Thursday, October 30, 2008

Synthesis

-----In the words of John Adams, “the revolution was in the minds of the people…before a drop of blood was shed at the Lexington.” With a series of events leading up to it, the true question regarding the American Revolution is its literal definition. What was the revolution? “What do we mean by the revolution...the war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect & consequence of it...” implies Adams. Was it the result of the conflict between the British Parliament and American colonists? Historians insist that America’s independence is a paradoxical phenomenon because only thirty years before it, the colonists considered themselves British citizens/subjects in a different location. Only thirty years before, the colonist was importing British products, they reading British books, news and sending their kids to England for education. What influenced America’s sudden decision of independence? Did the stamp tax act serve as a spark for this decision?

-----At the time, England was in fact considered the center of culture, and one of the most modern and prestigious cities in all of Europe. In reality, the New World and the colonies didn’t compare to England, and was even considered rural by some. This was the reason why the prominent historical figurehead Benjamin Franklin decided to live in London instead of Pennsylvania. Benjamin Franklin had made a fortune in the printing business and even proposed to be the head in the establishment of a new colony on the land near the Ohio River. But even with all his accomplishments and achievements, he was looked down upon by royal figures of power because he was the son of a candle maker and technically a commoner. There was a sense of rivalry between the Virginian colonists and the Britain, and as the scenario unfolds, Britain considered the colonies inferior mainly because most of the colonists were commoners who weren’t born of aristocratic relation and were not of royal blood. Although colonies such as Virginia attempted to be exactly like the British, no matter how hard they tried, they never could get it quite right in the eyes of the Englanders and therefore looked down upon.

-----In the spring of 1765, news of the stamp tax act had reached the colonies and was perceived as completely outrageous. Almost everyone was affected by this tax one way or another. For example, one category of people who were effected majorly by this tax were lawyers, for every legal document that they processed, another category of persons this tax affected was sailors who used playing cards and dice…ect. The colonists alleged the stamp act as testimony of their inferiority in the eyes of the British Parliament simply because of the fact that England did not consult them before reaching into their pockets for revenue. The Virginians considered the stamp tax act degrading and that the British Parliament had no right to instate such a tax. But the matter was not in material, it was the thought of being taxed without consent that really set the colonists into action. Because they felt that they would be enslaved by the British Parliament if they didn’t stand up for themselves, colonists collected and sent out petitions, finding this method infective, colonial leaders proposed a boycott of their products, which potentially affected Englanders to the point where the British Parliament repealed the stamp tax act. But in reality, the stamp act was just the beginning scenario of the inevitable conflict that would end in war and the American Revolution.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The 3 Primary Document Summaries of 10/29

Letter From New York Committee of Fifty-One in the Boston Committee of Correspondence; May 23, 1774

-----This certain document served as a letter from the New York colonial committee and onto the Boston committee. This document informed the Boston committee of the fact that the larger majority of the New York citizens have proposed and agreed to make a main committee of all of the existing colonies. With this new committee in place, it would be easier for the American colonists to absolve themselves from the tyranny of the British Parliament, and this committee would also potentially progress American freedom and independence. This letter states that if the Boston and majority of the colonies comply with this request or proposition that it be situated as soon as possible. In a sense, this letter’s purpose is to endorse this proposal by exemplifying how essential it is that the colonies be absolved from the rule of the English Parliament.

Circular Letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence

-----The circular letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence of May 13th 1774 was a document dispersed by Samuel Adams throughout the Boston colony. This letter’s purpose was to inform the intentions of the British Parliament in regards to the American colonies. Accusing the English of passing acts directed to separate the American colonies to stunt their independence, Adams proposes to cut all trade between them and England in order for the English parliament to apprehend the value of the American colonies as trading partners. By boycotting their products and by ceasing trade with England, Adams explains that this is the only way that the colonists will become free from the authority of the English Parliament and that it is well worth the sacrifice.

Declaration of American Rights

-----The title of this primary document is "Declaration and Resolved of the First Continental Congress, October 14, 1774", and it was written by the Colonial Continental Congress. This document basically informs the colonial citizens about the political resolves and alterations made regarding the English Parliament. This document is in the form of discussion about what has been resolved, in what manner it was resolved, what needs to be resolved and how it should be resolved in the future. The Colonial Continental Congress is a representation of the colonial citizens and has the intention of supplying the colonies with the necessities that England provides. By stating that the colonists are technically English citizens in a different location, they should be treated with the same benefits and protections as the average English citizens. The Colonial Continental Congress looks for a happy median between the American colonists and British Parliament.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Essay #1 Reflection

In the somewhat painstaking process of writing the Bacon’s Rebellion paper I think that’s its possible that I even learned a couple of things… Although I cannot say that I fully enjoyed working on this historical paper and researching my topic to persuade my readers, a certain aspect that I appreciated was the fact that we were able to choose our own individual topics. I personally believe that because of the fact that we were allowed to choose our own topics, we as students had more options to write about the subjects that intrigued us, and because of this factor, the writing that we completed wasn’t as forced as it usually is on similar assignments. Being an individual who normally wouldn’t take the time to go through the trouble of writing a full out, detailed outline, I think that this assignment taught me that  this method of outlines and drafts is valuable, and greatly effected the organization and consistency of the content of my writing. While writing my essay, another positive aspect that I realized in outlines and drafts that are completed beforehand is that they help ward off procrastination and help ease the process of communication with the reader. Finally, I though that Craig’s commentary on my writing was very valuable and effective for the reinforcement of my paper. Even though some individuals were hesitant, and may have even deemed some of the advice that he presented as cynical, I trusted Craig’s extensive writing experience to help better my essay.

This was not the first experience that I encountered with writing a historically based paper, but I definitely would have to say that during the process of my essay’s completion, my research skills have increased dramatically. Scholarly articles and the J-Stor library Is something that is new to me that I know will increase the credibility of my research based writing in the future. Even though historical papers are at times stimulating, I would definitely prefer creative writing assignments any day over those that are more research/fact based. Overall, I believe this assignment to be a valuable experience and a very informative aspect in the writing skill development process.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

The Origin of Bacon’s Rebellion

-----Hundreds of people stood in lines outside of investment and commercial banks all throughout the country in late September and early October of 2008. These people endured the autumn cold, some waiting for several hours, to extract large chunks of cash from their bank accounts in fear of bank failure and economic collapse due to the worst financial crisis since 1929’s Depression. Although it was deemed by many financial experts as the worst financial crisis ever witnessed by mankind, average Americans have only a slight understanding of its causes, as baffled specialists hurry to identify the problem. Such events in American history are undoubtedly rare, where the causes of the dilemma remains faceless or uncertain, and only time will tell if the basis of the 2008 financial crises will be resolved. But in retrospect, reviewing the American history book, a certain event with a similar dilemma is one that is often overlooked due to its puzzling origin. This certain event was Bacon’s Rebellion…

-----Taking place almost three hundred and thirty-five years ago, Bacons Rebellion still remains an overwhelmingly controversial subject in the history of early English colonization. One of the areas under discussion that is more often disputed than others is the particular factor, or factors that potentially led up to the famed uprising. A majority of historical authors including Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, & Michale J. Puglisi exemplify the belief that Bacon’s Rebellion was sparked solely by Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule. Although these factors may have contributed toward the revolt, such authors fail to underline the fact that Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule may not have been the only things that provoked the rebellion. Disregarding the popular speculations of Bacon's Rebellion’s origin, which indict native hostility and unrighteous colonial rule as the primary causes of the revolt, the extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England, are equally imperative subjects often overlooked in formation of the event.

-----The extremely low price in tobacco export was a primary benefactor to Bacon’s Rebellion for two reasons. Number one, the low prices of tobacco had direct impact on the Virginia colonies’ commerce, and number two, it was a product of land and territorial issues for the colonists. A skewed supply-demand relation, attributable to the extensive overproduction of tobacco, caused the export price for tobacco to decrease drastically beginning in the mid-sixteen hundred(1). By 1675, tobacco prices found a new low as “Virginians were growing more (tobacco) but forced to sell it for less”…(2). Because of the low tobacco prices, planters failed to find fair value in exchange of tobacco for goods. Most Virginian agricultural farmers relied on tobacco as a cash crop, without it many common colonists weren’t able to provide for their families, pushing them to drastic measures.

-----From an agricultural standpoint, the tobacco plant exhausted the soil very quickly, enticing colonists to obtain unaltered land in the western frontiers (3). The more tobacco the colonists grew, the faster it fatigued the soil, leaving it unusable for a general period of time. With a shortage of plant able land, the colonists were considered the frontiers. But the Virginian colonists were unable to expand without the consent of the English monarch King Charles II theoretically owned the frontier land. (4). Finding it easier to encroach on Indian land, the settlers were countered by the violent actions of the natives, who were attempting to defend their land.

-----The division of the Virginia colonies into separate entities was also a provoking factor in the progression of Bacon’s Rebellion. The separation of the Virginia colonies led to several different circumstances, and affected each social class individually. One of the most prominent circumstances of the division was that it allowed for the wealthy social elites to grasp authority among the individual and splintered colonies and manipulate them to their advantage. According to James L. Roark et al, at this time, the wealthiest top five percent of the Grandees (or social elite) owned seventy five percent of the colonial land. (6). In addition to owning a large portion of the land, the social elite were often appointed special privileges by King Charles II and his monarchs. Author Roland Merchand exemplifies some of these benefits in his article, A Documentary Source Problem, stating, “He (King Charles II) often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital… also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them”… (7).

-----With most of the wealthy Grandees being exempted from paying taxes, the already poverty-struck commoners of Virginia were forced to bear the burden. In his article, The History & Present State of Virginia 1705, historical author Robert Beverly presents the interesting fact that the separation of the Virginia colonies was, “contrary to the original Charters”, meaning that the colonies were in this way disregarding the original charter, and more importantly, showing the first indications of independence (5). Ultimately, the overwhelmingly large gap between the rich and the poor caused tension between the two social classes and potentially led to serve as a spark for Bacon’s Rebellion (8).

-----The many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England played its own significant role in the formation of the revolt. The English acts of Parliament instituted policies which restricted many of the Virginian colonists’ trade and exports. A credible example of one of these policies is the Navigation Act. The Navigation Act of 1660 was a limitation policy established by the English Parliament with the purpose of restricting exports. This Navigation Act was one of the reasons why tobacco prices were substantially so low (9). Restrictions by English representatives of the colonies would have a potentially significant affect on commerce as well as the common people, a majority of who survived through agricultural farming. The Virginia colonies were represented by an English legislation and because of the restrictions, harsh policies, and heavy taxes, Nathanial Bacon easily convinced the common people and made out the governor of Jamestown, William Berkeley as the antagonist because he served as the closest connection with England. In the summer of 1676, the protest led by Bacon and his supporters against Berkeley became violent as they parade through Jamestown plundering many of the social elite’s estates (10).

-----A recent 2008 issue that uniquely relates to Bacon’s Rebellion could very possibly be the Iraq War. Beginning in 2003, this ongoing war and its purpose has many Americans confused and aggravated. While some seem to believe that the invasion was scheduled to remove dangerous “weapons of mass destructions”, others agree that President Bush’s military campaign in the Middle East is just the mask to pump Kuwait’s oil into America’s pockets. Bringing up the subject nowadays, many Americans begin to question the war’s motives, origin and exactly who the antagonist is in the situation. Like Bacon’s Rebellion, looking at the Iraq War three hundred and thirty five years later down the road, I personally believe that people are going to be as puzzled by its motives and origin as the people are today, if not more. Both the Iraq War & Bacon’s Rebellion have perplexed beginnings and indistinct motives, and whether it be Nathanial Bacon and his mob of supporters against William Berkeley and the social elites, or the United States of America versus the gorilla warfare of Iraqi insurgents, no party is clearly wrong or necessarily right in their outlook and intentions.

-----“Bacon's Rebellion was probably one of the most confusing yet intriguing chapters in Jamestown's history”, insists prominent historian Susan MCculley.” It was an event that seemed to be inspired by a complication of economic and social issues such as Indian hostility, unjust colonial rule, extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England. Although there is a slew of information that is uncertain about this uprising, one fact that many historians agree on it that the rebellion wouldn’t generally be deemed as successful. Even so, it was an essential period in American history and even thought to be a predecessor to the American Revolution and the civil war (11). I personally believe that this event was one that shaped America into the nation that it is today. Correlating this subject back to the future 2008 Financial Crises, which still remains as an unresolved issue, like Bacon’s Rebellion, whether the causes for it are determined or not, it will become yet another obstacle that America has faced and will be knowledgeable enough to recognize and prevent in the future. From a historical standpoint I personally believe that events such as Bacon’s Rebellion and the recent Financial Crisis are proof and a reminder to us all that even with rebellions and crisis' and the like, although with varying circumstances, life does continue…

Work Cited

1.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production…tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675”. http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html


2.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Virginians were growing more, but forced to sell less” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html


3.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)

4.) 1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Tobacco growing, as practiced in the 17th century, exhausted the soil in only a few years, so planters were constantly concerned about opportunities for expansion into the virgin lands on the frontier” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/

5.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)

6.) James L. Roark, Michael p. Johnson et al…The American Promise (A History of the United States) Pg. 90

7.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “He often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital. Also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them.”

8.) Howard Zinn adapted by Rebecca Stefoff. A Young People’s History of the United States, (Volume 1.) Pg. 37

9.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production and to some of the restrictions on exports imposed by the Navigation Acts of the 1660's, tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675.” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html

10. William Sherwood. Introduction/Summary to “Bacon’s Rebellion: The Declaration (1676)…Pg. 1

11. Bacon’s Rebellion Billings Warren et al
http://www.virginiaplaces.org/military/bacon.html

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Bacon's Rebellion Draft 2

The Origin of Bacon's Rebellion

---Taking place almost three hundred and thirty-five years ago, Bacons Rebellion still remains an overwhelmingly controversial subject in the history of early English colonization. One of the areas under discussion that is more often disputed than others is the particular factor, or factors that potentially led up to the famed uprising. A majority of historical authors including Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, & Michale J. Puglisi exemplify the unrealistic belief that Bacon’s Rebellion was sparked solely by Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule. Although these factors may have concurred toward the revolt, such authors fail to underline the fact that Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule may not have been the only things that provoked the rebellion. Disregarding the popular speculations of Bacon's Rebellion’s origin, which indict native hostility and unrighteous colonial rule as the primary causes of the revolt, the extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England, are equally imperative subjects often overlooked in formation of the event.

---The extremely low price in tobacco export was a primary benefactor to Bacon’s Rebellion for two reasons. Number one, the low prices of tobacco had direct impact on the Virginia colonies’ commerce, and number two, it was a product of land and territorial issues for the colonists. A skewed supply-demand relation, attributable to the extensive overproduction of tobacco, caused the export price for tobacco to decrease drastically beginning in the mid-sixteen hundred...(1). By 1675, tobacco prices found a new low as “Virginians were growing more (tobacco) but forced to sell it for less”…(2). Because of the low tobacco prices, planters failed to find fair value in exchange of tobacco for goods. Most Virginian agricultural farmers relied on tobacco as a cash crop, without it many common colonists weren’t able to provide for their families, pushing them to drastic measures.

----From an agricultural standpoint, the tobacco plant exhausted the soil very quickly, enticing colonists to obtain unaltered land in the western frontiers (3). The more tobacco the colonists grew, the faster it fatigued the soil, leaving it unusable for a general period of time. With a shortage of plant able land, the colonists were considered the frontiers. But the Virginian colonists were unable to expand without the consent of the English monarch King Charles II theoretically owned the frontier land. (4). Finding it easier to encroach on Indian land, the settlers were countered by the violent actions of the natives, who were attempting to defend their land.

----The division of the Virginia colonies into separate entities was also a provoking factor in the progression of Bacon’s Rebellion. The separation of the Virginia colonies led to several different circumstances, and affected each social class individually. One of the most prominent circumstances of the division was that it allowed for the wealthy social elites to grasp authority among the individual and splintered colonies and manipulate them to their advantage. According to James L. Roark et al, at this time, the wealthiest top five percent of the Grandees (or social elite) owned seventy five percent of the colonial land. (6). In addition to owning a large portion of the land, the social elite were often appointed special privileges by King Charles II and his monarchs. Author Roland Merchand exemplifies some of these benefits in his article, A Documentary Source Problem, stating, “He (King Charles II) often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital… also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them”… (7).

----With most of the wealthy Grandees being exempted from paying taxes, the already poverty-struck commoners of Virginia were forced to bear the burden. In his article, The History & Present State of Virginia 1705, historical author Robert Beverly presents the interesting fact that the separation of the Virginia colonies was, “contrary to the original Charters”, meaning that the colonies were in this way disregarding the original charter, and more importantly, showing the first indications of independence (5). Ultimately, the overwhelmingly large gap between the rich and the poor caused tension between the two social classes and potentially led to serve as a spark for Bacon’s Rebellion (8).

----The many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England played its own significant role in the formation of the revolt. The English acts of Parliament instituted policies which restricted many of the Virginian colonists’ trade and exports. A credible example of one of these policies is the Navigation Act. The Navigation Act of 1660 was a limitation policy established by the English Parliament with the purpose of restricting exports. This Navigation Act was one of the reasons why tobacco prices were substantially so low (9). Restrictions by English representatives of the colonies would have a potentially significant affect on commerce as well as the common people, a majority of who survived through agricultural farming. The Virginia colonies were represented by an English legislation and because of the restrictions, harsh policies, and heavy taxes, Nathanial Bacon easily convinced the common people and made out the governor of Jamestown, William Berkeley as the antagonist because he served as the closest connection with England. In the summer of 1676, the protest led by Bacon and his supporters against Berkeley became violent as they parade through Jamestown plundering many of the social elite’s estates (10).

----A recent 2008 issue that uniquely relates to Bacon’s Rebellion could very possibly be the Iraq War. Beginning in 2003, this ongoing war and its purpose has many Americans confused and aggravated. While some seem to believe that the invasion was scheduled to remove dangerous “weapons of mass destructions”, others agree that President Bush’s military campaign in the Middle East is just the mask to pump Kuwait’s oil into America’s pockets. Bringing up the subject nowadays, many Americans begin to question the war’s motives, origin and exactly who the antagonist is in the situation. Like Bacon’s Rebellion, looking at the Iraq War three hundred and thirty five years later down the road, I personally believe that people are going to be as puzzled by its motives and origin as the people are today, if not more. Both the Iraq War & Bacon’s Rebellion have perplexed beginnings and indistinct motives, and whether it be Nathanial Bacon and his mob of supporters against William Berkeley and the social elites, or the United States of America versus the gorilla warfare of Iraqi insurgents, no party is clearly wrong or necessarily right in their outlook and intentions.

----“Bacon's Rebellion was probably one of the most confusing yet intriguing chapters in Jamestown's history”, insists prominent historian Susan MCculley.” It was an event that seemed to be inspired by a complication of economic and social issues such as Indian hostility, unjust colonial rule, extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England. Although there is a slew of information that is uncertain about this uprising, one fact that many historians agree on it that the rebellion wouldn’t generally be deemed as successful. Even so, it was an essential period in American history and even thought to be a predecessor to the American Revolution and the civil war (11). I personally believe that this event was one that shaped America into the nation that it is today.

Work Cited
1.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production…tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675”. http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html


2.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Virginians were growing more, but forced to sell less” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html


3.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)

4.) 1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Tobacco growing, as practiced in the 17th century, exhausted the soil in only a few years, so planters were constantly concerned about opportunities for expansion into the virgin lands on the frontier” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/

5.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)

6.) James L. Roark, Michael p. Johnson et al…The American Promise (A History of the United States) Pg. 90

7.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “He often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital. Also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them.”

8.) Howard Zinn adapted by Rebecca Stefoff. A Young People’s History of the United States, (Volume 1.) Pg. 37

9.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production and to some of the restrictions on exports imposed by the Navigation Acts of the 1660's, tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675.” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html

10. William Sherwood. Introduction/Summary to “Bacon’s Rebellion: The Declaration (1676)…Pg. 1
11. Bacon’s Rebellion Billings Warren et al http://www.virginiaplaces.org/military/bacon.html

Monday, October 20, 2008

Bacon's Rebellion Rough Draft #1

The Origin of Bacon’s Rebellion

----Taking place almost three hundred and thirty-five years ago, Bacons Rebellion still remains an overwhelmingly controversial subject in the history of early English colonization. One of the areas under discussion that is more often disputed than others is the particular factor, or factors that potentially led up to the famed uprising. A majority of historical authors including Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, & Michale J. Puglisi exemplify the belief that Bacon’s Rebellion was sparked solely by Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule. Although these factors may have concurred toward the revolt, such authors fail to underline the fact that Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule may not have been the only things that provoked the rebellion. Disregarding the popular speculations of Bacon's Rebellion’s origin, which indict native hostility and unrighteous colonial rule as the primary causes of the revolt, the extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England, are equally imperative subjects often overlooked in formation of the event.

----The extremely low price in tobacco export was a primary benefactor to Bacon’s Rebellion because it had direct impact on the Virginia colonies’ commerce, and it was a product of land and territorial issues. A skewed supply-demand relation, attributable to the extensive overproduction of tobacco caused the export price for tobacco to decrease drastically beginning in the mid-sixteen hundreds (1). By 1675, tobacco prices found a new low as “Virginians were growing more (tobacco) but forced to sell it for less” (2). Because of the low tobacco prices, planters failed to find fair value in exchange of tobacco for goods. Most Virginian farmers relied on tobacco as a cash crop, without it many common colonists weren’t able to provide for their families, pushing them to drastic measures.

----From an agricultural standpoint, the tobacco plant exhausted the soil very quickly, enticing colonists to obtain unaltered land in the frontiers (3). The more tobacco the colonists grew, the faster it fatigued the soil, leaving it unusable for a general period of time. With a shortage of plant able land, the colonists were considered the frontiers. But the Virginian colonists were unable to expand without the consent of the English monarch King Charles II theoretically owned the frontier land. (4). Finding it easier to encroach on Indian land, the settlers were countered by the violent actions of the natives, who were attempting to defend their land.

----The division of the Virginia colonies into separate entities was also a provoking factor in the progression of Bacon’s Rebellion. The separation of the Virginia colonies led to several different circumstances, and affected each social class individually. One of the most prominent circumstances of the division was that it allowed for the wealthy social elites to grasp authority among the individual and splintered colonies and manipulate them to their advantage. According to James L. Roark et al, at this time, the wealthiest top five percent of the Grandees (or social elite) owned seventy five percent of the colonial land. (6). In addition to owning a large portion of the land, the social elite were often appointed special privileges by King Charles II and his monarchs. Author Roland Merchand exemplifies some of these benefits in his article, A Documentary Source Problem, stating, “He (King Charles II) often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital… also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them” (7).

----With most of the wealthy Grandees being exempted from paying taxes, the already poverty-struck commoners of Virginia were forced to bear the burden. According to the historical author Robert Beverly, in his article, The History & Present State of Virginia 1705, he presents the interesting fact that the separation of the Virginia colonies was, “contrary to the original Charters”, meaning that the colonies were in this way disregarding the original charter, and more importantly, showing the first indications of independence (5). Ultimately, the overwhelmingly large gap between the rich and the poor caused tension between the two social classes and potentially led to serve as a spark for Bacon’s Rebellion (8).

----The many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England played its own significant role in the formation of the revolt. The English acts of Parliament instituted policies which restricted many of the Virginian colonists’ trade and exports. A credible example of one of these policies is the Navigation Act. The Navigation Act of 1660 was a limitation policy established by the English Parliament with the purpose of restricting exports. This Navigation Act was one of the reasons why tobacco prices were substantially so low (9). Restrictions by English representatives of the colonies would have a potentially significant affect on commerce as well as the common people, a majority of who survived through agricultural farming. The Virginia colonies were represented by an English legislation and because of the restrictions, harsh policies, and heavy taxes, Nathanial Bacon easily convinced the common people and made out the governor of Jamestown, William Berkeley as the antagonist because he served as the closest connection with England. In the summer of 1676, the protest led by Bacon and his supporters against Berkeley became violent as they parade through Jamestown plundering many of the social elite’s estates (10).

----A recent 2008 issue that uniquely relates to Bacon’s Rebellion could very possibly be the Iraq War. Beginning in 2003, this ongoing war and its purpose has many Americans confused and aggravated. While some seem to believe that the invasion was scheduled to remove dangerous, “weapons of mass destructions”, others agree that President Bush’s military campaign in the Middle East is just the mask to pump Kuwait’s oil into America’s pockets. Bringing up the subject nowadays, many Americans begin to question the war’s motives, origin and exactly who the antagonist is in the situation. Like Bacon’s Rebellion, looking at the Iraq War three hundred and thirty five years later down the road, I personally believe that people are going to be as puzzled by its motives and origin as the people are today, if not more. Both the Iraq War & Bacon’s Rebellion have perplexed beginnings and indistinct motives, and whether it be Nathanial Bacon and his mob of supporters against William Berkeley and the social elites, or the United States of America versus the gorilla warfare of Iraqi insurgents, no party is clearly wrong or clearly right in their motives and intentions.

----Bacon’s Rebellion was an event that seemed to be inspired by a complication of economic and social issues such as Indian hostility, unjust colonial rule, extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England. Although this rebellion wouldn’t generally be deemed as successful, it was an essential period in American history and even thought to be a predecessor to the American Revolution. I personally believe that this event was one that shaped America into the nation that it is today.


(work cited coming soon)

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Olaudah Equiano Account

Captured at a young age and sold into slavery, Equiano’s account of the wretched voyage to Virginia demonstrated the unimaginable brutality and unbearable conditions of the eighteenth century slave-trade. During his miserable voyage to the New World, Equiano recalls his astonishment as he witnessed the coast, open water, and the English slave-ships for the very first time. On the contrary Equiano writes about his sickening resentment of the white man for their savageness and cruelty regarding the slaves. Lucky enough to avoid the fifteen percent of slaves who died during the voyage, Equiano survived to tell his courageous story.
Once in Virginia, Equiano was purchased by the Capitan of a tobacco trade ship, and traveled as a slave between North America, England, & the West Indies for approximately ten years. Learning the English language while still a slave, Equiano managed to buy his freedom in the year of 1766. Before long, as a free man, Equiano successfully accumulated English culture, characteristics and even fashions. Contrary to his impression of white men aboard the slave ship, in his narrative, Equiano ironically wrote, “I looked upon the English as men superior to us (Africans), and therefore I had a strong desire to resemble them, to imbibe their spirit and imitate their manors.” Although became accustomed to the English way of life, he still encompassed his African roots by campaigning against slavery and writing his grandly influential narratives, which effectively served to demote slavery in his time.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Disregarding the popular speculation of Bacon's Rebellion's unanimous origin, there were four overall factors that provoked the event.

Thesis- Disregarding the popular speculation of Bacon's Rebellion's unanimous origin, there were four overall factors that provoked the event.

• Economical

-The extremely low price of tobacco was a primary issue in Bacon’s Rebellion that correlated with commerce and even land/territorial issues.

a. Prices for tobacco decreased significantly as there was much more supply than demand, causing rapid deflation.
1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production…tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675”
b .Because of low prices, colonists forced to grow more tobacco selling it for lesser prices.
1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Virginians were growing more, but forced to sell less”
c. Planters failed to find fair prices in exchange of tobacco for goods.
1. (Robert Beverly- Document one pg 6.)
d. From agricultural standpoint, tobacco exhausted land very swiftly enticing colonists in obtaining unaltered land in frontiers.
1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Tobacco growing, as practiced in the 17th century, exhausted the soil in only a few years, so planters were constantly concerned about opportunities for expansion into the virgin lands on the frontier”
- Led to settlers being pushed out & encroaching Indian Land, which led to natives defending their land through violent actions.
e. Virginian colonists unable to expand without consent of English monarch King Charles II. (who theoretically owned land)
1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem “…But that land was in the hands of the King, Charles II, far away in England.”


• Social

-The division of the Virginia colonies into separate entities was also a benefactor to the progression of Bacon’s Rebellion.

a. The separation of the colonies opposed the original Virginia Charters.
1. Information is yet to be located
- Opposition to the original charters reciprocated consequences from England
b. Grandees or social elite received special privileges from king & governor angering the commoners.
- Top 5% of Wealthy colonists/ rulers owned most of the land
1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “He often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital. Also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them.”
- Commoners were left to pay highest taxes that the wealthy Grandees were exempt from by local Colonial rule.
c. The Huge gap/separation between rich and poor caused tension between the two social groups.
1. (Howard Zinn & Rebecca Stefoff pg. 37)



• Foreign Rule/Regulations

- The many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England played its own role in provoking the revolt.

a. Act of Parliament set regulations and restrictions on Virginian colonists’ trade and exports.
- Constraint imposed by Navigation Acts was one of the reasons why tobacco prices were substantially so low.
1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production and to some of the restrictions on exports imposed by the Navigation Acts of the 1660's, tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675.”
- Restrictions by English representatives/parliament would have potentially significant affect on commerce as well as the common people, a majority of who survived through agricultural farming.
1. Sources yet to be located.
b. Virginia colonies represented by English legislation.
-Because of the restrictions, harsh policies and heavy taxes, Bacon convinced common people and made out Berkeley as the antagonist because he was the closest connection with England. (they blamed him for their poverty.)
1. (Robert Beverly pg. 6) (defend Berkeley)
- (describe policies and exemplify tax burdens)
1. Sources yet to be located
c. The protest by the common people against Berkeley led by Bacon became violent.
- This led to Nathanial Bacon and his supporters plundering many social elite’s estates.
1. (Source unknown or unspecified)



• Local Disturbances/Protection

- The hostility of the local Native Americans proved to be the final factor that influenced and aggravated the initiation of Bacon’s Rebellion.

a. land encroachment led to violent outbursts between the natives and colonists.
- The brutality and aggression of Indians made colonists seek colonial defense and protection.
1. (Royal Commissioners 1677 pg 6)
b. Constant threat between settlers and Indians proceeded with government doing nothing about situation because of valued trading partnerships.
-Because of the Colonial government’s minimal efforts to aid colonists in defense, the commoners found a leader in Nathanial Bacon.
- Bacon’s hatred for Indians resulted from the murder of his plantation manager unspecified family members.
c. Bacon and followers attempt to annihilate the Indians furthermore increased native aggressiveness towards colonists.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Disregarding the popular speculation of Bacon's Rebellion's unanimous origin, there were four overall factors that provoked the event.

Thesis- Disregarding the popular speculation of Bacon's Rebellion's unanimous origin, there were four overall factors that provoked the event.

• Economical
-Extremely low price of tobacco
a. Planters usage of exchange/export
b. How this affected colonists/Colonial Rulings
c. demand of tobacco vs. supply

• Social
-Division of colonies
a. Opposing original charter
b. Influence of social classes
c. Grants & taxes
d. Local colonial government

• Foreign Rule/Representation
-Restraints & regulations set by England
a. Act of Parliament
b. affect on trade/commerce
c. Privileges of local rulers
d. Affect /Reaction of commoners
e. Policies & heavy tax burdens
f. Representation by Eng.

• Local Disturbances/Protection
- hostility of local Natives
a. land encroachment
b. protection, defense & colonial government
c. constant threat (colonists vs. natives)
d. the natives regarding trade & treaties

Hypothesis & Thesis

Hypothesis- What is the origin of Bacon's Rebellion?
- What were the factors (and how many were there) that provoked Bacon's Rebellion

Thesis- Disregarding the popular speculation of Bacon's Rebellion's unanimous origin, there were four focal factors that provoked the event.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

J-STOR Search

I explored this new feature on the Highline website for quite a while, experimenting with the advanced option and different keywords. Although I only found about seven or eight useful documents out of the many that I had searched through, I found that I had already come across that information. The thing that impressed me about this site though was its instant citation feature, which automatically works by e-mail. I came to the conclusion that this site would be useful for future research projects, especially when in search for primary documents.

John Winthrop’s Arbella sermon, 1630

Quote 1.

“The definition which the scripture gives us of love is this: ‘Love is the bond of perfection.’ [I]t is a bond or ligament. . . . There is no body but consists of parts and that which each part so contiguous to others as thereby they do mutually participate with each other, both in strength and infirmity, in pleasure and pain. . . . Christ and his church make one body. The several parts of this body, considered apart before they were united, were disproportionate and as much disordering as so many contrary qualities or elements, [however, when united], it is become the most perfect and best proportioned body in the world[.]”

a. For Winthrop, what is the benefit of a well coordinated (social, spiritual, political) body?
b. Why might the metaphor of the body make sense to Winthrop’s audience?
c. How might this union of separate parts create a genuine COMMONWEALTH?


- A well coordinated or synchronized social, spiritual, & political body would benefit Winthrop and his entire group of followers in a series of ways positive. It seemed that one of the puritan’s goals in the new world was to maintain the roots of their “pure”, idealistic values. With everyone in unity as a functioning body in spirit, politics, and social standings they would be able to root themselves successfully into the new world and maybe even realize their objectives.

- The reason why the metaphor of the body makes sense to Winthrop’s audience is because they are familiar with Christian principles. In a religious connotation, the puritans are “Christ’s Body” and I feel that this symbolism is deeply rooted into them. The concept of a unified body is one that becomes literal in the New World, and I would imagine that this “bond” between them kept them stable and allowed them to survive both spiritually and socially as long as they did.

- Because every person in the Puritan society had their own “job”, or sense of responsibility in the group, by working together in a integrated entity, the puritans would be productive and effective in their tasks. The mere fact that they were able to be productive in working as a group, greatly enhanced their chance of survival in the “New World”, and potentially increased the chance of advancement and dispersion of their ideals.

Quote 2.

“Whatsoever we did or ought to have done when we lived in England, the same must we do, and more also, where we go.”

• What is in the word new? What did it mean to name the colony New England? Why not come up with some kind of name that denoted complete newness and separation from the Old World?

- By naming their colony New England, the puritans were demonstrating an religiously untainted version of their origin, and at the same time keeping ties with the politically influential greatness of England.

Quote 3.

3. “Thus stands the cause between God and us. We are entered into covenant with him for this work. We have taken out a commission, the Lord hath given us leave to draw our own articles. We have professed to enterprise these actions . . . . Now if the Lord shall please to hear us, and bring us in peace to the place we desire, then hath he ratified this covenant and sealed our commission, [and] will expect a strict performance of the articles contained in it.”


• How did the Puritans, and Winthrop, view their charter for colonization as a spiritual mandate to purify the world of Christendom (or at least the Church of England)?

-Winthrop and the puritans viewed their charter for colonization as an opportunity and in a sense, an obligation to establish a stable society ruled by their chaste principles and godly morals. Although not emphasized on very often, a second objective that the puritans had was to convert natives, but that would come only after the solidity of their own establishment.

Quote 4.

4. “[W]hen he shall make us a praise and glory that men shall say of succeeding [colonies], ‘the Lord make it like that of New England.’ For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us[.]”

• What does it mean, or what did Winthrop mean, to be a “city upon a hill”?

-By being a “city upon a hill” literally and symbolically, the puritans are able to exemplify their superior wholesomeness and set an example for new colonists in the new world, possibly inspiring them to take up Puritan ideals and values as well.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

National College Fair Assignment

The purpose of this worksheet/assignment is to assist in making your day at the National College Fair as productive as possible. Your journey of exploring post-secondary educational programs and career options will be a life-long one, but it is critically important at this time. Please complete each section below. Your responses are to be submitted to Terry by Oct. 9th.

We suggest that you use the following questions as an interview guide, but certainly ask whatever questions you like:
• What is the average class size for freshman classes, as well as upper division?
• How would they describe the relationship between students and instructors at their college?
• Does their university place a greater emphasis on research or on teaching?
• What are their policies and procedures relative to financial aide, Scholarships, work-study, etc.?
• What internship, cooperative-education, and foreign study opportunities are available to undergraduate students?
• What major is their college best known for?
• What are the transfer policies and admissions standards for their college, including college testing such as SAT and/or ACT?
• How would they describe student life on their campus and in the local community?

1. To gain a broad perspective relative to the different types of colleges, campuses, and programs, provide the name and a brief description of the following: (Do not hesitate to explore colleges outside the Northwest states, do not use the same college twice, and do not simply list information available on their website.)

• A public college
University of Puget Sound
the University of Puget Sound is a rather large liberal arts college. I was interested in their music business undergraduate program which seems captivating, but they do also offer a decent medical course, which I also took into account. Another reason why I considered it was because it just happened to be in the area, which would be very efficient for me.

• A private college
Whitworth University is a sensible Christian college which would be fitting for me because it supports my faith, because of the fact that it is in the state of Washington (Spokane) and because that it offers an impressive music program. This University is well known for its liberal arts institution, something that made me consider it.

• A rural college
Columbia University
although it is located in Chicago, this is a famed arts college with a high success rate and very broad music program. There are many famous artists who were former students of this University. It has an overall impressive music program.

• Traditional large university
University of Washington Seattle is known for its hands on medical program which I would be interested in. It is also close to home and known for its sustainability. It also offers a large variety of programs in the arts and medical field. Its campus is fairly large but then again so is their class size (can get up to 600 students). This university is famous for its wide selection of research programs.


• A small alternative college
Evergreen
This College is located in Olympia, Washington; it is a science and liberal arts college. It has a relatively small class size class size which means there would be more interaction between student and instructor and the fact that it is in the area is appealing to me also.


2. Select a college major that you might be interested in pursuing. (Either something in the medical field or Music production) Find three colleges that are known to offer quality programs in that major. You may choose only one of the three colleges from within the state of Washington. Briefly describe what impressed you about each of these colleges. Then finally, describe how your overall educational experience might differ if you were to choose one college over the others. In making your comparisons, be sure to consider some the issues raised in the “suggested questions” above. (You probably should do some research on this before attending the Fair)


University of Washington the Seattle branch Is fairly close to home, it presents a famed medical research program which is relevant to my interests and provides multiple internships available for undergraduate and graduate students. The fact that it is in the area presents itself as an obvious and efficient choice, but then again I wouldn’t realize the complete college experience if I stayed in the state for my schooling.

Columbia University in Chicago is a famous college for liberal arts, performing arts as well as visual arts. The thing that impressed me about this university is its very wide-ranging music business program which offers many different career options and choices from live sound to studio work producing. This program also offers hands on training which is essential for success in an actual career. I had the opportunity to speak with their representative, who was very knowledgeable about many different aspects of the school and its programs. I realize that I would be far from home and that travel would become essential to visit my family, but at the same time, I would be gaining a valuable experience.

Pacific University is a private liberal arts college in Oregon, it has a very sought after medical program which includes dental and physical therapy. It also has a mediocre music program in performing arts but it does not offer one in music production which rules that option out if I attend this college. The tuition rate is very fair and the class sizes are exceptional. If I go to this school I would still be in the northwest not too far away from home but would still be able to enjoy an actual college experience.


3. Attend at least one of the workshops during your time at the Fair. Briefly describe the content of the workshop and evaluate the information received.
The content of the workshop that I attended focused mainly on how to finance a college education. It was very extensive and talked topics such as financial support, how to take out a loan, and the types of loan out is liable for. Although this workshop was helpful on a informative level, it wasn’t something that I would be focusing on at the moment.

4. Write a personal evaluation of your experience of attending the National College Fair. Share whatever thoughts you have, but be sure to include a discussion of the following:

The college fair was a very beneficial experience for me personally. I appreciated the fact that I was able to talk to many representatives of the colleges that were within my line of interest all at the same place, and receive answers to questions I had on the spot. This event provided me with information that could be helpful in narrowing down my choice of schools and it gave me insight on what to work on to get into the schools I was interested in. The workshop that I attended gave me an idea of what kind of loans are available for students to support their college education. I enjoyed this college fair and also though it was an informative and enhancing event for my career planning process.

They Say 2; Bacon's Rebellion

Although Bacon’s Rebellion is often popularized as a credible American revolution in which Nathaniel Bacon is depicted as a commendable leader in an attempt to institute righteousness, contradictory sources illustrate the rebellion as an immoral onslaught, demonstrating nadir human injustice. Howard Zinn & Rebecca Stefoff clearly demonstrate the more popular analysis of Bacon’s Rebellion in the book, A Young Peoples History of the United States, in which they claim, “Bacons Rebellion brought together groups from the lower classes…they started an uprising because they were angry about the way the colony was being run.” (pg. 35) The essence of Howard Zinn and Rebecca Stefoffs argument portrays Bacon, and the rebellion as a justified attempt by unified Virginia commoners to disband their perverse colonial government. Another example by these authors reaffirms the positive side of the rebellion stating “Many Virginians scraped out a living in poverty or worked as servants in terrible conditions…these unhappy Virginians found a leader in Nathaniel Bacon.”(pg.37) From this viewpoint, Bacon’s followers also justified killing numerous of local Indians merely as defense.

Another perception of Bacon’s Rebellion is one which that emphasizes on the immorality, prejudice, and brutality of Bacon’s Rebellion. An author that upholds this standpoint is Michael Puglisi of Marian College. In his article, “Whether They Be Friends or Foes” Puglisi insists that Bacon’s followers had, “lack of regard for the integrity and the well-being of the tributary tribes” and furthermore supports this statement by describing a scene in which Bacon and his army “attacked a peaceful Indian village…killing and taking (the natives) prisoners and looking for plunder.” (pg.78) Bacon’s supporters showed actions of unpardonable cruelty, “even killing an elderly native woman, the queen’s nurse, for providing them with incorrect information in their (natives) pursuit.”(Puglisi, “Whether They Be Friends or Foes” pg.78) Although most colonists agreed that their real enemy during the Rebellion was the corrupt Colonial Government, Puglisi also stated in his article that Bacon "claimed that by organizing the unauthorized campaign against the encroaching Indians he was providing a release for the colonist's frustrations." Even Howard Zinn and Rebecca Stafoff acknowledge the fact that Bacon's intentions in the Rebellion weren't purely related to the colonist's interests, stating, "(regarding Bacon) He probably cared more about fighting Indians than about helping the poor."(pg.37)

A very controversial debate concerning Bacon’s Rebellion regards its very basis. Many sources make the claim that the Rebellion was sparked by either unreasonable colonial rule, hostile land encroaching natives, or sometimes even both. For instance, Michael Puglisi makes the allegation in his “Whether They Be Friends or Foes” article that the ruling regime was to blame, stating, “The frontier colonists were apparently dissatisfied with government efforts to protect their new settlement”. (pg 77) On the contrary position, Howard Zinn in his “A Young Peoples History of the United States” explains that Virginia’s enraged commoners rebelled to level themselves with the wealthy “social elite” and, “about the huge difference between the rich in the poor in Virginia.” Although both of these authors make for valid conclusion, Robert Beverly differentiates himself from the crowd, insisting that, “The occasion of the rebellion is not easy to be discovered…but ‘tis certain that there were many things that concurred towards it.”(“The History & Present State of Virginia” pg.6) Beverly clearly illustrates that he is credibly knowledgeable in relation to this event, by mapping out four particular predicaments that ignited the rebellion. Beverly first suggests that the first piece that provoked the rebellion was, “the extreme low price of tobacco, and the ill usage of the planters in the exchange of it.”(pg 6) Although the price of the tobacco was a setback all in-itself, Beverly’s paints “the splintering of the colony into (numerous) properties” as the second thing that proceeded the revolt. The third component that supposedly was also a motive for the rebellion, according to Beverly, was the “heavy restraints and burdens laid upon their (the colonists) trade by Act of Parliament in England”. He finishes his argument by listing “the disturbance given by the Indians…”(pg 6) as the last predicament provoking Bacon's Rebellion.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

They Say; Bacon's Rebellion

Although Bacon’s Rebellion is often popularized as a credible American revolution in which Nathaniel Bacon is depicted as a commendable leader in an attempt to institute righteousness, contradictory sources illustrate the rebellion as an immoral onslaught, demonstrating nadir human injustice. Howard Zinn & Rebecca Stefoff clearly demonstrate the more popular analysis of Bacon’s Rebellion in the book, A Young Peoples History of the United States, in which they claim, “Bacons Rebellion brought together groups from the lower classes…they started an uprising because they were angry about the way the colony was being run.” (pg. 35) The essence of Howard Zinn and Rebecca Stefoffs argument portrays Bacon, and the rebellion as a justified attempt by unified Virginia commoners to disband their perverse colonial government. Another example by these authors reaffirms the positive side of the rebellion stating “Many Virginians scraped out a living in poverty or worked as servants in terrible conditions…these unhappy Virginians found a leader in Nathaniel Bacon.”(pg.37) From this viewpoint, Bacon’s followers also justified killing numerous of local Indians as mere defense.
Another perception of Bacon’s Rebellion is one which that emphasizes on the immorality, prejudice, and brutality of Bacon’s Rebellion. An author that upholds this standpoint is Michael Puglisi of Marian College. In his article, “Whether They Be Friends or Foes” Puglisi insists that Bacon’s followers had, “lack of regard for the integrity and the well-being of the tributary tribes” and furthermore supports this statement by describing a scene in which Bacon and his army “attacked a peaceful Indian village…killing and taking (the natives) prisoners and looking for plunder.” (pg.78) Bacon’s supporters showed actions of unpardonable cruelty, “even killing an elderly native woman, the queen’s nurse, for providing them with incorrect information in their (natives) pursuit.”(Puglisi, “Whether They Be Friends or Foes” pg.78) Although most colonists agreed that their real enemy during the Rebellion was the corrupt Colonial Government, Puglisi also stated in his article that Bacon "claimed that by organizing the unauthorized campaign against the encroaching Indians he was providing a release for the colonist's frustrations." Even Howard Zinn and Rebecca Stafoff acknowledge the fact that Bacon's intentions in the Rebellion weren't purely related to the colonist's interests, stating, "(regarding Bacon) He probably cared more about fighting Indians than about helping the poor."(pg.37)

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Political Economy of the Body (Section 3)

Passage #3- “In the darkest region of the political field the condemned man represents the symmetrical inverted figure of the king. “

When perceiving this statement literally, piece by piece, some will become accepting of the realization that in one way or another, the condemned man Foucault involves in this statement would actually be the king himself. Ask yourself…what makes up the darkest region of the political field? I think the most probable answer would be the condemned or in other words, socially inadequate persons. But the other question that needs to be answered in this equation is- what, or who makes these people condemned? On the other end of this damnation is authority, power and potentially the king himself. Therefore- in the words of Foucault, “the condemned man represents the symmetrical inverted figure of the king.”

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Political Economy of the Body (Sections 1 & 2)

Passage #1- “The body is directly involved in a political field; power relations have an immediate hold upon it; they invest it, mark it, train it, torture it, and force it to carry out tasks to perform ceremonies to emit signs.”

This vividly expressed statement exemplifies to the reader a surreal sense of viewing the human being. What I derived from this passage particularly is that the physical and physiological aspects of a body affect it entirely in every circumstance (emphasizing especially on societal standings). I believe this notion correlates with the “survival of the fittest” ideology only including a physiological and authoritative aspect as well.

Passage #2- “It is largely as a force of production that the body is invested with relations of power and domination, but on the other hand, its constitutions as labor power is possible only if it is caught up in a system of subjection…the body becomes a useful force only if it is both a productive body and subjected body.”

The sovereignty of a body is judged almost entirely by its influence and authority over other entities. But at the same time, productivity of an individual cannot exist without an aspiration that is greater than that character’s influence and also the willingness to generate product.

American Tobacco & European Consumers Summary

Ever since the Chesapeake colonists began successfully cultivating and importing tobacco in 1617, it became a very lucrative commodity because european demand gave it a commercial value. Because the craving for tobacco in English european culture spread very rapidly, tobacco became the cash crop of the seventeen hundreds and was the base of most enterprising farmer’s exports. Although as a crop, this new good exhausted the land quickly, as an export it became an extensively popular taste of the new world. There were several of reasons why Tobacco became such a popular article of trade in English europe, one of which was- because it received high praise from physicians in the 16th century, who treated this foreign herb as the new "wonder drug" in many aspects. Yet another factor which escalated tobacco’s demand and distribution was its highly addictive nicotine content, which was fairly expensive to feed at first. But by the 17th century tobacco prices decreased immensely allowing for it to be afforded by most European citizens. Because of its affordability and fashionable characteristics, by the 17th century, tobacco altered European culture and created and shaped new forms of social premises all together, but most importantly it advanced the life of Virginia colonies and expanded them, allowing these colonies to thrive to a new level and shape hisotry.