Definition
(Ch. 1) What is bias?
A framework to view facts and research. (Similar: Worldview? Opinion?)
What was going on at the time this book was written?
According to the authors, history texts at the time were being written from hidden biases. These authors openly state their traditional/conservative opinion of American exceptionalism.
What is the author's bias?
They are history professors who chose what to include/not include, forming their own arguments and conclusions.
How would you compare the bias of the authors to the bias that we see in the media today?
Everyone has bias. Find common ground.
What caused America to become a strong nation?
It is the only nation that rested on four "pillars" that no other nation shared:
1. The country originated from the Christian tradition of congregationalism.
2. "Common law" (not "divine right of kings") reinforced structures of govt.
3. Right to own private property w/written titles and deeds.
4. Capitalism, free markets, and protection of individual rights.
(Ch. 2) What is mercantilism?
Government suppression of competition in manufacturing (individual restricts own economic activity for the interest of the state)
What aspects of mercantilism prevented the economic growth of the colonists?
Control of import/export suppressed manufacturing in the colonies (forced colonists to sacrifice entrepreneurial spirit and prevented economic growth)
Who enforced the laws that supported mercantilism?
Colonial governors, chosen by the British gov't ("all governors were commanded to discourage manufacturers and to give an accurate accounts of manufacturing with a view to their suppression")
What were some of the similarities and differences between the British colonists and those living in England?
No wrong answers!
What might have happened if England had allowed more free trade?
Ponder aloud--would it have changed the attitudes of the entrepreneurial colonists? How? Why?
(Ch. 3) What is a campaign? (Re: military)
Planned activity to accomplish a specific result.
In Chapter 3, what was happening with each campaign with respect to location?
Colonists had local advantage. British suffered from long distance of England.
Chapter 3
How did authority impact each army? What were some outcomes concerning authority?
There was no central command for the British military, whereas the colonists were under George Washington as their commander. (Outcomes: British were impeded/weakened in strategy compared to the colonists.)
Chapter 3: Similarities/differences regarding colonists/British battle strategies?
British employed European-style maneuvers that caused more casualties.
Chapter 3: What might have happened if the French had not allied with the colonists? Or if the Iriquois had not declared neutrality.
(French) The colonists would not have won naval battles. (Iriquois) The colonists may have suffered more casualties. But several answers could be discussed.
(Ch. 4) What is a nationalist?
A nationalist advocates for stronger, centralized government. (Definition has changed from stronger state sovereignty to stronger and more balanced government nationally.)
What was happening in many states as a result of state sovereignty?
Economic stress such as inflation, "debtor laws" and trade issues.
How did the Articles of Confederation impact the nation? How did its authority impact the states?
Weakened national affairs, stronger states rights.
What were some of the similarities and differences between the Articles of Confederation and the nationalists' proposal?
"There are no wrong answers when you compare!"
How did Shays' rebellion affect perceptions of Articles of Confederation's governing powers?
Shays rebellion showed that, nationally, the Articles provided weakened unity for law enforcement. This furthered the caused of nationalists for a new form of government.