Write an essay completing the four steps below. Make sure your essay is based exclusively on studying
the assigned lectures on Blackboard in the “American Founding” folder. Do not consult the internet or
other sources.
1) Write a couple of paragraphs about people in the 13 colonies. Be sure to explain
• the differences among the people in the 13 colonies. How were they different from each other?
• the commonalities among the people in the 13 colonies. What did they share in common?
• whether the people in the 13 colonies were one people in 1776.
o, Base your discussion entirely on the lectures “One People” and “A Deeper Understanding.” That
means do not use the Internet or other sources. Focus on the assigned lectures. Show that you have
studied these lectures.
2) Write a couple of paragraphs discussing the Grievances in the Declaration of Independence. But sure to
explain
• what the Grievances are
• the purpose of the Grievances. Why were the Grievances in the Declaration?
• Grievance #10. Explain in your own words what Grievance #10 says and how it seeks to achieve the
purpose of the Grievances.
• the role of the French in achieving the purpose of the Grievances
o, Base your discussion entirely on the lectures “An Aspirational Story” and “An Aspirational Story
cont.” That means do not use the Internet or other sources. Focus on the assigned lectures. Show
that you have studied these lectures.
3) Write a couple of paragraphs discussing slavery and the Declaration of Independence. Be sure to explain
• the practice of slavery in human history – where and when slavery was practiced
• what slaves thought about the American Revolution – provide evidence for your discussion
• the long-term hope of the Declaration – what that long-term hope is and where it is expressed
o Base your discussion entirely on the lectures “An Aspirational Story cont.” and “Preamble &
Constitution.” That means do not use the Internet or other sources. Focus on the assigned lectures.
Show that you have studied these lectures.
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4) Write a couple of paragraphs discussing why the American Revolution was a pivotal event. Be sure to
explain
• how the Revolution established a new standard in human history
• how the idea natural rights relate to Americans being a national people
• what a natural right is – define what a natural right is and give two examples
• how consent and private property are both in the Constitution
• how consent and private property are both in the Bill of Rights
o, Base your discussion entirely on the lecture “Preamble & Constitution.” That means do not use the
Internet or other sources. Focus on the assigned lecture. Show that you have studied this lecture.
