Q. 1. The first strategy Thomas Hutchinson or Samuel Adams likely used to develop and improve their thinking before taking a stand and acting on their beliefs is the skill of recognizing and assessing a problem through observation. For example, before Samuel Thomas opposed the Stamp Act, he actually knew the source and effects of the Act to him as a local writer. The second strategy they possibly might have used is the skill of laying a possible scheme, analyzing and interpreting possible implications of their actions. For example, the actions of Samuel Thomas and other radicals of preventing the unloading of the tea from East India Company actually lead Revolution of Boston and the United States as a nation.
Q. 2. Building a foundation in creative and critical thinking will actually enable one in critically and creatively: Analyzing the historical event; examining the goals and objectives of the historical event; evaluating the historical event and being able to make judgments and conclusions, and finally it helps one in evaluating the significance of such a historical event. Additionally, one can use such an event as an example to set other events that might be related to this.
Q. 3. Thomas Hutchinson actually refused to give clearance to the captains to leave without unloading their cargo of tea. This moral judgment made by Thomas Hutchinson was based on the idea of carrying on or upholding the mastery or supremacy of law. According to him he believed in the law which said that; tea was to be unloaded within a limit of 20 days or else would be captured and sold to pay custom duty. Actually Hutchinson believed in doing right as per the law. On the other hand, the moral judgment made by Samuel Adams to rebel against Stamp Act, Townshend Acts and Coercive Acts in the Boston Tea Party were based on the need for revolution. He felt that the people of Boston had a right to self-govern themselves without the infringement of their rights by the British. In addition, the Boston Tea party was actually triggered by the monopolization of the tea supplies by the British which actually was a violation against the rights of other interested tea suppliers.
Q. 4. I believe that the steps that Samuel Adams took in becoming a distinct individual are: Writing of articles on public affairs; his vocal opposition of the Stamp Act; opposition of the Townshend Acts; expansion of revolutionary contacts with other colonial legislatures while in the lower house and his involvement in incitement of the Boston massacre. This actually helped him gain fame as an individual and also developed his leadership skills. Additionally, I believe that what really made him such an important historical figure is his involvement in the Boston massacre, signing of Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, and finally planning and organization of the Boston Tea Party. On the other hand I believe what the step Thomas Hutchinson took to become an individual is his ability to stick to the law and doing what the law requires. In addition, I believe that really what made him an important event in history is his involvement in the Boston Tea Party as a governor. As a matter of fact, his refusal to release the captains of the tea ships to return to England, lead to the massacre.
Q.5.Some of the common habits that might have hindered critical thinking include: Making of emotional judgments and decisions for example when angry; lack of concentration on particular issues at hand; resistance to change; lack of conformity and believe in justification. Samuel Adams and Thomas Hutchison could have avoided these bad habits by: Thinking critically and trying to lay ways of understanding; being relaxed when making crucial decisions; paying more attention and being flexible to change particularly Thomas Hutchinson who was so rigid about his believes.
Q. 6. One of the most important points to note in the Boston Tea Party was its ability to trigger the Revolutionary War between 1775 and 1783 which eventually lead to the creation of the United States of America. This actually was important in ensuring that the American colonists regained their freedom from the British. In addition, the Boston Tea Party actually inspired similar massacres somewhere else like New York and Annapolis who too prevented the landing of tea from the East India Company.
Q.7 .The strategies I used to critically read, listen and view the materials provided were: Note making, note taking, scanning and reflection, paying attention and also avoiding other bad listening skills for example fidgeting, chewing, talking and other listening skills that hinder concentration while reading and listening.
Q. 8. I personally believe that what should have been done proactively to avoid the incidence happening was for Governor Hutchinson to allow and permit the tea ships to return to England after noticing that the radicals had opposed its unloading at the Boston port. I feel also that if Governor Hutchinson had allowed the tea agents in Boston to resign just like their counterparts in New York, Philadelphia and Charleston; the Boston Tea Party would not have happened.
Q. 9. The techniques I could use to regain my curiosity about history or other subjects I previously learned in school may include: Visiting historical sites containing good historical scenarios; visiting national museums and heritages; reading historical literature like books, journals, magazines and other articles and watching movies basically about history or other subjects you want to rekindle your interest.
Q. 10. I believe that the two key elements that lead to the production of ideas that lead the American colonists to the Boston Tea Party and the eventual American Revolution are Samuel Adams and Governor Hutchinson. I believe Samuel Adams is the key player in producing ideas because through him and other radicals the tea ships were seized which lead to the Boston Tea Party and the consequential revolution. On the other hand, Governor Hutchinson also played and contributed ideas towards the Boston Tea Party by actually refusing to tea ships to return to England arguing that the ships had to be unloaded within 20 hours according to the law. I believe this idea of Governor Hutchinson actually prompted the Boston Tea Party and the eventual American Revolution.
Works Cited
Encyclopedia of American History: Revolution and New Nation. 3rd ed. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2010. Pp. 1761-1812.
