I would be lying if I wrote that I did not learn anything this quarter in Writing 101. I have improved considerably as a writer since my days in high school and this course has undoubtedly had some effect of influence on my developing skills. One of the categories in which I personally have seen the largest area of improvement in while taking this course is the measure of control and application in my writing. In this years fall quarter of Writing 101, I have had the opportunity to produce two specific essays which I have included in my portfolio. The first essay is considerably explanatory while the second one centers on persuasion. These same essays served also as a component in the curriculum of this course. But they are not just simple samples of my writing style; they also demonstrate my definite skills as a writer, what I learned from this course and how I used it. they show my strengths as a developing writer, and essentially what category of my writing needs improvement.
Although I feel that I have been consistently bettering my approach to writing, there has always been room for improvement; I find this evident in my current situation also. Because the complete drafting, revising & editing process was not something that was stressed nearly enough in high school, I wasn’t very familiar with it. Like many highschooler’s, I have always’ had a constant problem with procrastination given essays with deadlines lacking any checkpoints. I would usually end up writing something similar to a stream of consciousness, or what our writing instructor refers to as “regurgitation” . I would never have any drafts or editing sessions, which resulted in numerous grammatical errors and very poor organization within my writing. Luckily the drafting, revising, and editing process were very much emphasized in this course and this warded off procrastination. I found that although the series of outlines, drafts and revisions are painstaking, they lead to more focused and structured products. Hopefully I can continue to integrate this process in the future to become a successful writer.
Another aspect of writing in which I had difficulty in this quarter was including contrary or opposing arguments in persuasive based pieces of writing. Because I felt that they weakened my argument, in the past I have been hesitant to include opposing views or arguments. Through this course, I have been educated on how to transform this weakness into a strength that actually reinforces my selected argument. I felt that this incorporated technique is exemplified well in my Bacon’s Rebellion essay. A specific example is- “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”. This is an effectual skill that I will certainly make use of and continue to work on in my future writing.
Before taking Writing 101, I would often have trouble finding information on the topics I needed to research for my writing. This course has helped learn how to productively research and find credible sources that support my writing. Although searching Google and Wikipedia is useful in obtaining some information, this course has taught me that these sources are not always reliable and that they do not include information about everything. Finding dependable information on the World Wide Web is not always easy, which is why learning to use databases such as J-Stor and Pro-Quest Direct has allowed me to find specific information on exactly what I need. An example of specificity in research information that I used a database to find is from my South Carolina Patriot essay. It reads, “On May 1780, Britain laid siege to South Carolina for five weeks and finally took 3,300 militiamen soldiers into British captivity. Regardless of the petitions that the United Colonies sent out to the British Parliament to remove troops from colonial land, general Charles Cornwallis stationed 4,000 troops in South Carolina to quell the rebel forces that continuously purged my fellow patriots and harassed non-loyalist citizens.” Because all of the essays completed in this 101 writing course required extensive historical research, I am becoming accustomed to but still need to work on properly researching information using data bases and other reliable sources. With practice, I will soon be able to easily find specific information needed to reinforce my writing topics.
Some of the categories in which I felt I exceeded in my writing this quarter
were smooth transitions from one focus to the next and also using voice to effectively to convey communication with the reader. Although I may have learned and practiced these techniques before this course, Writing 101 has helped me develop these skills on greater levels. An example of smooth transitioning from my Bacon’s Rebellion essay is “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”. An instance from my South Carolina Patriot essay in which I illustrate bold voice is where I state one of my arguments for being a federalist; “Being the owner of a rice plantation, if the revolution is successful in absolving America from the British taxation and restrictions, it will be beneficial to my economical standing. The British forces have promised to free all slaves who supported their cause, being the owner of several slaves, it is not in my interest to lose the majority of my labor force (Roark et al, 229). Just because these aspects in writing are my strengths, this doesn’t mean that I don’t need to continue developing them. The main reason why they have become my strengths is because of consistent practice using them.
I have learned much this year’s quarter of Writing 101 and like every student; I have my weaknesses and strengths. Although need to work on my drafting, revising & editing process, including contrary views to strengthen my own arguments and also researching effectively, with time and focus I think most things are possible. A very wise man once stated, every problem is an opportunity in disguise. Using this philosophy I will continue to develop my skills in writing and try to convert my weaknesses into strengths.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Essay 1-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 uncultivated 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 whom 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 paraded 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
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 uncultivated 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 whom 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 paraded 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
Essay 2-South Carolina Patriot
Every strategy taken by Britain is failing to suppress the revolution. We Patriots still have hope. The British are looking to The southern strategy in hope of regaining control of the colonies. With its valuable natural resources and overwhelmingly large slave and loyalist populace, South Carolina happens to be the heart of King Charles III Southern Strategy. With the support of the south’s large loyalist population, South Carolina is among the 3 states that is being used as a base for the British in attempt to recapture the southern Colonies one by one. With the majority of even my fellow South Carolinian citizens supporting the British, a number of outnumbered but avid patriots exist. In this diminishing number I stand, fighting for common sense & democratic and economic benefit. I realize that declaring independence for the united colonies was inevitable, so there is no point in standing against it. The revolution itself is nothing less than question of freedom or slavery for me and my fellow patriots, and being the owner of a rice plantation, if the revolution is successful in absolving America from the British taxation and restrictions, it will be beneficial to my economical wellbeing.
If the British continue to inflict their tyranny upon us, we may soon become as helpless slaves succumbing completely to their control. Thomas Paine clarifies the excess amount of power that Britain claims to have, stating, “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has the right (not only to tax) but to bind us in all cases whatsoever, and if being bound in that matter is not slavery then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth” (Paine). Taxation of the colonies without consent violates our South Carolinian rights because we are not represented. But taxation is only the start. We deserve and are entitled by the two royal charters granted by King James I to “all privileges of faithful, liege, and natural born subjects, to all intents and purposes, as if they (we) had been abiding and born within the realm of England…"(Henry). Taxes such as the stamp act, sugar act, tea act, and taxes on most other imports and exports are unjust and were instituted to exercise tyranny over the colonies including South Carolina. In May 1780, Britain laid siege to South Carolina for five weeks and finally took 3,300 militiamen soldiers into British captivity. Regardless of the petitions that the United Colonies sent out to the British Parliament to remove troops from colonial land, general Charles Cornwallis stationed 4,000 troops in South Carolina to quell the rebel forces that continuously purged my fellow patriots and harassed non-loyalist citizens. Hundreds of South Carolinians were bribed into swearing loyalty oaths to the crown and taking up arms for the British by the exports seized from Georgia (Roark et al, 241). I find it difficult to understand such brutal actions.
The revolution of the united colonies of America was inevitable, and I see no purpose in fighting for a lost cause. The fullest measures taken by the United Colonies to petition and side with Britain were treated by King Charles III with ignorance and rejection. Revolutionary writer Patrick Henry insists in frustration, “We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament…our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrance’s have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt from the foot of the throne”… (Henry, 2). A simple example of this blatant ignorance is exemplified in the fact that King Charles III ignored and didn’t even glance at the Olive Branch Petition directed to him by the Continental Congress. (Hancock et al). One thing that we all as colonists have been a witness to is that “The revolution was in the minds of the people…before a drop of blood was shed at the Lexington…and the war was just a consequence of it.”… (Adams). Even if we are outnumbered by the Tories in South Carolina and the British have larger forces with more experienced troops, we as patriots have little to lose, and as the war progresses, it is becoming more and more evident that the British have little power to change the minds and hearts of the people.
With around 4000 British troops inhabiting South Carolina, along with revolutionist Patrick Henry, I question the purpose of the troops stationed in the colonies, “Ask yourselves how gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land…are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation...these are the implements of war and subjugation" (Henry). It is uncommon to see troops harass, injure and harm innocent citizens. British citizens describe the United Colonies of Americans as ungrateful children of England, and even insist that we owe much to Britain for the protections she has provided. But only fools speak such blasphemy, ignorant of the fact that Britain’s motive for our protection was based solely on “interest not attachment…she did not protect us from our enemies on our account, but from her enemies on her own account( Paine). Britain claims to have so such extraordinary power, but I stand as a patriot and insist that the power to rule over another nation belongs only to God.
Being the owner of a rice plantation, if the revolution is successful in absolving America from the British taxation and restrictions, it will be beneficial to my economic standing. The British forces have promised to free all slaves who support their cause. Being the owner of several slaves, it is not in my interest to lose the majority of my labor force (Roark et al, 229). Losing my labor force would affect my ability to make a living in agricultural farming, and in worst case scenario even provide for myself and my family. Besides the pesky taxes on imports, the state of South Carolina is affected directly by export taxes due to its large abundance in natural resources; I myself am included in this category. Exports such as game/furs, tar, turpentine, lumber, ship timber, cattle, rice, indigo, cotton, corn and other small grains are all taxed, and some exports are even limited and restricted in export quantities (Schaper, 245). Most resources that come from South Carolina are exclusively traded with Britain and are not allowed to be traded with any other nation. I am motivated to be a patriot in the revolution by the fact that if we absolve ourselves from the taxation and restrictions of the British Parliament, the state of South Carolina will be free to disperse trade with a number of nations and potentially enrich its commerce and economy, and I myself would be able to enhance my profit in trading rice. Although my cowardly neighbors and even some of my distant relatives claim that the United Colonies have flourished under its connections with Britain, according to fellow patriot Thomas Paine, “Nothing can be more fallacious than this kind of argument”. Paine explains that if no European power had anything to do with the United Colonies of America, it would have thrived and prospered much more effectively (Paine). This is yet another reason why I support the revolution in the colony of South Carolina.
Standing up for what is righteous is not always painless. Though surrounded by wretched loyalists and Tories around my own home, I would rather die a freeman than have my children live in a world of tyrannical slavery. United under the promise and hope of liberty, my few fellow patriots and comrades fear not the muskets of our oppositions. In the cause that we fight for as patriots of the revolution, we hold moral advantage over the British. Standing behind Thomas Paine’s words, “God almighty will not give up a people to military destruction… I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up to heaven for help against us" ( Paine). What has been done cannot be changed, we must stand up and challenge the status quo. The rewards of our efforts do make a difference in the eyes of people, and in the eyes of our creator.
Work Cited
1.) Patrick Henry, Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death, March 23, 1775
2.) John Hancock et al, “our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury.” Declaration of Independence July 4th 1776
3.) John Adams, 1818, (The American Promise- James. L Roark et al.)
4.) Thomas Paine, The Crisis December 23rd 1776. “God almighty will not give up
a people to military destruction… I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up to heaven for help against us”
5.) Patrick Henry, May 30th 1765, Virginia Resolves on the Stamp Act
6.) Thomas Paine, The Crisis December 23rd 1776
7.) Thomas Paine (1737-1809) Common Sense 1776. Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs.
8.) James Roark et al, The American Promise pg 241 (The Southern Strategy and the End of The War)
9.) Thomas Paine (1737-1809) Common Sense 1776. Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs.
10.) James Roark et al, The American Promise pg. 229
Parenthetic citations and work cited yet to be finished…
11.) William A. Shcaper, American Historical Association, Sectionalism & Representation in South Carolina, (Chapter 2 Pg. 245.)
If the British continue to inflict their tyranny upon us, we may soon become as helpless slaves succumbing completely to their control. Thomas Paine clarifies the excess amount of power that Britain claims to have, stating, “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has the right (not only to tax) but to bind us in all cases whatsoever, and if being bound in that matter is not slavery then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth” (Paine). Taxation of the colonies without consent violates our South Carolinian rights because we are not represented. But taxation is only the start. We deserve and are entitled by the two royal charters granted by King James I to “all privileges of faithful, liege, and natural born subjects, to all intents and purposes, as if they (we) had been abiding and born within the realm of England…"(Henry). Taxes such as the stamp act, sugar act, tea act, and taxes on most other imports and exports are unjust and were instituted to exercise tyranny over the colonies including South Carolina. In May 1780, Britain laid siege to South Carolina for five weeks and finally took 3,300 militiamen soldiers into British captivity. Regardless of the petitions that the United Colonies sent out to the British Parliament to remove troops from colonial land, general Charles Cornwallis stationed 4,000 troops in South Carolina to quell the rebel forces that continuously purged my fellow patriots and harassed non-loyalist citizens. Hundreds of South Carolinians were bribed into swearing loyalty oaths to the crown and taking up arms for the British by the exports seized from Georgia (Roark et al, 241). I find it difficult to understand such brutal actions.
The revolution of the united colonies of America was inevitable, and I see no purpose in fighting for a lost cause. The fullest measures taken by the United Colonies to petition and side with Britain were treated by King Charles III with ignorance and rejection. Revolutionary writer Patrick Henry insists in frustration, “We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament…our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrance’s have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt from the foot of the throne”… (Henry, 2). A simple example of this blatant ignorance is exemplified in the fact that King Charles III ignored and didn’t even glance at the Olive Branch Petition directed to him by the Continental Congress. (Hancock et al). One thing that we all as colonists have been a witness to is that “The revolution was in the minds of the people…before a drop of blood was shed at the Lexington…and the war was just a consequence of it.”… (Adams). Even if we are outnumbered by the Tories in South Carolina and the British have larger forces with more experienced troops, we as patriots have little to lose, and as the war progresses, it is becoming more and more evident that the British have little power to change the minds and hearts of the people.
With around 4000 British troops inhabiting South Carolina, along with revolutionist Patrick Henry, I question the purpose of the troops stationed in the colonies, “Ask yourselves how gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land…are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation...these are the implements of war and subjugation" (Henry). It is uncommon to see troops harass, injure and harm innocent citizens. British citizens describe the United Colonies of Americans as ungrateful children of England, and even insist that we owe much to Britain for the protections she has provided. But only fools speak such blasphemy, ignorant of the fact that Britain’s motive for our protection was based solely on “interest not attachment…she did not protect us from our enemies on our account, but from her enemies on her own account( Paine). Britain claims to have so such extraordinary power, but I stand as a patriot and insist that the power to rule over another nation belongs only to God.
Being the owner of a rice plantation, if the revolution is successful in absolving America from the British taxation and restrictions, it will be beneficial to my economic standing. The British forces have promised to free all slaves who support their cause. Being the owner of several slaves, it is not in my interest to lose the majority of my labor force (Roark et al, 229). Losing my labor force would affect my ability to make a living in agricultural farming, and in worst case scenario even provide for myself and my family. Besides the pesky taxes on imports, the state of South Carolina is affected directly by export taxes due to its large abundance in natural resources; I myself am included in this category. Exports such as game/furs, tar, turpentine, lumber, ship timber, cattle, rice, indigo, cotton, corn and other small grains are all taxed, and some exports are even limited and restricted in export quantities (Schaper, 245). Most resources that come from South Carolina are exclusively traded with Britain and are not allowed to be traded with any other nation. I am motivated to be a patriot in the revolution by the fact that if we absolve ourselves from the taxation and restrictions of the British Parliament, the state of South Carolina will be free to disperse trade with a number of nations and potentially enrich its commerce and economy, and I myself would be able to enhance my profit in trading rice. Although my cowardly neighbors and even some of my distant relatives claim that the United Colonies have flourished under its connections with Britain, according to fellow patriot Thomas Paine, “Nothing can be more fallacious than this kind of argument”. Paine explains that if no European power had anything to do with the United Colonies of America, it would have thrived and prospered much more effectively (Paine). This is yet another reason why I support the revolution in the colony of South Carolina.
Standing up for what is righteous is not always painless. Though surrounded by wretched loyalists and Tories around my own home, I would rather die a freeman than have my children live in a world of tyrannical slavery. United under the promise and hope of liberty, my few fellow patriots and comrades fear not the muskets of our oppositions. In the cause that we fight for as patriots of the revolution, we hold moral advantage over the British. Standing behind Thomas Paine’s words, “God almighty will not give up a people to military destruction… I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up to heaven for help against us" ( Paine). What has been done cannot be changed, we must stand up and challenge the status quo. The rewards of our efforts do make a difference in the eyes of people, and in the eyes of our creator.
Work Cited
1.) Patrick Henry, Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death, March 23, 1775
2.) John Hancock et al, “our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury.” Declaration of Independence July 4th 1776
3.) John Adams, 1818, (The American Promise- James. L Roark et al.)
4.) Thomas Paine, The Crisis December 23rd 1776. “God almighty will not give up
a people to military destruction… I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up to heaven for help against us”
5.) Patrick Henry, May 30th 1765, Virginia Resolves on the Stamp Act
6.) Thomas Paine, The Crisis December 23rd 1776
7.) Thomas Paine (1737-1809) Common Sense 1776. Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs.
8.) James Roark et al, The American Promise pg 241 (The Southern Strategy and the End of The War)
9.) Thomas Paine (1737-1809) Common Sense 1776. Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs.
10.) James Roark et al, The American Promise pg. 229
Parenthetic citations and work cited yet to be finished…
11.) William A. Shcaper, American Historical Association, Sectionalism & Representation in South Carolina, (Chapter 2 Pg. 245.)
Final Exam Frame #2
Final Exam Frame #2
-----Creating literature is a very personal and varying process for most every individual. While some people struggle to get there thoughts out on paper others are able to accomplish this with ease. Although some student writers like me find writing in solitude to be easier, Peter Elbow gives his own view on the writing process stating “the writing process can be greatly improved if students have a group of peers with whom they can share their writing”. This author also states that a simple solution to “being stifled in various stages” of writing is just to talk to one or more people. Being a student and having to constantly produce writing, I would have to disagree with Peter Elbow and Optimism one. Personally for me, writing in solitude is much easier because I find that interaction with other students can be a hindrance, and also because I find that I can develop my own ideas more effectively and with more creativity when I write in solitude.
-----I find working with other people can be distracting and can often cause a negative effect when engaged in the writing process. Peter Elbow states that “if you are stuck writing…there is nothing better than finding one person, or more to talk to.” I disagree with Elbow on this statement because when I write, and get stuck on something, I feel that it is more effective if I have get out of the rut by myself. This forces me to think and look for a solution, and when I find the solution, I understand how to avoid this predicament in the future and end up learning more from it. For example, I found that I learned much less working with two other people on the third essay, than completing the second essay alone. Another reason why I find working alone more effective is because there is no disagreements or from anyone else regarding your own ideas. I found it difficult to coming to agreements when working in a group, and this prolonged the time it took to complete the essay itself.
-----Personally, for me it is easier to develop my own ideas with more creativity
when I am alone, because there is no one to disregard them. Optimism One states that, “Group work not only privileges student-centered, democratic practices, but it highlights the interactive nature of creativity.” This is another statement that I disagree with because when working with other students this quarter, I found that they actually stifled my creativity because they sometimes disregarded my ideas. Because of the person I am, I tend to have radical ideas. When working with people who have somewhat conservative mindsets, I often get shot down and unfortunately resort more simple or boring solutions or “playing it safe”. When I write in solitude, there is no one to tell me that I am insane, and unsurprisingly, I feel liberated to engage the writing process in the way that I feel is most effective. Although it may be true for some students, in my case, group work does not “highlight my interactive nature of creativity.”
-----My Individual approach to the writing process is undoubtedly different then most students. For this reason, I find that writing in solitude seems to flow much easier for me for two reasons. One; because interaction with other students can actually interfere with my own writing process, and two; because I find that I can pursue original ideas more freely with no opposing or contrary views. Although Peter Elbow’s view of the writing process does not match my own experience, this does not mean that it cannot be true for other people. I am just a student writing from his own sense understanding…
-----Creating literature is a very personal and varying process for most every individual. While some people struggle to get there thoughts out on paper others are able to accomplish this with ease. Although some student writers like me find writing in solitude to be easier, Peter Elbow gives his own view on the writing process stating “the writing process can be greatly improved if students have a group of peers with whom they can share their writing”. This author also states that a simple solution to “being stifled in various stages” of writing is just to talk to one or more people. Being a student and having to constantly produce writing, I would have to disagree with Peter Elbow and Optimism one. Personally for me, writing in solitude is much easier because I find that interaction with other students can be a hindrance, and also because I find that I can develop my own ideas more effectively and with more creativity when I write in solitude.
-----I find working with other people can be distracting and can often cause a negative effect when engaged in the writing process. Peter Elbow states that “if you are stuck writing…there is nothing better than finding one person, or more to talk to.” I disagree with Elbow on this statement because when I write, and get stuck on something, I feel that it is more effective if I have get out of the rut by myself. This forces me to think and look for a solution, and when I find the solution, I understand how to avoid this predicament in the future and end up learning more from it. For example, I found that I learned much less working with two other people on the third essay, than completing the second essay alone. Another reason why I find working alone more effective is because there is no disagreements or from anyone else regarding your own ideas. I found it difficult to coming to agreements when working in a group, and this prolonged the time it took to complete the essay itself.
-----Personally, for me it is easier to develop my own ideas with more creativity
when I am alone, because there is no one to disregard them. Optimism One states that, “Group work not only privileges student-centered, democratic practices, but it highlights the interactive nature of creativity.” This is another statement that I disagree with because when working with other students this quarter, I found that they actually stifled my creativity because they sometimes disregarded my ideas. Because of the person I am, I tend to have radical ideas. When working with people who have somewhat conservative mindsets, I often get shot down and unfortunately resort more simple or boring solutions or “playing it safe”. When I write in solitude, there is no one to tell me that I am insane, and unsurprisingly, I feel liberated to engage the writing process in the way that I feel is most effective. Although it may be true for some students, in my case, group work does not “highlight my interactive nature of creativity.”
-----My Individual approach to the writing process is undoubtedly different then most students. For this reason, I find that writing in solitude seems to flow much easier for me for two reasons. One; because interaction with other students can actually interfere with my own writing process, and two; because I find that I can pursue original ideas more freely with no opposing or contrary views. Although Peter Elbow’s view of the writing process does not match my own experience, this does not mean that it cannot be true for other people. I am just a student writing from his own sense understanding…
Monday, December 8, 2008
Reflective Essay Draft
-----I would be lying if I wrote that I did not learn anything this quarter in Writing 101. I have improved considerably as a writer since my days in high school and this course has undoubtedly had some effect of influence on me and my developing skills. One of the categories in which I personally have seen the largest area of improvement in while taking this course is the measure of control and application in my writing. In this 2008 fall quarter of Writing 101 I have had the opportunity to produce two specific essays which I have included in my portfolio that served as a component in the curriculum of this course. These essays are not just simple samples of my writing style, but rather, they demonstrate my definite skills as a writer, what I learned from this course and how I used it, they show my strengths as a developing writer, and essentially what category of my writing needs improvement.
-----Although I feel that I have been consistently bettering my writing and my approach to it, there has always been room for improvement, I find this evident in my current situation also. Because the complete drafting, revising & editing process was not something that was stressed nearly enough in high school, I wasn’t very familiar with it, but this course associated me with it. Like many highschooler’s, I have always’ had a constant problem with procrastination, and given essays with deadlines lacking any checkpoints, I would usually end up writing something up similar to a stream of consciousness, or what our instructor refers to as “regurgitation” . I would never have any drafts or editing sessions, which resulted in numerous grammatical errors and very poor organization within my writing. Luckily the drafting, revising, and editing process were very much emphasized in this course and this warded off procrastination and the series of outlines, drafts and revisions led to more focused and structured products. Another aspect of writing in which I had difficulty in and had to overcome this quarter was including contrary or opposing arguments in persuasive based essays. Because I felt that they weakened my argument, in the past I was have been hesitant to include opposing views or arguments. Through this course, I have been educated on how to transform this weakness into a strength that actually reinforces my argument.
Still under construction...
-----Although I feel that I have been consistently bettering my writing and my approach to it, there has always been room for improvement, I find this evident in my current situation also. Because the complete drafting, revising & editing process was not something that was stressed nearly enough in high school, I wasn’t very familiar with it, but this course associated me with it. Like many highschooler’s, I have always’ had a constant problem with procrastination, and given essays with deadlines lacking any checkpoints, I would usually end up writing something up similar to a stream of consciousness, or what our instructor refers to as “regurgitation” . I would never have any drafts or editing sessions, which resulted in numerous grammatical errors and very poor organization within my writing. Luckily the drafting, revising, and editing process were very much emphasized in this course and this warded off procrastination and the series of outlines, drafts and revisions led to more focused and structured products. Another aspect of writing in which I had difficulty in and had to overcome this quarter was including contrary or opposing arguments in persuasive based essays. Because I felt that they weakened my argument, in the past I was have been hesitant to include opposing views or arguments. Through this course, I have been educated on how to transform this weakness into a strength that actually reinforces my argument.
Still under construction...
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Virginia Resolution of 1798 Text Analysis
Who is writing?
- This document was the product of the collaboration between the General Assembly of Virginia.
Who is the audience?
-This document pertains to all inhabitants of the United States of America. Included in this category are all the supporters of the constitution who are in favor of ratifying it.
Who do the writers represent?
-The authors represent the government of the United States at the time, and these authors share their ideas on the transformations that the United States needs for a brighter and more stable future.
What is being said, argued and/or represented?
-A summary of this document is basically that the General Assembly of Virginia is defending the constitution against its counters. The general sense that these authors attempt to convey is that they stand for the liberty, and rights of all the citizens of the United States and they want to protect theses liberties. The General Assembly states that they want to protect the citizens so that their rights are not taken away from them by acts of the government. This document is actually opposes the Alien and Sedition acts and refers to them as something that takes away important freedoms that all people have the right to posses.
-What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
-The Alien and sedition acts are used as justification for the General Assemblies’ request. The General Assembly exposes the alien and sedition acts, stating that they are restrictive to the freedoms of a people and that these acts were created primarily to institute unjust power over a government and its citizens, and that the constitution does not support this act.
- This document was the product of the collaboration between the General Assembly of Virginia.
Who is the audience?
-This document pertains to all inhabitants of the United States of America. Included in this category are all the supporters of the constitution who are in favor of ratifying it.
Who do the writers represent?
-The authors represent the government of the United States at the time, and these authors share their ideas on the transformations that the United States needs for a brighter and more stable future.
What is being said, argued and/or represented?
-A summary of this document is basically that the General Assembly of Virginia is defending the constitution against its counters. The general sense that these authors attempt to convey is that they stand for the liberty, and rights of all the citizens of the United States and they want to protect theses liberties. The General Assembly states that they want to protect the citizens so that their rights are not taken away from them by acts of the government. This document is actually opposes the Alien and Sedition acts and refers to them as something that takes away important freedoms that all people have the right to posses.
-What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
-The Alien and sedition acts are used as justification for the General Assemblies’ request. The General Assembly exposes the alien and sedition acts, stating that they are restrictive to the freedoms of a people and that these acts were created primarily to institute unjust power over a government and its citizens, and that the constitution does not support this act.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Essay # 2 Reflection
The Patriot/loyalist state essay was definitely a contrast to the Bacons Rebellion essay we completed earlier this quarter in a number of ways. Disregarding the shortened amount of time that we were given to complete this essay, I personally felt that it went slightly smoother and I would even say a bit easier. Because it was our second essay, our familiarity with the expectations, research, and writing process was a factor that progressed this assignment and allowed us to complete it within the time period that we were given to complete it. Although we were familiar with J-stor and a number of the other data bases and how to use them, because of the specificity of the information that was required for our individual states, I found research for this assignment more challenging than the Bacon’s Rebellion essay. Even though we had much less time to complete this essay, it was definite something that we as students were able to handle with time management and focus. One thing that I did have a bit of an issue with on this essay was the length limit of no more than four pages. I personally had trouble on deciding what information to cut out and what information to keep and I felt that by limiting my information, it was also limiting my factual support and even weakening parts of my argument. I think that the limit should have been around five pages instead or four. Otherwise than that, this essay was an informative learning experience that I am glad I had a chance to complete.
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