The Ratification Debate: 21st Century Style

First Post Due May 9, 2014

Final Posts Due May 14, 2014

 Historical Context:

In the spring and summer of 1797, representatives from twelve of the thirteen new American states (Rhode Island conspicuous by its absence) met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the expressed task to amend and modify America’s first constitution, the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union then governing the fledgling nation. Many of the assembled delegates, exemplified by James Madison felt that the Articles were beyond reform and a new “nationalist” government needed implementation for the new nation’s survival. As the delegates met in Philadelphia in 1797, they bound themselves to an oath, to one another, to keep their discussions secret and candid.

As the summer progressed, tempers and the heat of the Pennsylvania summer rose to levels beyond the point of a simple simmer. Many proposals (i.e. Virginia and New Jersey plans) made the floor of the convention for discussion with many compromises resulting to address the concerns of various delegates (i.e. The Great Compromise, 3/5 Compromise). Even after all the compromise and accommodation that took place in Philadelphia, three of the delegates (Edmund Randolph, George Mason and Elbridge Gerry) refused to sign the finished document that they helped craft. Ultimately, this proposed blueprint emerged from the convention in Philadelphia, to be presented and ratified by the people of the United States.

As word and copies of the document circulated throughout the American states, an opposition faction began to galvanize against its acceptance and ratification (anti-Federalists). Meanwhile, those who helped craft the document pushed vigorously for its acceptance and ratification (Federalist). Ratification of this new government needed nine of the original thirteen states to agree to accept this document in order for implementation of the Constitution to take place. In reality, all four of the most populated states (Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York and Virginia) needed to ratify the document in order to give it legitimacy and a chance of success.

In New York and Virginia, this public debate became heated and contentious at times. The most famous example of the public debate for or against ratification took place in New York. A series of editorials began to appear in the local papers promoting (Federalist papers) or condemning  (anti-Federalist papers) the new constitution.

For this blog, students using the handouts, textbook and the following web links must either defend or reject passage of the proposed constitution per the assigned role given to them in class.

Anti-Federalist

Federal Farmer #1
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/federal-farmer-i/

Brutus #1
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/brutus-i/

Brutus #2
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/brutus-ii/

Objection to Proposed Federal Constitution
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/objections-of-george-mason-to-proposed-federal-constitution/

Officer of Late Continental Army
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/an-officer-of-the-late-continental-army/

The Dissent of the Minority Convention of Pennsylvania (excerpts)
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/the-dissent-of-the-minority-of-the-convention-of-pennsylvania/

Federalist

Federalist #10
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/federalist-no-10/

Federalist #51
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/federalist-no-51/

An American Citizen: An Examination of the Constitution of the United States I
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/an-american-citizen-an-examination-of-the-constitution-of-the-united-states-i/

An American Citizen: An Examination of the Constitution of the United States II
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/an-american-citizen-an-examination-of-the-constitution-of-the-united-states-ii/

An American Citizen: An Examination of the Constitution of the United States III
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/an-american-citizen-an-examination-of-the-constitution-of-the-united-states-iii/

An American Citizen: An Examination of the Constitution of the United States IV
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/an-american-citizen-an-examination-of-the-constitution-of-the-united-states-iv/

What Form of Government?

 Due October 15, 2013

Many thinkers from the intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment influenced the founding fathers in developing their philosophy on just how government should be constituted and established amongst a group of people. Three of these philosophes are Thomas Hobbes, Algernon Sydney and John Locke. While each of these men may have some similarities with the others, each of their philosophies on government is different and unique.

In this blog discussion, each student will research all three of these Enlightenment thinkers using the links provided. Then each student will write an initial post defending the belief of one of the three: Hobbes, Sydney or Locke as being “better” than the other two. Students are reminded to include supporting evidence in their initial post and to provide a citation for their evidence. Research beyond the provided links is encouraged but remember wiki sites are NEVER acceptable sources!

Once each student does their initial post then they must then respond to their fellow classmates post as outlined in the grading rubric. Posts that include supporting historical evidence and citations will always score higher than those that do not!

Thomas Hobbes

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hobbes/

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
http://www.iep.utm.edu/hobmoral/


Algernon Sydney

The Inspirational Founding Father
http://www.republicandemocracy.us/SydneyHistory.htm

The Libertarian Heritage
http://www.libertarianism.org/people/algernon-sidney


John Locke

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
http://www.iep.utm.edu/locke-po/

As always, remember to utilize different information than your fellow bloggers in your initial post.

The Age of Discovery and Exploration or Exploitation and Imperialism?

Due Friday, October 19, 2012

Now that you have looked at the era from both sides, should the era be called the Age of Exploration and Discovery or the Age of Exploitation and Imperialism? In this week’s blog, you will join the argument that scholars have been debating over the past three or more decades. Some historians maintain that it was the “desire” to venture forth across the Atlantic Ocean and ascertain what laid beyond the horizon that brought about the Age of European dominance. Meanwhile, other historians maintain that is was the manipulation and extension of European control in the new lands that allowed Europeans to gain world-wide dominance.

In this week’s blog, you are required to present evidence of an event or person which demonstrates whether the era should be called the Age of Exploration & Discovery or Exploitation & Imperialism. No you can not claim it is both! You must make a choice for one or the other!
Do not repeat or use an event or person that has already been used by another student. Like in the previous weeks, you must offer new evidence to the discussion.

Important Exception: If someone uses Columbus as evidence of exploration, you can use Columbus as evidence of exploitation in your initial post (The same holds true for the other “explorers”)!

The following resources will be helpful in completing this assignment.
    The Age of Discovery
    http://www.historyguide.org/earlymod/lecture2c.html

    Classic Imperialism
    http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0858768.html

    Age of Discovery
    http://geography.about.com/od/historyofgeography/a/ageexploration.htm
 
    Undiscovering the New World
    http://www.larrydewitt.net/Coloquio/NewWorld.htm

    Digital History: Exploration and Discovery
    http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/subtitles.cfm?titleID=96

The Age of Exploitation and Imperialism?

The Age of Exploitation and Imperialism?

Due October 4, 2012

According to various online dictionaries, exploitation is the selfish utilization of others for one’s own purposes while imperialism is defined as the act of gaining control over an other’s lands: politically, economically and socially. Keeping these definitions in mind continue with the following blog.

During the early 15th century until the late 17th century, Europeans took the the seas in search of new products, markets and land. As these intrepid sailors spanned the globe; new lands, cultures and peoples were “discovered” that were foreign to the European way of life. Europe went from being a small, barbaric and backward continent to becoming the premier power and center of the world marketplace and culture.

Many historians, particularly the late Dr. Howard Zinn saw this transformation of Europe as the result of the conquest of the New World, Africa and Asia for their own selfish purposes! These historians claim that the empires created by European monarchies allowing them to accumulate vast amounts of wealth and power came at the expense of the indigenous people in the areas.

For this blog, each student will research an “explorer” and make a case for their role in helping make this Age of Exploitation and Imperialism. Remember each “explorer” should only be covered by one student only (you do not have to use the same person as the last blog!), thus  if someone has already done a particular “explorer” then you must now choose a different person (the earlier you do the blog the more choices you will have of subject!). Remember you are required to do an initial post (your subject) and then comment on at least two other posts to meet the requirements of the assignment (please refer to your rubric!). The following links are made available to assist you in preparing your initial blog post. These entries offer a thumbnail sketch of the various “explorers” and will require students to do further research. Remember to cite all sources that you use in your initial and subsequent posts. Wikipedia or any wikis are never acceptable sources!

(You Must Read This First)
Columbus, The Indians and Human Progress
    http://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/zinncol1.html

    •    Acuña, Cristóbal de, Spanish Jesuit missionary and explorer in South America
    •    Alarcón, Hernando de, Spanish explorer in the Southwest
    •    Anza, Juan Bautista de, Spanish explorer and official in the Southwest and the far West
    •    Balboa, Vasco Núñez de, Spanish conquistador, discoverer of the Pacific Ocean
    •    Cárdenas, García López de, Spanish explorer in the Southwest.
    •    Cabeza de Vaca, Álvar Núñez, Spanish explorer
    •    Cabot, John, English explorer
    •    Cabot, Sebastian, explorer in English and Spanish service
    •    Cabral, Pedro,   Portuguese explorer
    •    Cabrillo, Juan Rodríguez, Spanish conquistador and discoverer of California
    •    Cartier, Jacques, French navigator
    •    Champlain, Samuel de, French explorer, the chief founder of New France
    •    Columbus, Christopher, European explorer
    •    Coronado, Francisco Vásquez de, Spanish explorer
    •    Cortés, Hernán, Spanish conquistador
    •    da Gama, Vasco, Portuguese navigator
    •    De Soto, Hernando, Spanish explorer
    •    Dias, Bartolomeu, Portuguese navigator
    •    Drake, Sir Francis, English navigator and admiral
    •    Eric the Red, Norse chieftain, discoverer and colonizer of Greenland
    •    Gosnold, Bartholomew, English explorer and colonizer
    •    Henry the Navigator, prince of Portugal, patron of exploration
    •    Hudson, Henry, English navigator and explorer
    •    Jolliet, Louis, French explorer
    •    La Salle, Robert Cavelier, sieur de, French explorer in North America
    •    Leif Ericsson, Norse discoverer of America
    •    Magellan, Ferdinand, Portuguese navigator
    •    Marquette, Jacques, French missionary and explorer in North America
    •    Pizarro, Francisco, Spanish conquistador
    •    Ponce de León, Juan, Spanish explorer
    •    Raleigh, Sir Walter, English soldier, explorer, courtier, and man of letters
    •    Verrazano, Giovanni da, Italian navigator and explorer
    •    Vespucci, Amerigo, Italian navigator in whose honor America was named

The Age of Exploration and Discovery?

The Age of Exploration and Discovery?

Due September 21, 2012

According to various online dictionaries, exploration is the act or instance of investigating unknown regions or areas while discovery is defined as the act or instance of “finding” something new. Keeping these definitions in mind continue with the following blog.

During the early 15th century until the late 17th century, Europeans took to the seas in search of new products, markets and land. As these intrepid sailors spanned the global in search of these items, new lands, cultures and peoples were “discovered” that were foreign to the European way of life. Europe went from being a small, barbaric and backward continent to becoming the premier power and center of the world marketplace and culture.

This transformation did not happen overnight but slowly and surely through the efforts of many “explorers” who dared to think and travel beyond the borders of the European continent.  Many of these men took to the seas and laid claim to vast empires for their king and/or queen that spanned the globe. These empires allowed European monarchies to accumulate vast amounts of wealth and power allowing for the transformation of Europe into the world’s first geographical superpower.

For this blog, each student will research an “explorer” and make a case for their role in helping make this Age of Exploration and Discovery a success. Remember each “explorer” should only be covered by one student only, thus  if someone has already done a particular “explorer” then you must now choose a different person (the earlier you do the blog the more choices you will have of subject!). Remember you are required to do an initial post (your subject) and then comment on at least two other posts to meet the requirements of the assignment (please refer to your rubric!). The following links are made available to assist you in preparing your initial blog post. These entries only offer a thumbnail sketch of various “explorers” and will require students to do further research. Remember to cite all sources that you use in your initial and subsequent posts. Wikipedia or any wikis are never acceptable sources!

(Read First)
Age of Exploration and Discovery
    http://geography.about.com/od/historyofgeography/a/ageexploration.htm
    http://blog.aurorahistoryboutique.com/the-age-of-exploration-and-discovery/

    •    Acuña, Cristóbal de, Spanish Jesuit missionary and explorer in South America
    •    Alarcón, Hernando de, Spanish explorer in the Southwest
    •    Anza, Juan Bautista de, Spanish explorer and official in the Southwest and the far West
    •    Balboa, Vasco Núñez de, Spanish conquistador, discoverer of the Pacific Ocean
    •    Cárdenas, García López de, Spanish explorer in the Southwest.
    •    Cabeza de Vaca, Álvar Núñez, Spanish explorer
    •    Cabot, John, English explorer
    •    Cabot, Sebastian, explorer in English and Spanish service
    •    Cabral, Pedro,   Portuguese explorer
    •    Cabrillo, Juan Rodríguez, Spanish conquistador and discoverer of California
    •    Cartier, Jacques, French navigator
    •    Champlain, Samuel de, French explorer, the chief founder of New France
    •    Columbus, Christopher, European explorer
    •    Coronado, Francisco Vásquez de, Spanish explorer
    •    Cortés, Hernán, Spanish conquistador
    •    da Gama, Vasco, Portuguese navigator
    •    De Soto, Hernando, Spanish explorer
    •    Dias, Bartolomeu, Portuguese navigator
    •    Drake, Sir Francis, English navigator and admiral
    •    Eric the Red, Norse chieftain, discoverer and colonizer of Greenland
    •    Gosnold, Bartholomew, English explorer and colonizer
    •    Henry the Navigator, prince of Portugal, patron of exploration
    •    Hudson, Henry, English navigator and explorer
    •    Jolliet, Louis, French explorer
    •    La Salle, Robert Cavelier, sieur de, French explorer in North America
    •    Leif Ericsson, Norse discoverer of America
    •    Magellan, Ferdinand, Portuguese navigator
    •    Marquette, Jacques, French missionary and explorer in North America
    •    Pizarro, Francisco, Spanish conquistador
    •    Ponce de León, Juan, Spanish explorer
    •    Raleigh, Sir Walter, English soldier, explorer, courtier, and man of letters
    •    Verrazano, Giovanni da, Italian navigator and explorer
    •    Vespucci, Amerigo, Italian navigator in whose honor America was named