Seeds of the Coming Push

¶ … seeds of the coming push for self-Government sown in the early colonies? Support your answer with specific examples. The seeds for self-government were established from the moment the American colonies came into existence. Where, a variety of individuals and groups from different backgrounds came to America, to avoid persecution in their home countries. This desire to seek out a place that these people could call home would sow the seeds of democracy, as everyone felt a sense of empowerment about where they were living.

A good example of this can be seen with Puritans (who came to Massachusetts) seeking religious freedom. In England, they were facing persecution for their conservative / traditionalist religious beliefs. When they arrived in the America, they were able to establish communities that could embrace their basic philosophy. Over the course of time, this freedom gave them a sense empowerment about their own destinies. As the Puritans did not face persecution and were allowed to control how various events would be handled in the community.

This would have an impact upon the push for self-government, by giving everyone a voice and respecting different opinions. Once the people become use to these freedoms, taking them away meant that they viewed them as an assault upon their homes. In this case, when the British would restrict the actions of various colonies (after having decades of self rule); this would create an explosive mix. As a result, they would be seen as occupiers who were trying to destroy these basic freedoms.

This is important, because it shows how from the very beginning, the foundations of self-government were established the minute many colonists arrived in the new world. (Brewer) In what ways did geography and economics affect each colonial region's choice of labor supply? The geography and economics would play a dual role in determining what kind labor supply would be utilized in a particular area. Where, the weather conditions would affect the performance of these workers on the job.

At the same time, the total economic impact would determine what kind of labor would be imported to America. A good example of this can be seen with indentured servants and African slaves. An indentured servant was working for a particular person / organization for a stated period of time. When their contract was up, they would be given their freedom and were allowed to peruse their own ambitions. For many employers this was problematic, because indentured servants were not as cost effective (given the fact that their contracts ran out).

They also, could only work in certain occupations, in select areas (normally colder regions). This is because, most indentured servants were of European decent and could not handle the extreme heat in some places (such as: the American South). As a result, both economics and geography would lead to the belief that Africans were more effective at serving this role. Over the course, of time this would become the most dominate model, because of these different considerations.

This is important, because it shows how both factors would have an impact upon how labor would evolve, as there is more of an emphasis in using Africans. As the costs were considerably less, the profit margins were greater and they were adaptable to host of different weather conditions. ("A Brief History of Slavery") How did the British and American ways of viewing representative government differ? How did these differences lead to problems between Britain and America? The British believed that Parliament should address the different issues affecting the colonies.

However, the colonists were not given any kind of representation or a way of discussing their grievances. This is different from the American views, where people felt that everyone should be allowed to speak directly with their representatives, about a host of issues. Over the course of time, this would lead to problems between Britain and America. As the colonists felt that Parliament was not willing to listen to their concerns or to discuss them, by ensuring that they had some form of representation.

This is was problematic, because it would lead to calls for an independent government that would address these issues. Over the course of time, these frustrations with Parliament would boil over. As Americans believed that they were: out of touch with reality and were imposing unfair taxes on them (without having any way of providing a forum for discussion). Once these views became more common, it would lead to a radical shift in how a representative democracy should be established.

(Geise 20 -- 35) What is your assessment of the presidency of Andrew Jackson? Do you view his presidency as more of a success or more of a failure? Explain and give examples to back your choice. Jackson's Presidency was considered to be a failure. The reason why is because the various actions that he took, would.