Revolutionary War lecture 1

Discussion Questions

1. Consider the role of communication in determining the progression and outcome of a war. Compare the means of communication available in the 1700s to the technology available today. Then discuss how the outcome of the Revolutionary War might have been different with today’s communication tools.
2. Strong individuals are usually a key factor in determining the strategies of a war. Compare the leadership qualities of a Revolutionary War figure such as George Washington with those of figures in some prominent conflicts today, such as Slobodan Milosevic and Yasser Arafat. What similarities can you find in their strategies and leadership qualities, if any? What differences do you notice?
3. Landownership in England differed from landownership in the colonies. Land was more available in the colonies, so more colonists were landowners—in England, only 1 in 10 people owned land, but in New England, 9 out of 10 people were landowners. In what ways might this difference have contributed to rebellious sentiments on the part of the colonists?
4. What are some of the reasons that countries and colonies seek independence? Are any of these reasons more important than others? Think about some of the “hot spots” around the world where people are currently seeking independence from a controlling government. What issues underlie these conflicts? Are they similar to the issues that led the American colonists to revolt against the English government? How?
5. The Stamp Act of 1765 required that every piece of paper sold in the colonies—from pamphlets to playing cards—have a revenue stamp on it. This revenue stamp could only be obtained by paying tax on the paper item. The colonists found this system unfair since the stamps were expensive, so they sought to have the Stamp Act repealed. More than two centuries after the passage of the Stamp Act, however, taxes are still a major preoccupation (and frustration) for many people in the United States. Evaluate the following kinds of taxes, balancing their fairness with the degree of revenue they bring in: income, import/export, gasoline, cigarette, sales, property, school, entertainment, and hospitality.
6. We use the wordrevolutionin many contexts—think of the Industrial Revolution, for example, or the technological revolution. In reality, though, what makes a revolution a revolution? What distinguishes a revolution from mere widespread change? Brainstorm and list the criteria for a revolution, and define it in political, economic, and social terms.

1. Consider the role of communication in determining the progression and outcome of a war. Compare the means of communication available in the 1700s to the technology available today. Then discuss how the outcome of the Revolutionary War might have been different with today’s communication tools. 2. Strong individuals are usually a key factor in determining the strategies of a war. Compare the leadership qualities of a Revolutionary War figure such as George Washington with those of figures in some prominent conflicts today, such as Slobodan Milosevic and Yasser Arafat. What similarities can you find in their strategies and leadership qualities, if any? What differences do you notice? 3. Landownership in England differed from landownership in the colonies. Land was more available in the colonies, so more colonists were landowners—in England, only 1 in 10 people owned land, but in New England, 9 out of 10 people were landowners. In what ways might this difference have contributed to rebellious sentiments on the part of the colonists? 4. What are some of the reasons that countries and colonies seek independence? Are any of these reasons more important than others? Think about some of the “hot spots” around the world where people are currently seeking independence from a controlling government. What issues underlie these conflicts? Are they similar to the issues that led the American colonists to revolt against the English government? How? 5. The Stamp Act of 1765 required that every piece of paper sold in the colonies—from pamphlets to playing cards—have a revenue stamp on it. This revenue stamp could only be obtained by paying tax on the paper item. The colonists found this system unfair since the stamps were expensive, so they sought to have the Stamp Act repealed. More than two centuries after the passage of the Stamp Act, however, taxes are still a major preoccupation (and frustration) for many people in the United States. Evaluate the following kinds of taxes, balancing their fairness with the degree of revenue they bring in: income, import/export, gasoline, cigarette, sales, property, school, entertainment, and hospitality. 6. We use the wordrevolutionin many contexts—think of the Industrial Revolution, for example, or the technological revolution. In reality, though, what makes a revolution a revolution? What distinguishes a revolution from mere widespread change? Brainstorm and list the criteria for a revolution, and define it in political, economic, and social terms.

Vocab

tyrannical

Definition:The arbitrary use of power by a ruler with absolute power.
Context:They would not adhere to the tyrannical system their forefathers fled.

stifle

Definition:To keep or hold back.
Context:They did not want to stifle their economic development.

debt

Definition:Something owed, such as money, goods or services.
Context:They have an enormous war debt.

boycott

Definition:To stop from using, buying, or dealing with as an act of protest.
Context:The colonists boycotted British goods.

allies

Definition:A union or confederation between governments in a common cause.
Context:They were allies.

chaos

Definition:A condition of total disorder or confusion.
Context:In the chaos, the British charged forward blindly thrusting their bayonets and ignoring their officers shouts to fall in.

siege

Definition:The surrounding of a town or fortress by an army trying to capture it.
Context:The winds of war first stirred in the Boston area during the siege of Boston and the Battle of Breed's Hills.

rebellion

Definition:An uprising intended to change or overthrow an existing form of government.
Context:General Gage had asked parliament for 20,000 more troops to suppress the rebellion.

redoubt

Definition:A small, usually temporary defensive work.
Context:The Rebels waited while the enemy neared the redoubt.

alliances

Definition:A formal union or confederation between governments in a common cause.
Context:The colonies could negotiate alliances and receive aid.

resolution

Definition:A formal statement of a decision.
Context:After nine hours the Congress passed the resolution for independence.

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Revolutionary War lecture 1

Discussion Questions

Vocab