USA History practice: CE2021
 

This thread is created to [B]practice past questions[/B] of USA history papers.
Members/aspirants can [B]post outlines[/B] of questions here for reviews or they can [B]post questions[/B] to be attempted by fellow members.

[B]Q: The American Revolution was the child of Enlightenment, comment.[/B]

[B]1.Introduction
2. brief overview of enlightenment
3. Hallmarks of enlightenment in the colonies:[/B][INDENT][SIZE="2"]i. Raised colonists' consciousness
ii. Rejection of British rule
iii. Need of independent government
iv. Gaining natural rights
v. Purpose of government
vi. Equality: a natural condition[/SIZE][/INDENT][B]4. Comment
5. Conclusion.[/B]

Reviews!

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1110470][B]Q: The American Revolution was the child of Enlightenment, comment.[/B]

[B]1.Introduction
2. brief overview of enlightenment
3. Hallmarks of enlightenment in the colonies:[/B][INDENT][SIZE="2"]i. Raised colonists' consciousness
ii. Rejection of British rule
iii. Need of independent government
iv. Gaining natural rights
v. Purpose of government
vi. Equality: a natural condition[/SIZE][/INDENT][B]4. Comment
5. Conclusion.[/B]

Reviews![/QUOTE]

Really interesting arguments. I'd recommend adding some more "concrete" examples and influences of the enlightenment philosophy on the American revolution as the ones you have listed are mostly ideological (though that's understandable since it is a philosophical concept). Like the declaration of independence itself being a physical manifestation of a "social contract" and many of its points being near word to word quotes of John Locke. Many of the enlightenment philosophers were directly a part of the revolution too like Thomas Paine. And then there is also the no taxation without representation slogan and the resulting chain of events like the Boston tea party which has its roots in enlightenment theory (i.e consent of the governed). I'm sure if one looks into it there are many more such examples and I'm sure you would've included them as sub-arguments to back up your points as it is but I think it is important to work them into the outline as well (if you intend on writing it with the neat work) so that the checker at a glance knows that not only have you covered the overall ideological side of the question but have an excellent grasp of dates and events which corroborate those arguments. And it's a history paper after all- they like dates and events!

[QUOTE=aishalam;1110497]Really interesting arguments. I'd recommend adding some more "concrete" examples and influences of the enlightenment philosophy on the American revolution as the ones you have listed are mostly ideological (though that's understandable since it is a philosophical concept). Like the declaration of independence itself being a physical manifestation of a "social contract" and many of its points being near word to word quotes of John Locke. Many of the enlightenment philosophers were directly a part of the revolution too like Thomas Paine. And then there is also the no taxation without representation slogan and the resulting chain of events like the Boston tea party which has its roots in enlightenment theory (i.e consent of the governed). I'm sure if one looks into it there are many more such examples and I'm sure you would've included them as sub-arguments to back up your points as it is but I think it is important to work them into the outline as well (if you intend on writing it with the neat work) so that the checker at a glance knows that not only have you covered the overall ideological side of the question but have an excellent grasp of dates and events which corroborate those arguments. And it's a history paper after all- they like dates and events![/QUOTE]

Really appreciated your reviews!
And yes, i have also included examples which you mentioned. In fact, i highlighted [B]"Manifestation of the Enlightenment in the revolution"[/B] (i.e., The declaration, Thomas Paine "common sense" and etc...) heading in my rough attempt. Though, could not add-up here in the outline.

You opted USA History? i think you had Indo-Pak.

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1110503]Really appreciated your reviews!
And yes, i have also included examples which you mentioned. In fact, i highlighted [B]"Manifestation of the Enlightenment in the revolution"[/B] (i.e., The declaration, Thomas Paine "common sense" and etc...) heading in my rough attempt. Though, could not add-up here in the outline.

You opted USA History? i think you had Indo-Pak.[/QUOTE]

Yes, I did have Indo Pak history. I just like history in general. I read a lot of historical fiction books and even though most of what I prefer center around "European History" and the Great wars, American History is part of books and pop culture as well. I mean just watching the Broadway Play Hamilton would familiarise one with the basic events and people involved in the revolution and have catchy tunes stuck in one's head to boot!!

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1110470][B]Q: The American Revolution was the child of Enlightenment, comment.[/B]

[B]1.Introduction
2. brief overview of enlightenment
3. Hallmarks of enlightenment in the colonies:[/B][INDENT][SIZE="2"]i. Raised colonists' consciousness
ii. Rejection of British rule
iii. Need of independent government
iv. Gaining natural rights
v. Purpose of government
vi. Equality: a natural condition[/SIZE][/INDENT][B]4. Comment
5. Conclusion.[/B]

Reviews![/QUOTE]
Q. American Revolution was the child of Enlightenment
[B]1.Introduction [/B]
“Revolution was in the hearts and minds of people”
[B]2. American Revolution was birth of enlightenment[/B]
New England Confederation: 1st experiment by colonies to be united against a common foe
Age of Enlightenment in Europe and its impacts on Americans
Oppressive attitude of the British government and a series of mercantile taxes encouraged them towards self-government and resistance: “No more taxes until self-representation”
Letters of Samuel Adams
Albany Congress of 1756 and Jefferson’s idea of the union
Religious and cultural enlightenment: revival of Puritanism and Protestantism in the 18th century America
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense enlightened Americans about their status
War of 1763 with France and its role in enlightening Americans
[B]3. Critical Analysis
4. Conclusion[/B]

Dear Dream, your answer seems up to the question. But, in my opinion, what you have written is impact of different developments that had been taking place then. I think you should add some developments that enlightened the Americans. You can criticize my opinion. Please, also analyse my attempt to the question.

[QUOTE=Innocent Hafeez;1110539]Q. American Revolution was the child of Enlightenment
[B]1.Introduction [/B]
“Revolution was in the hearts and minds of people”
[B]2. American Revolution was birth of enlightenment[/B]
New England Confederation: 1st experiment by colonies to be united against a common foe
Age of Enlightenment in Europe and its impacts on Americans
Oppressive attitude of the British government and a series of mercantile taxes encouraged them towards self-government and resistance: “No more taxes until self-representation”
Letters of Samuel Adams
Albany Congress of 1756 and Jefferson’s idea of the union
Religious and cultural enlightenment: revival of Puritanism and Protestantism in the 18th century America
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense enlightened Americans about their status
War of 1763 with France and its role in enlightening Americans
[B]3. Critical Analysis
4. Conclusion[/B]

Dear Dream, your answer seems up to the question. But, in my opinion, what you have written is impact of different developments that had been taking place then. I think you should add some developments that enlightened the Americans. You can criticize my opinion. Please, also analyse my attempt to the question.[/QUOTE]

Hafeez, since, the enlightenment was the philosophical and scientific movement that challenged dominance of church in political and scientific spheres to upheld natural rights i.e., equality, liberty, freedoms (of speech, expression, thought etc...). It also went against traditional theory of "divine right of kings," to perpetuate monarchy and rule the people in any way they want, and gave way to the reason and scientific development.

Therefore, my arguments in the outline are based on the facts that it awoke Americans about the British atrocities (i.e., mercantilism, political hegemony, etc...) so they rejected their rule and demanded independence. Further, enlightenment highlighted purpose of govt. to the Americans (as defined by Locke, Hobbes and others) so they knew govt. exist for them not the opposite, as in their case with the British empire. Such acknowledgements were seen in their slogans like [B]"no taxation without representation,"[/B] Thomas Paine's Common Sense and Declaration of Independence. Hence, it can be argued that American revolution was child of the Enlightenment.

Now, coming to your answer your arguments are good but seems bit disordered. Follow a (chronological) sequence of thought. [B]"Age of Enlightenment in Europe and its impacts on Americans"[/B] this is breaking a flow of the answer. Rephrase/change placement.
And, i cannot comprehend how, as mentioned in your answer, [B]"revival of Puritanism and Protestantism in the 18th century America"[/B] correlate to the arguments, because it is the age when people were becoming reluctant toward religion.
[B]"War of 1763 with France and its role in enlightening Americans"[/B] this feels ambiguous, rephrasing would be appealing.

P.S. (Sometimes, i run out of questions) You can post questions so active members can post outlines. Regular exercise would add charm to our ideas and ensure success.

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1110541]Hafeez, since, the enlightenment was the philosophical and scientific movement that challenged dominance of church in political and scientific spheres to upheld natural rights i.e., equality, liberty, freedoms (of speech, expression, thought etc...). It also went against traditional theory of "divine right of kings," to perpetuate monarchy and rule the people in any way they want, and gave way to the reason and scientific development.

Therefore, my arguments in the outline are based on the facts that it awoke Americans about the British atrocities (i.e., mercantilism, political hegemony, etc...) so they rejected their rule and demanded independence. Further, enlightenment highlighted purpose of govt. to the Americans (as defined by Locke, Hobbes and others) so they knew govt. exist for them not the opposite, as in their case with the British empire. Such acknowledgements were seen in their slogans like [B]"no taxation without representation,"[/B] Thomas Paine's Common Sense and Declaration of Independence. Hence, it can be argued that American revolution was child of the Enlightenment.

Now, coming to your answer your arguments are good but seems bit disordered. Follow a (chronological) sequence of thought. [B]"Age of Enlightenment in Europe and its impacts on Americans"[/B] this is breaking a flow of the answer. Rephrase/change placement.
And, i cannot comprehend how, as mentioned in your answer, [B]"revival of Puritanism and Protestantism in the 18th century America"[/B] correlate to the arguments, because it is the age when people were becoming reluctant toward religion.
[B]"War of 1763 with France and its role in enlightening Americans"[/B] this feels ambiguous, rephrasing would be appealing.

P.S. (Sometimes, i run out of questions) You can post questions so active members can post outlines. Regular exercise would add charm to our ideas and ensure success.[/QUOTE]

Dear, thanks for your suggestions. Your views are justified. I wrote New England Confederation, though it appears out of the context, as it was made in 1642-43. However, while reading this topic, i came to know that the colonies learnt they could fight together. One of its future impacts included uniting colonies again at the time of the Revolution. Secondly, i agree what you say about religious revival and its role, i will certainly omit it.
Besides, i will try my best to be regular on this thread. Let me post a question, which has been repeated now and then. Please members, come up with your ideas. Thanks.
[B]Q. Since the Declaration of Independence, the Westward expansion was a story of annexations, concession and purchases. Discuss.[/B]

Dear Dream, if you know answer to these questions, please post outline.
Discuss the trends and causes leading to the expansion of federal government’s power in the U.S.
What are the sources of Revenues and Funds of government in the U.S.? Is it true to say that the Americans pay taxes for civic facilities?
Compare the Lockean philosophy with the American Political thought.
What is the variance between the Treaties of Paris in 1763 and 1783? Elaborate their significant effect on the US.

[QUOTE=Innocent Hafeez;1110689]Dear Dream, if you know answer to these questions, please post outline.
Discuss the trends and causes leading to the expansion of federal government’s power in the U.S.
What are the sources of Revenues and Funds of government in the U.S.? Is it true to say that the Americans pay taxes for civic facilities?
Compare the Lockean philosophy with the American Political thought.
What is the variance between the Treaties of Paris in 1763 and 1783? Elaborate their significant effect on the US.[/QUOTE]

Apologies!
I will give you generalized concept, soon. Let me come to my senses.