Peace boyyy.
War is a pure and prime example of human's simple nature of greed and pride. You must ask yourself what's worth fighting for? Most focus' of war are based on money, religion, oil, grudges, trade, and pride. Can you see anyone of your friends of family dieing for one of these things? Even if you want to "stand up for your country & protect", what are you really fighting for? A war you didn't even create, a war over power of man. There are no possessions, but mankind's obsession with owning the most makes pride almost unconquerable.
There are plenty of alternatives to war, if people could comply, compromise and just be at peace with each other, they could work it out. But you can not make people do anything, they have to want a change. Understanding both sides of a conflict and listening to each other's needs and separating them from the wants might leave the air clearing of animosity.
During the American Revolution, it seems logical that the new found land held no debt to Britain, therefor their claim of ownership seems way too greedy, even 3,000 miles away. The new world was rightfully that, a new world. One separate from Britain, with different dreams and goals. The war segued seems ridiculous to fight for something that was never really Britain's.
Though, when things get rocky, war seems to be one of the first things on the action list. War destroys nations with the diversity of picking sides. War ruins countries economically, it tears apart families. Is the gain really worth all of the loss? The visions that kids will see, growing up thinking that the answer could always possibly be fighting, is just feeding in to the destruction of hopes and dreams of peace.
The war in Iraq is all a judgement of perception of if it was the right thing to do at the time or not. Of course, I believe that it's a bullshit battle over junk that we could adapt without. Whatever motivated the terrorist to kill so many people on 9/11 is far beyond me, but there is nothing worth fighting for. If everyone just believed in peace, then it could be maintained "peace can not be kept by force, only by understanding" -Albert Einstein. I think that if we just sat back and kept our ground, and integrity, that there could have been a different way to solving this racial, religious, oil driven war.
What if?
The Boston Massacre was the first realization of the lasting essence of British law enforcement that the colonist thought they left behind. A simple misunderstanding turned into 5 civilians getting killed. The guards held responsible for their deaths are not so surly looked down upon because they were following orders they thought they heard. But what if nobody was actually killed. What if it was just a verbal debate, with goverment left out completely [seeing that the argument hadn't had anything to do with politics] would their still be animosity between the colonist and Britian's selfish exploits.
If nobody was killed on the streets of Boston on march 5, 1770, would the tension between cilvians and military still be as strong? Would the revolution have started so early, when America wasn't really ready to even get on their feet yet? It seems as though the Revolution was inevidable, but it could have waited. The laws being passed in America were enraging but were they enough for the colonist to declare war? If the Revolution had waited, at least until the colonist had a trained, sturdy military base, could the Revolution have been less painful, less expensive or long?
I believe that today, would still be the same, regaurdless if the Boston Massacre happened or not, because I think that the revolution would had happened no matter what. But, there might have been less to talk about because the war may have been way quicker and more vitorious.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
book portfolio - animal farm
Animal Farm
By: Shylo Lesperance
Animal Farm, a short novel written by George Orwell, creates very visual scenes from a world of animals taking examples from humans of communism, or even slavery. Orwell writes in a satire way to show the deceit and lies of government and dictatorship. In short, the animals realize the cruelty and abuse from their master (Jones, owner of the farm) and plot to overthrow him. They are successful, but the persuasion of some of the animals convinces the others to follow their leadership. Over time, their direction and organization turns to the roots of cause of the revolution. Reading this will sshine light on how no matter how hard a group of people try, someone will take on the leadership and maybe even with out the intent, will be corrupted by the power and by nature of the heart, probably will take advantage and abuse their power. Ultimately, it may be a little idealistic to think that everyone can live in equality.
When the revolution was first in full swing, everyone was convinced that their work would not be as demanding and everyone would share everything equally and fairly amongst all the animals. The Revolution was first inspired once the animalsmade it evident that Jones (the farm owner) was getting rich off of them and giving little back to them. He beat them with whips to make them work and the animals figured that with the exacution of his presence on the farm, they could have everything that they make. Ideas of animalism were prevailed from Old Major, but he did not live to see the revolution. But with the confidence and logically thinking leadership of Snowball, they were beginning to make things work. All the other animals were happy and had total faith in a new farm, and after Jones was overthrown, everyone worked equally as hard and recieved as payment, the fruit of their labors. But as most good things, nothing lasts forever. Snowball was chased off the farm by the dogs under Napoleon's orders. Napoleon was intimadating and often convinced the animals that he was doing everything for the good of the farm. But he was only power hungry. Napoleon was decieving and used force to make the others follow. He soon had an army of dogs to follow his orders and his side kick, Squealer to helpwith the dirty work. Some worked harder than others though. Mollie, a beautifully vain horse, was not used to the demanding work and decided to run away once her comrads were not allowing her the privelage of laziness. When some animals approached Napoleon confessed conteact with other humans, they were shown no mercy and killed on that day. This along with other events, contradicted the commandments that were designed for everyone to live peacfully together. One of the seven commandments specifically stated that no animal shall ever harm another. Fear and shock overwhelmed most on the farm. This was the first real show of violence towards each other during the revolution. Henceforth, most of the animals stayed in line and just accepted that life was this way, but were regulary convinced and told that things were going to get better. They worked hard and diligently to build, and rebuild the windmill that would enable more work to be done. Napoleon even recruited a raven (Moses) to fill the animals brains with dreams of a candy mountain that was closely like heaven. This was motivation for the animals to work harder. Some animals were passionate about this working, a motivating equal was Boxer, the strong, hard working horse. Boxer worked harder than all the other animals and was a rolemodel to most. He often said "I will work harder" and "Napoleon is always right". But, Napoleon, being the power hungry pig that he was, just used Boxer until Boxer, literally could not work another day, and sold him to humans, where he would ultimately be slaughtered. Things just got worse, commandments were changed, evenutally cut completely, pigs were walking on two feet wearing clothing, the flag was reconstructed to not symbolize the farm anymore. The pigs and dogs were greedy and getting more greedier. The animals were working harder, longer and were kept in the dark about the majority of the plans for the future of the farm. They recieved barely the minimal amount of food to keep them healthy enough to work. By the end of the story, it was clear that the pigs and dogs became exactly what they were fighting against in the beginning of the revolution.
Orwell wrote this book intentionally to relate Animal farm to the Russian Revolution. Each animal represents a specific person or element of the Russian Revolution. Much like in 1917, the uproar of people against emperor Czar Nicholas II because of his poor leadership and unfair distribution of food to the people of Russia, caused the influence of dreams for a new way of life. Czar made money off of students to make money and was often brutal to anyone who stood against him. Russia was suffering from some malnutrition and nothing was changing. Karl Marx brought out the idea of a communist government, where there would be no rich and no poor and everyone would work equally hard and fairly, recieve the same as their fellow neighbors. But passes away before the Revolution began (like Old Major). In shadow of Marx, Leon Trotsky led the final revolution. Encouraging everyone the life could be better in Russia for everyone. But like Snowball, Leon was chased away and exiled by Lenin K GB. After Trotsky was gone, Joesph Stalin appeared with a fight for communism. And because he called himself a "communist", he had the support of many Russians, just like Boxer conveyed confidence in Napoleon. They believed practically everything that Stalin said and followed his orders. Of course, there were the rich who acted like Mollie, and ran off to other countries that let them live in their luxuries and refuse to take part of the revolution. Most were influenced by religious pressures, and when they were focusing on an after life, it took their minds off what was going politically. In Animal farm, Moses often told stories to the animals of an afterlife of candy mountain, this kept the animals from complaining too much and gave them something to work for. In the Russian revolution, propaganda was also an influence, trashing Nicholas II, and always hearing that eventually stuck in their heads. There were always the people that were indifferent or not completely buying the intentions of Stalin, Benjamin, the donkey, was convinced throughout the entire revolution that it would fail because "nothing ever changes". Both revolutions did fall through and things were not fixed, and possibly even got worse than to begin with.
Orwell did a great job over all writing this very persuasive novel, indirectly establishing the perks and failures of communism. It makes you wonder if the possibility of everyone living equally is really realistic, or is there always going to be superiors and prejudices? I think that the fairest way for everyone is to have a democratic government like we have here in the US. We vote and decide our own laws and regulations that are suitable for our way of living. Therefore, no one man or women or pig, has ultimate power to make choices that not the majority of people think is best for us.
By: Shylo Lesperance
Animal Farm, a short novel written by George Orwell, creates very visual scenes from a world of animals taking examples from humans of communism, or even slavery. Orwell writes in a satire way to show the deceit and lies of government and dictatorship. In short, the animals realize the cruelty and abuse from their master (Jones, owner of the farm) and plot to overthrow him. They are successful, but the persuasion of some of the animals convinces the others to follow their leadership. Over time, their direction and organization turns to the roots of cause of the revolution. Reading this will sshine light on how no matter how hard a group of people try, someone will take on the leadership and maybe even with out the intent, will be corrupted by the power and by nature of the heart, probably will take advantage and abuse their power. Ultimately, it may be a little idealistic to think that everyone can live in equality.
When the revolution was first in full swing, everyone was convinced that their work would not be as demanding and everyone would share everything equally and fairly amongst all the animals. The Revolution was first inspired once the animalsmade it evident that Jones (the farm owner) was getting rich off of them and giving little back to them. He beat them with whips to make them work and the animals figured that with the exacution of his presence on the farm, they could have everything that they make. Ideas of animalism were prevailed from Old Major, but he did not live to see the revolution. But with the confidence and logically thinking leadership of Snowball, they were beginning to make things work. All the other animals were happy and had total faith in a new farm, and after Jones was overthrown, everyone worked equally as hard and recieved as payment, the fruit of their labors. But as most good things, nothing lasts forever. Snowball was chased off the farm by the dogs under Napoleon's orders. Napoleon was intimadating and often convinced the animals that he was doing everything for the good of the farm. But he was only power hungry. Napoleon was decieving and used force to make the others follow. He soon had an army of dogs to follow his orders and his side kick, Squealer to helpwith the dirty work. Some worked harder than others though. Mollie, a beautifully vain horse, was not used to the demanding work and decided to run away once her comrads were not allowing her the privelage of laziness. When some animals approached Napoleon confessed conteact with other humans, they were shown no mercy and killed on that day. This along with other events, contradicted the commandments that were designed for everyone to live peacfully together. One of the seven commandments specifically stated that no animal shall ever harm another. Fear and shock overwhelmed most on the farm. This was the first real show of violence towards each other during the revolution. Henceforth, most of the animals stayed in line and just accepted that life was this way, but were regulary convinced and told that things were going to get better. They worked hard and diligently to build, and rebuild the windmill that would enable more work to be done. Napoleon even recruited a raven (Moses) to fill the animals brains with dreams of a candy mountain that was closely like heaven. This was motivation for the animals to work harder. Some animals were passionate about this working, a motivating equal was Boxer, the strong, hard working horse. Boxer worked harder than all the other animals and was a rolemodel to most. He often said "I will work harder" and "Napoleon is always right". But, Napoleon, being the power hungry pig that he was, just used Boxer until Boxer, literally could not work another day, and sold him to humans, where he would ultimately be slaughtered. Things just got worse, commandments were changed, evenutally cut completely, pigs were walking on two feet wearing clothing, the flag was reconstructed to not symbolize the farm anymore. The pigs and dogs were greedy and getting more greedier. The animals were working harder, longer and were kept in the dark about the majority of the plans for the future of the farm. They recieved barely the minimal amount of food to keep them healthy enough to work. By the end of the story, it was clear that the pigs and dogs became exactly what they were fighting against in the beginning of the revolution.
Orwell wrote this book intentionally to relate Animal farm to the Russian Revolution. Each animal represents a specific person or element of the Russian Revolution. Much like in 1917, the uproar of people against emperor Czar Nicholas II because of his poor leadership and unfair distribution of food to the people of Russia, caused the influence of dreams for a new way of life. Czar made money off of students to make money and was often brutal to anyone who stood against him. Russia was suffering from some malnutrition and nothing was changing. Karl Marx brought out the idea of a communist government, where there would be no rich and no poor and everyone would work equally hard and fairly, recieve the same as their fellow neighbors. But passes away before the Revolution began (like Old Major). In shadow of Marx, Leon Trotsky led the final revolution. Encouraging everyone the life could be better in Russia for everyone. But like Snowball, Leon was chased away and exiled by Lenin K GB. After Trotsky was gone, Joesph Stalin appeared with a fight for communism. And because he called himself a "communist", he had the support of many Russians, just like Boxer conveyed confidence in Napoleon. They believed practically everything that Stalin said and followed his orders. Of course, there were the rich who acted like Mollie, and ran off to other countries that let them live in their luxuries and refuse to take part of the revolution. Most were influenced by religious pressures, and when they were focusing on an after life, it took their minds off what was going politically. In Animal farm, Moses often told stories to the animals of an afterlife of candy mountain, this kept the animals from complaining too much and gave them something to work for. In the Russian revolution, propaganda was also an influence, trashing Nicholas II, and always hearing that eventually stuck in their heads. There were always the people that were indifferent or not completely buying the intentions of Stalin, Benjamin, the donkey, was convinced throughout the entire revolution that it would fail because "nothing ever changes". Both revolutions did fall through and things were not fixed, and possibly even got worse than to begin with.
Orwell did a great job over all writing this very persuasive novel, indirectly establishing the perks and failures of communism. It makes you wonder if the possibility of everyone living equally is really realistic, or is there always going to be superiors and prejudices? I think that the fairest way for everyone is to have a democratic government like we have here in the US. We vote and decide our own laws and regulations that are suitable for our way of living. Therefore, no one man or women or pig, has ultimate power to make choices that not the majority of people think is best for us.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Valley Forge - Soldier's Letter
Feb 7, 1778
Dear Father,
I wish you were here. How is mother? How is Jacob and Sarah? I bet they are so big now. Give them all big hugs for me. War is nothing of what we expected. But this is something I had to do, not only for the revolution but for myself. You and mother gave me the foundation to be able to take all of this in, but I swear, even you, as a pastor of our hometown, who has seen many hardships since we have been in the America's, could not imagine the spirit of the men that surround me. Some have lost all hope in this, some are as determined still as they were 6 months ago. As for me, I still hold faith, and am doing everything I can to stick it out.
Washington, once someone I admired, has fallen short of my expectations as a commander. I accept that he is only one man, but I did not expect him to lead us like he has. I assume that my anticipation of easy victory was just a show of naive character, and I still strongly support what we are fighting for, for I want my family, one day, to grow up in a free nation. Washington's methods are slow and positions us mainly on the defence. Even our offence is a waiting game and quick to end. I have seen so much since I enlisted. I have found courage in myself that I did not know was locked inside of me. I only hope you and mother can be proud of who I have become. Washington is a great man, and I still have faith in his experience and will do whatever he wants us to do still.
Winter has been hard, but nothing lasts forever. The last battle in German town, was a disappointment, but not discouraging enough to give up. Things will start to get better, or we will end up coming back home. Thus far, my plans are to continue supporting this fully, and putting everything into this. I hope all is well at home, and want you to know that when I finally come home, I am looking to become a part of the church. Maybe one day take your place, or starting my own church, for I have only found faith and strength through god through all of this, and I want to completely devote myself to him after this war is over.
One more thing, how is Susan? Does she still wear my promise ring? Is her father coming around? Do you think he will consider me a man once he knows what I have done in honor of this country? Do you, dad, honestly, think he will ever give her, us, his blessings? Please let her know that the thought of her keeps my chin up, and gives me perseverance.
I am unaware of the our next adventure, for we are still waiting for word from France, and I am unsure of how dependable the mail post is, but if you can, write please? It would give me confidence knowing that you think that what I am doing, is the right thing. Maybe I'll even be home for my 19th birthday in June! Wouldn't that be pleasant! See you soon.
I love you,
Noah Camron Bruce
Dear Father,
I wish you were here. How is mother? How is Jacob and Sarah? I bet they are so big now. Give them all big hugs for me. War is nothing of what we expected. But this is something I had to do, not only for the revolution but for myself. You and mother gave me the foundation to be able to take all of this in, but I swear, even you, as a pastor of our hometown, who has seen many hardships since we have been in the America's, could not imagine the spirit of the men that surround me. Some have lost all hope in this, some are as determined still as they were 6 months ago. As for me, I still hold faith, and am doing everything I can to stick it out.
Washington, once someone I admired, has fallen short of my expectations as a commander. I accept that he is only one man, but I did not expect him to lead us like he has. I assume that my anticipation of easy victory was just a show of naive character, and I still strongly support what we are fighting for, for I want my family, one day, to grow up in a free nation. Washington's methods are slow and positions us mainly on the defence. Even our offence is a waiting game and quick to end. I have seen so much since I enlisted. I have found courage in myself that I did not know was locked inside of me. I only hope you and mother can be proud of who I have become. Washington is a great man, and I still have faith in his experience and will do whatever he wants us to do still.
Winter has been hard, but nothing lasts forever. The last battle in German town, was a disappointment, but not discouraging enough to give up. Things will start to get better, or we will end up coming back home. Thus far, my plans are to continue supporting this fully, and putting everything into this. I hope all is well at home, and want you to know that when I finally come home, I am looking to become a part of the church. Maybe one day take your place, or starting my own church, for I have only found faith and strength through god through all of this, and I want to completely devote myself to him after this war is over.
One more thing, how is Susan? Does she still wear my promise ring? Is her father coming around? Do you think he will consider me a man once he knows what I have done in honor of this country? Do you, dad, honestly, think he will ever give her, us, his blessings? Please let her know that the thought of her keeps my chin up, and gives me perseverance.
I am unaware of the our next adventure, for we are still waiting for word from France, and I am unsure of how dependable the mail post is, but if you can, write please? It would give me confidence knowing that you think that what I am doing, is the right thing. Maybe I'll even be home for my 19th birthday in June! Wouldn't that be pleasant! See you soon.
I love you,
Noah Camron Bruce
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Exam #4
Essay #1
Gentlemen of the jury, I stand before you to speak in regards of the 5 innocent people who were murdered on March 5, 1770. They were gathered in the street in curiosity and with no bad intentions. The men that pulled their triggers, and fired into the crowd were confused and scared, of this I am sure, but that does not mean that they are not responsible for the lives they took. 5 people are dead because of their actions. The riot was caused by 2 men. When someone on the street asked a guard about a bill that the guard owed a friend of the pedestrian, harsh words were exchanged, and a fight broke out. When a crowd gathered around to see what was going on, the guard called for backup in fear of his own life, the crowd got bigger. It is believed that captainPreston did not order fire to his men, and though he did have his sword out, and this is usually a sign of beginning a battle, I believe that he had it out in fear of things getting out of control. He claims that he told his men "Do not fire", but over all the noise, all they heard was "fire", so 5 guards did take aim at the crowd.
detailed reasons why the colonies should rebel
what do you (as historical writer in 1776) see as the future in America
Fellow Americans who gathered here today, we are in the midst of a revolution. We have taken the steps to come this far to rid us of the potent poison that King George III has tried to impair us with. We are nothing but slaves to bring in money to pay off his war that he made us fight. We are nothing more than work mules to him. He has held us back with his laws, taxes and religious pressures. We can be free now. If we all stand up for this, together, we can make independence ours.
The foundation of our existence here is because of our ancestors who wanted the freedom to raise their children under their own terms, to have the freedom to teach them, us, what they believed was right. We are born with the intellect to work and defend ourselves, why would we continue to live under Britain's laws. We can start our own country, work for ourselves, live among the vase beautiful land of the Americas, and leave behind the drag of Britain. They have caused us a great deal of pain, taking from us what is rightfully ours, making our neighbors and brothers fight for something they do not believe in. America is not Britain, and we should not treat it like Britain. So, let us make a change. Britain has polluted our minds in to thinking that it is as good as it gets, but Britain isn't even close to the light we could have with our freedom. Let us decide on our own terms what will work for us. Let's not let Britain take from us anymore.
America will be everything we ever dreamed of. We will have the freedom to raise our children in an environment we have chosen and created suited for their well being. America has the potential to be the greatest country, with the strongest men, the most successful government, and the most cultural, wisest citizens. We will work hard and keep what we have earned, and we will have the rights that are rightfully ours by birth. Again, fellow freedom finders, let's take a stand and take back what is ours. Lets get the freedom that should already have been ours when we sailed here. HERE HERE!
Gentlemen of the jury, I stand before you to speak in regards of the 5 innocent people who were murdered on March 5, 1770. They were gathered in the street in curiosity and with no bad intentions. The men that pulled their triggers, and fired into the crowd were confused and scared, of this I am sure, but that does not mean that they are not responsible for the lives they took. 5 people are dead because of their actions. The riot was caused by 2 men. When someone on the street asked a guard about a bill that the guard owed a friend of the pedestrian, harsh words were exchanged, and a fight broke out. When a crowd gathered around to see what was going on, the guard called for backup in fear of his own life, the crowd got bigger. It is believed that captain
The guards are supposed to keep order in an appropriate manner, and keep everyone safe. The crowd was being instigating, but I would not call the name calling that occurred threatening. The guards were not authorized to kill those 5 people, but because of the confusion and misunderstanding, I do not think they can not be held accountable for this fateful day. I can not say it enough, they are responsible for killing those people, but I do believe they have already suffered enough, and it is not necessary to punish them further.
Given the circumstance, we know that the guards may have fired in fear of the mob becoming too rebellious to control, but the answer does not lie within old British ways. We are aware that we must have anarchist among us, but we will not stand to be pushed around by misleading authority in our new world. We want to be more civil and handle situations in a better way than our ancestors did. I do not believe these guards should be hanged, but set free to protect our colonies once again if they wish, and with the knowledge they obtain now, they will be more careful, and more motivated the take care of things differently. As for the families who lost loved ones on march 5, 1770, I hope they can only understand and forgive these guards for their wrongs but pray for their better decisions in the future. Thank you.
Essay #2
explain what right the colonies have to rebel against Britaindetailed reasons why the colonies should rebel
what do you (as historical writer in 1776) see as the future in America
Fellow Americans who gathered here today, we are in the midst of a revolution. We have taken the steps to come this far to rid us of the potent poison that King George III has tried to impair us with. We are nothing but slaves to bring in money to pay off his war that he made us fight. We are nothing more than work mules to him. He has held us back with his laws, taxes and religious pressures. We can be free now. If we all stand up for this, together, we can make independence ours.
The foundation of our existence here is because of our ancestors who wanted the freedom to raise their children under their own terms, to have the freedom to teach them, us, what they believed was right. We are born with the intellect to work and defend ourselves, why would we continue to live under Britain's laws. We can start our own country, work for ourselves, live among the vase beautiful land of the Americas, and leave behind the drag of Britain. They have caused us a great deal of pain, taking from us what is rightfully ours, making our neighbors and brothers fight for something they do not believe in. America is not Britain, and we should not treat it like Britain. So, let us make a change. Britain has polluted our minds in to thinking that it is as good as it gets, but Britain isn't even close to the light we could have with our freedom. Let us decide on our own terms what will work for us. Let's not let Britain take from us anymore.
America will be everything we ever dreamed of. We will have the freedom to raise our children in an environment we have chosen and created suited for their well being. America has the potential to be the greatest country, with the strongest men, the most successful government, and the most cultural, wisest citizens. We will work hard and keep what we have earned, and we will have the rights that are rightfully ours by birth. Again, fellow freedom finders, let's take a stand and take back what is ours. Lets get the freedom that should already have been ours when we sailed here. HERE HERE!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
George Washington
George Washington, probably one of the first names you think of when you think of American History. A man known for many accomplishments, famous for being America's first ever president, commander of the continental Army, and a face on the American dollar bill. In Bridges Creek, in Westmoreland County Virgina, baby George was born on February 1732, to Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington. Washington's father died in 1743, then George went to live a plantation on the Potomac with his half brother Lawrence, who became a father figure to him. His brother was married to the Fairfax family. George wanted to go to sea, but his mother was disapproving, and he changed his ambition to become a surveyor. In 1748 George surveyed his first time Lord Fairfax's lands in the Shenandoah Valley. George helped survey and map Belhaven (now Alexandria) then became surveyor for Culpeper County, Virginia. In 1752, Lawrence died of tuberculosis, this motivated George to help support the military.
In 1753 George was dispatched to fight for territory against the British. He didn't have any experience but was a diligent learner. His superiors recognized this about him, and gave him deserved respect. A year later, George was sent to set up Fort Necessity on the Forks of the Ohio river. On July 3, the French invaded the grounds and they fought all day in the down puring rain. Washington and his troops surrendered due to wet ammunition and food loss. The french allowed Washington to march his troops back to Williamsburg. Disappointed, Washington resigned from commission in 1954.
In 1753 George was dispatched to fight for territory against the British. He didn't have any experience but was a diligent learner. His superiors recognized this about him, and gave him deserved respect. A year later, George was sent to set up Fort Necessity on the Forks of the Ohio river. On July 3, the French invaded the grounds and they fought all day in the down puring rain. Washington and his troops surrendered due to wet ammunition and food loss. The french allowed Washington to march his troops back to Williamsburg. Disappointed, Washington resigned from commission in 1954.
The following year he volunteered to accompany British General Edward Braddock in a force against the French. When Washington was only 23 he was promoted to colonel and commander in chief of the Virginia militia. Working with General John Forbes against French attack, he was assigned responsibility for protecting the frontier. This is where Washington and everyone around him discovered the mature, intelligent soldier that he was. In 1758 he felt as though the frontier was stable enough to leave to maintain his neglected home and property in Mount Vernon.
In 1759 he married young, windowed Martha Dandridge Custis, and became a father to her two children. He entered the Virginia's House of Burgesses and served until 1774 along with Thomas Jeffereson. In 1965 the house fought against the stamp act. Washington was discouraged when while he was working with Great Britain, they posed the stamp act which disabled him from expanding into further more western lands. In 1774, Washington became a delegate in the First and Second Continental Congress, and was elected commander in chief of the Continental forces in 1775. He along with Silas Deane, Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman, Thomas McKean, George Read, Caesar Rodney, Samuel Chase, Robert Goldsborough, Thomas Johnson, William Paca, Matthew Tilghman, John Adams, Samual Adams, Thomas Cushing, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, Nathaniel Folsom, John Sullivan, Stehpen Crane, John De Hart, James Kinsey, William Livingston, Richard Smith, John Alsop, Simon Boerum, James Duane, William Floyd, John Haring, John Jay, Isaac Low, Joseph Hewes, William Hooper, John Dickinson, Joseph Galloway, Charles Humphreys, Thomas Mifflin, John Morton, Samuel Rhodes, George Ross, Stephen Hopkins, Samuel Ward, Christopher Gadsden, Thomas Lynch Sr., Hanry Middleton, Edward Rutledge, John Rutledge, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Edmund Pendleton, and Peyton Randolph
During the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Washington took responsibility in training 14,ooo troops surrounding the British in Boston in protecting the carrying in of supplies. Afterwards, Washington left for New York City to defend the forces of Sir William Howe. He was unable to defend his position in Brooklyn and retreated to Westchester County. Washington lost New York to the British, and in the last months of 1776, the enlistment for the men that were still there, was ticking to an end. They were short of men and supplies. Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 and attacked the Hessian garrison. The major success of that year was the defeat of the British at Saratoga in October of 1777, which belonged to Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates. After a long, torturous winter at Valley Forge, Washington found out that France had received news of American independence. With the help of the Prussian Baron Von Steuben and the French Marquis de LaFayette, he was able to lift the spirits of the remaining army and turn them into a strong force. By 1780 the French allies arrived, and Washing, along with Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan were responsible for the outcome of the war.
After the war was over, Mount Vernon was calling Washington to come clean it up. This place in time though, he took no part in any Virginia politics, he took the time to work hard on restoring his estate. He farmed crops and bred hunting dogs and horses. He was still interested in land, this time more specifically near the Ohio River.
In 1789, George Washington was unanimously elected the first president of the United States of America. Washington was persistent about dividing up the land that was not yet bordered. He wanted to set things up for future presidents. Washing was reelected in 1792, faced decisions that were not only political but personal as well when the cabinet was undecided about remaining neutral in the war between England and France. Washington agreed with the Hamiltonians that they should have peace with Great Britain. Differences were settled between Britain and the States, when he accepted Jay's Treaty in 1794. Washington's cabinet consisted of Thomas Jefferson, Edmund Randolph, Timothey Pickering, Alexandra Hamilton, Oliver Wolcott Jr, Henry Knox, James McHenry, William Bradford, and Charles Lee.
"By March 1797, when Washington left office, the country's financial system was well established; the Indian threat east of the Mississippi had been largely eliminated; and Jay's Treaty and Pinckney's Treaty (1795) with Spain had enlarged U.S. territory and removed serious diplomatic difficulties. In spite of the animosities and conflicting opinions between Democratic-Republicans and members of the Hamiltonian Federalist party, the two groups were at least united in acceptance of the new federal government. Washington refused to run for a third term and, after a masterly Farewell Address in which he warned the United States against permanent alliances abroad, he went home to Mount Vernon. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Federalist John Adams. Although Washington reluctantly accepted command of the army in 1798 when war with France seemed imminent, he did not assume an active role. He preferred to spend his last years in happy retirement at Mount Vernon. In mid-December, Washington contracted what was probably quinsy or acute laryngitis; he declined rapidly and died at his estate on Dec. 14, 1799. " -a George Washington Biography
In 1759 he married young, windowed Martha Dandridge Custis, and became a father to her two children. He entered the Virginia's House of Burgesses and served until 1774 along with Thomas Jeffereson. In 1965 the house fought against the stamp act. Washington was discouraged when while he was working with Great Britain, they posed the stamp act which disabled him from expanding into further more western lands. In 1774, Washington became a delegate in the First and Second Continental Congress, and was elected commander in chief of the Continental forces in 1775. He along with Silas Deane, Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman, Thomas McKean, George Read, Caesar Rodney, Samuel Chase, Robert Goldsborough, Thomas Johnson, William Paca, Matthew Tilghman, John Adams, Samual Adams, Thomas Cushing, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, Nathaniel Folsom, John Sullivan, Stehpen Crane, John De Hart, James Kinsey, William Livingston, Richard Smith, John Alsop, Simon Boerum, James Duane, William Floyd, John Haring, John Jay, Isaac Low, Joseph Hewes, William Hooper, John Dickinson, Joseph Galloway, Charles Humphreys, Thomas Mifflin, John Morton, Samuel Rhodes, George Ross, Stephen Hopkins, Samuel Ward, Christopher Gadsden, Thomas Lynch Sr., Hanry Middleton, Edward Rutledge, John Rutledge, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Edmund Pendleton, and Peyton Randolph
During the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Washington took responsibility in training 14,ooo troops surrounding the British in Boston in protecting the carrying in of supplies. Afterwards, Washington left for New York City to defend the forces of Sir William Howe. He was unable to defend his position in Brooklyn and retreated to Westchester County. Washington lost New York to the British, and in the last months of 1776, the enlistment for the men that were still there, was ticking to an end. They were short of men and supplies. Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 and attacked the Hessian garrison. The major success of that year was the defeat of the British at Saratoga in October of 1777, which belonged to Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates. After a long, torturous winter at Valley Forge, Washington found out that France had received news of American independence. With the help of the Prussian Baron Von Steuben and the French Marquis de LaFayette, he was able to lift the spirits of the remaining army and turn them into a strong force. By 1780 the French allies arrived, and Washing, along with Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan were responsible for the outcome of the war.
After the war was over, Mount Vernon was calling Washington to come clean it up. This place in time though, he took no part in any Virginia politics, he took the time to work hard on restoring his estate. He farmed crops and bred hunting dogs and horses. He was still interested in land, this time more specifically near the Ohio River.
In 1789, George Washington was unanimously elected the first president of the United States of America. Washington was persistent about dividing up the land that was not yet bordered. He wanted to set things up for future presidents. Washing was reelected in 1792, faced decisions that were not only political but personal as well when the cabinet was undecided about remaining neutral in the war between England and France. Washington agreed with the Hamiltonians that they should have peace with Great Britain. Differences were settled between Britain and the States, when he accepted Jay's Treaty in 1794. Washington's cabinet consisted of Thomas Jefferson, Edmund Randolph, Timothey Pickering, Alexandra Hamilton, Oliver Wolcott Jr, Henry Knox, James McHenry, William Bradford, and Charles Lee.
"By March 1797, when Washington left office, the country's financial system was well established; the Indian threat east of the Mississippi had been largely eliminated; and Jay's Treaty and Pinckney's Treaty (1795) with Spain had enlarged U.S. territory and removed serious diplomatic difficulties. In spite of the animosities and conflicting opinions between Democratic-Republicans and members of the Hamiltonian Federalist party, the two groups were at least united in acceptance of the new federal government. Washington refused to run for a third term and, after a masterly Farewell Address in which he warned the United States against permanent alliances abroad, he went home to Mount Vernon. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Federalist John Adams. Although Washington reluctantly accepted command of the army in 1798 when war with France seemed imminent, he did not assume an active role. He preferred to spend his last years in happy retirement at Mount Vernon. In mid-December, Washington contracted what was probably quinsy or acute laryngitis; he declined rapidly and died at his estate on Dec. 14, 1799. " -a George Washington Biography
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Boston massacre
Gentlemen of the jury, I stand before you to speak in regards of the 5 innocent people who were murdered on March 5, 1770. They were gathered in the street in curiosity and with no bad intentions. The men that pulled their triggers, and fired into the crowd were confused and scared, of this I am sure, but that does not mean that they are not responsible for the lives they took. 5 people are dead because of their actions. The riot was caused by 2 men. When someone on the street asked a guard about a bill that the guard owed a friend of the pedestrian, harsh words were exchanged, and a fight broke out. When a crowd gathered around to see what was going on, the guard called for backup in fear of his own life, the crowd got bigger. It is believed that captain
The guards are supposed to keep order in an appropriate manner, and keep everyone safe. The crowd was being instigating, but I would not call the name calling that occurred threatening. The guards were not authorized to kill those 5 people, but because of the confusion and misunderstanding, I do not think they can not be held accountable for this fateful day. I can not say it enough, they are responsible for killing those people, but I do believe they have already suffered enough, and it is not necessary to punish them further.
Given the circumstance, we know that the guards may have fired in fear of the mob becoming too rebellious to control, but the answer does not lie within old British ways. We are aware that we must have anarchist among us, but we will not stand to be pushed around by misleading authority in our new world. We want to be more civil and handle situations in a better way than our ancestors did. I do not believe these guards should be hanged, but set free to protect our colonies once again if they wish, and with the knowledge they obtain now, they will be more careful, and more motivated the take care of things differently. As for the families who lost loved ones on march 5, 1770, I hope they can only understand and forgive these guards for their wrongs but pray for their better decisions in the future. Thank you.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Revolutionary war notes
Revolution and War
1764—Grenville Acts (direct tax)- The grenville acts were the things that they taxed.
Sugar (molasses, wine)
Stamp
1763-1789
Revolution Notes
1763—Proclamation Act- The proclomation act was a line that stated the indians land from the americans land it was the aplation mountains.
1764—Grenville Acts (direct tax)- The grenville acts were the things that they taxed.
Sugar (molasses, wine)
Stamp
Quartering
Currency
Virtual/ Direct Representation
1765—Stamp Act Congress- This is the late act of the parlament. An act for granting and applying certain stamp duties.
- Sons of Liberty
- Samuel Adams
- Paul Revere
- John Hancock
- Propaganda
- Boycotts
- Lobsters (Lobster-backs, Thomas Lobster)
1766—Declaratory Act- Britan will take the taxes away but they can tax them on what ever they want.
1767—Townsend Acts (indirect tax)- The townsend act is where taxes are put on the common products imported into America. This was the second attack.
- Charles Townsend
- Writs of Assistance (search warrants)
- Revenue used to pay Royal officials in the colonies
- Tea Act (glass, paper, paint) support British East India Company
1770—Boston Massacre- The Boston Massacre was a clash between the British and the Colonists. They used it as propoganda.
- March 5, 1770
- Local reaction (primarily)
- 5 dead colonists
- John Adams defends British soldiers/5 exonerated-2 convicted
- Convicted men discharged and thumbs branded
1773—Boston Tea Party - The Boston Tea Party was an act of direct action protest by the American Colonists against British Government. 
- November 30, 1773--Dartmouth sails into Boston Harbor
- December 16, 1773--Tea dumped into harbor
- 340 chests of tea dumped (value of 10,000 British pounds)
1774—Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts in Britain)-formed britains punishment over britain and massachesettes.
- Close the port of Boston
- Shut down Provincial and Town Governments
- All offices appointed
- Named General Thomas Gage as Governor
- Gave all western lands north of the Ohio R. to Quebec, allowed Catholic Church to practice
1774—1st Continental Congress- The First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia's Carpenters Hall on September 5, 1774. The idea of such a meeting was advanced a year earlier by Benjamin Franklin, but failed to gain much support until after the Port of Boston was closed in response to the Boston Tea Party.
Twelve of the 13 colonies sent delegates. Georgia decided against roiling the waters; they were facing attacks from the restive Creek on their borders and desperately needed the support of regular British soldiers.
- September to October (7 weeks)
- Carpenter’s Hall, Philadelphia
- New England—John Adams, Paul Revere, Silas Deane
- Virginia—Washington, Patrick Henry, Peyton Randolph, Richard Henry Lee
- Pennsylvania—John Dickenson, Joseph Galloway (Plan for American council under Parliament, to avoid war)
- New York—John Jay, James Duane
- Maryland—Samuel Chase (future Supreme Court Justice), Charles Carroll (richest man in Maryland, Catholic)
- Declaration of Rights—rejects Parliamentary authority over internal colonial affairs, colonies manage own defense, united aid to Boston if Intolerable Acts continue, absolute boycott of British goods to be enforced rigidly
1775— January
- William Pitt urges Parliament to withdraw troops from America because the idea of managing the colonies through force was “too ridiculous to take up a moment of your lordships’ time”
1775—April 19 Lexington and Concord - On April 19, 1775, British and American soldiers exchanged fire in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord.
- Gen. Gage sends 700 men to Concord to seize the powder supplies
- Paul Revere and William Dawes raise alarm the night before
- Town of Lexington is on the way to Concord
- Minutemen are assembled on the town common
- “Shot heard round the world”
- 18 colonials killed and the rest run away
- British march on to Concord and find the munitions were moved overnight
- Minutemen ambush the British the whole way back to Boston
- 430 Redcoats make it back to Boston
- 30,000 Colonists surround Boston
1775—May
- Gen. Howe, Gen. Clinton, Gen. Burgoyne
- 5,000 British troops
- Ethan Allen, “Green Mountain Boys” seize Fort
- Henry Knox uses canon to lay siege on Boston
- Benedict Arnold (Connecticut) takes Fort Crown Point to impede an invasion from Canada
1775—May 10, 2nd Continental Congress- The Second Continental Congress was presided over by John Hancock, who replaced the ailing Peyton Randolph, and included some of the same delegates as the first, but with such notable additions as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Joseph Galloway, the Pennsylvania conservative, was not in attendance. All of the colonies sent delegates, although the Georgia delegation did not arrive until fall. As time passed, the radical element that included John Adams, Samuel Adams and Richard Henry Lee began to eclipse the more conservative faction represented by John Dickinson. Nonetheless, many of the delegates expected at the outset, that the rupture between colony and mother country would be healed.
- Sam Adams pushes for Independence
- John Dickenson (Penn.) urges restraint
- Delegates unanimously agree to Washington as Commander of Continental Army (John Adams suggestion)
1775—June 17, “Battle of Bunker Hill”-On June 17, 1775, American troops displayed their mettle in the Battle of Bunker Hill during the siege of Boston, inflicting casualties on nearly half of the British troops dispatched to secure Breed's Hill (where most of the fighting occurred).
- Actually fought on Breed’s Hill
- Gen. Howe leads assault without canon support (his canon had been matched with wrong-sized cannonballs [Amherst at Ticonderoga])
- Militia waited to within 30 yards (some say 15 yards)
- Militia target British officers
- Militia ran extremely low on ammunition
- On the third assault, led by Gen. Howe, British troops overtake the colonial position
- Britain losses almost 1000 men (about half the attacking force)
- Colonials lose about 500 men
1776—January, Common Sense -pamphlet written by Thomas Paine to convince the colonists that reconciliation with England was not possible.
- Written by Thomas Paine
- 120,000 copies sold in three months
1776—March
- Gen. William Howe evacuates Boston
- July 2, lands in Staten Island, New York (Loyalist base)
1776—Declaration of Independence -An act of the Second Continental Congress, adopted on July 4, 1776, which declared that the Thirteen Colonies in North America were "Free and Independent States" and that "all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved."
- June 7, Richard Henry Lee (Virginia) introduces legislation to declare independence from Britain
- Before voting on Lee’s proposal Congress appoints five-man committee to draft a formal Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson, 33, does most of the writing)
- June 28, Declaration presented to Congress
- July 2, Congress approves Lee’s legislation to declare the United States of America independent of Great Britain
- July 4, Congress officially adopts the Declaration of Independence
- The Declaration intended to:
- Undermine loyalty to King George III
- Outline basic principles of representative government
- Establish the “right” of rebellion
War
1776—August, Brooklyn Heights, New York
- Largest Naval group Britain will launch until the 20th century
- British victory, city falls to England
- As winter came “sunshine patriots” left the American Army
- Initial colonial enlistments due to expirence
1776—December, Battle of Trenton
- Howe believes war almost won
- 1,400 Hessians stationed at Trenton
- Colonel Rall (Hessian) builds no fortifications
- Washington “Crosses the Delaware” Christmas night
- 2,500 men; 18 artillery guns
- Surprise attack at dawn
- 106 Hessians killed, 918 captured
- No colonial casualties
- Washington retreats in secret to avoid Gen. Cornwallis counter-attack
1777—January, Princeton
- Washington ambushes British troops
- Colonial victory establishes this will not be a quick war for Britain
1777—September-October, Saratoga
- Gen. Burgoyne plas a three-prong attack on colonials at Albany
- Plan does not consider the terrain, forcing British troops to march through swamps, lakes, hills and forests full of rebels
- Two of the three “prongs” never arrive (Howe goes to Philadelphia instead, St. Leger retreats to New York afraid of Benedict Arnold)
- Sept. Burgoyne crosses Hudson River
- Oct. 17, Burgoyne surrenders
- Establishes American Army as real threat
- Helps secure open French Alliance
- Turning Point of the War
1777-1778—Winter at Valley Forge
- Under-funded troops
- Low morale
- 10,000+ troops
- 4,000 troops listed as “unfit for duty” due to poor supplies (boots, blankets, coats, etc.)
- 2,500 troops die of disease (typhus, typhoid fever, dysentery, pneumonia)
- George Washington mentioned a lack of shoes so severe that the men's "marches might be tracked by the blood from their feet”
- Local farmers would sell produce to Brits who could pay cash
1779—February, Vincennet
1780—August, Camden
1780—October, Kings Mountain
1781—October, Yorktown
- British Gen. Cornwallis
- American Gen. Washington (also “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Baron von Steuben)
- French Gen. Rochambeau (also Marquis de Lafayette)
- Essentially a French Naval victory
- Last significant battle of the war
1783—Sept. 3, Treaty of Paris
- Britain recognizes American independence
- America gets all land from Atlantic coast to Miss. River, Great Lakes to Florida
- Fishing rights to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and off the coast of Newfoundland
- America must pay debts to Britain
- American congress would “earnestly recommend” all Loyalist property returned (States ignore this request)
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