What did you learn in this chapter (any chapter) that you did not know earlier? Was there anything you found surprising? How does the material in this chapter relate to what you have learned earlier, perhaps in other classes?
The chapter selected for this document focused on the rise of the American Revolution in their quest to gain independence over the British colony. Previous chapters that clearly emphasized the initiatives and radicalism of the ordinary Americans that later bring forth the birth of revolution. Although it clearly can be speculated that Americans really would raise revolt over the strict government of Britain over their land, the thing that is really surprising about the record supplied by the said chapter, is the influence of vengeful France to the birth of this revolt, which then would later and further trigger the American rebels, the Continental Army, to fight for their independence. This had led to the turning point of events in the history of America. In the said chapter, it stated that France had long wanted to take revenge over Britain since their defeat in the Seven Year’s war, and they had used into their advantage the growing number of American rebels against the British Colony. And later establishing joined forces with Spain. Many battles had later set-forth for this quest of independence. But America soon was able to achieve their independence through the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This in-turn made the world turn up-side down, leading the British colony to cut loose of their hold in America. The materials provided for this chapter helped gain the further understanding of the variables that influenced the success of the American Revolution, which then also would later help in overviewing the consequences and changes in the American government now that they are independent.
2. How does this chapter build on the chapter before it? How does this chapter set us up for what is coming next? What events or trends do you see in the early chapters that have helped shape the world we live in today?
The chapter depicts the consequences that followed the events that happened on the previous chapters, specifically, indicating and emphasizing more of the ‘ways’ on how American cope up with their newly found radicalism and revolt against the British colony. Previous chapters provoked Americans to choice into whether they’ll set their feet forward on to fighting for their independence. The impact of Tom Paine’s Common Sense, the congressional actions that would be appropriate only to an independent government, and the British attempts to crush American resistance by force at Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, later paved the American revolutionaries to shift their ‘desire for redress of grievance’ into a demand for their own independence. One of the most influential factors that were born out of this Revolution and its victory against the colonial government of Britain is the birth of the US Elections that still persists up to now: the two-party system. This paved its way to bring forth the new political party, the Democratic Republicans, giving Americans the chance to peacefully change their government in an honorable and righteous election.
3. If you were doing a movie set in the time period of this chapter, what do you think would be the key elements in your movie? Tell how you imagine some of the characters and what they would have to deal with.
The key element for this movie is the influential factor brought about by the ally made by France to that of the American rebels who were mistreated by the British colony. Thomas Jefferson would begin the decision for Independence, and the rebels would wholeheartedly support the said declaration. George Washington would have to face the daunting consequences as per result of the fight of the Continental Army. Antagonists would be General William Howe, Sir Henry Clinton and Lord Cornwallis, who constantly pulls the American rebels down, by winning battles over them. With the help of the French troops under Comte de Rochambeau, and the French navy under Comte de Grasse, the final blow of the battle against the British colony under Lord Cornwallis would ascertain the triumph of the American rebels for their independence.
4. Describe the time span covered in this chapter. Do the starting and ending points relate to specific events? Why do you think the authors chose this span of time? Does the time span allow for a clear and interesting story to be told?
The time span covered in this chapter primarily started by delivering the decision for independence, specifically, on the year 1775, up to 1783, with the agreement of the Treaty of Paris. Starting from the events that happened on that year, the chapter then described the following events that later happened in the succeeding year. The time span covered in this chapter shows more on the ‘domino effects’ that follows its previous years: in 1775, hopes to settle for good in the hands of the British colony; however, harsh treatment followed after the creation of the Continental Army in 1776, the decision for independence by Thomas Jefferson followed, in response to the harsh treatments of the British Colony in response to this, in 1777, British army under General William Howe set forth its strategy of luring the main American force into a decisive battle, that caused daunting odds for the Continental Army because of it, in 1778, France openly allied with the American rebels. The author may have used this kind of time span so as to specifically provide the ways on how the Americans gain their independence clearly. Because of such time span, a domino effect seemed to be found, making it more interesting to read.
5. Why is the chapter hard, or perhaps not so hard, for us to understand today? How could we understand the history differently than someone living in the time period? Do you think some people will react to it differently than others, perhaps because we have different backgrounds?
The chapter is not so hard to understand since it provided an overview as to what had happened with the previous chapter, then continue leading to the climax as to which makes this chapter more interesting than the previous ones. It described the formation of radicalism in American, then bringing about their hold of achieving independence. People in present times would understand history differently from people living in that time period through considering the ways as to how they had achieved the comfort that they experience now. History, for people at this present stage, is somewhat ‘looking back as to their original life’. Yes, some people may act differently since they have different backgrounds, however, they all would be able to understand the similarity that all people in every parts of the world ever wanted—and that is to live free in an independent country.
Works Cited
Davidson, J. W., DeLay, B., Heyrman, C. L., Lytle, M.., Stoff, M. U.S.: A Narrative History, Volume 1: To 1877. McGraw Hill, 2009.Johnson, J. Nuclear Size and Density. Ohio State University. 2007.
