hairstyles, outfits, and accessories. Lastly, to resolve the use of profanity the government added strict laws against those who swear as well as harsh punishments. In today's world we can think about debates of expression in school as well as the separation of church and state to remind us that we are still connected to our countries past.

Bartolomé de las Casas

Spaniard who fought against the enslavement and colonial abuse of native Americans.

Canassatego

Speech at Lancaster leader of the Iroquois. Spoke about relationship w British and Dutch settlers.

Zitkala-Sa

Spread her native culture to the white society.

5. Why was the Bill of Rights created? How did these amendments alter the original constitution?

The Bill of Rights was created to address the concerns of Anti-Federalists about the potential for government tyranny and to ensure the protection of individual liberties. These amendments significantly altered the original Constitution by explicitly explaining rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

6. Which Native American, Puritan and Enlightenment values are evident in both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the U.S. Constitution (1787)? Provide examples.

The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution reflect Enlightenment values through their emphasis on individual rights, liberty, and the consent of the governed. While less directly, some Puritan values of community responsibility and moral governance are echoed, and the influence of Native American governance is seen in the federal system's emphasis on a union of states with retained sovereignty.

8. How did Puritans view the wilderness? What did they believe their role was in carrying out an "errand into the wilderness"?

The Puritans viewed the wilderness as an unknown place to conquer and create a religious community following their values and beliefs. They believed their mission when carrying out an "errand to the wilderness" was to make unity among religion and strict followings of the church.

5. Zitkala-Sa's essays reflect her initiation into white society and subsequent rejection of it. How and why does the author attempt to reclaim her identity as a Sioux Indian? What impact does colonization have on Zitkala-Sa, her family, and the Sioux in general?

The author attempts to reclaim her identity as a Sioux Indian by sharing the traditions and beliefs of the Sioux Indian people into the white society. She does this because she feels a loss of connection to herself and her roots with her community of people. This process of colonization impacts her, her family, and the Sioux Indian people as they lost their way of life and were forced into a life where they would be constantly marginalized.

Natural Rights and Human Rights

The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death.

Deism

The religion of the Enlightenment (1700s). Followers believed that God existed and had created the world, but that afterwards He left it to run by its own natural laws. Denied that God communicated to man or in any way influenced his life.

"Law is King"

This is an Enlightenment value that describes how rights are bestowed by laws rather than the practice in Britain of the king ruling all. An important part of the push for self-governance.

1. How does Thomas Paine's Common Sense reflect and promote Enlightenment principles? What are his concerns?

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" embodies Enlightenment ideals by advocating for reason, individual rights, and the questioning of traditional authority structures. You can see his primary concern is the unjust nature of monarchical rule and the necessity for a more equitable, democratic system of governance.