Synthesize (3 Documents, Quote & Video)

--After the defeat over France by the British, Britain became very powerful and wealthy. People were very proud to be British and wanted to be British. It was almost a privilege. Many things such as taxes, power and freedom of speech brought struggles and greed among colonists.
In the video, colonists stuck together in any circumstance. For example, "United we stand, divided we fall." Once they are broken apart they are no longer strong enough to stick together.

--The circular letter of the Boston Committee proved effective. Grievances among colonists started small uprisings throughout. The colonists were very angry with the conditions due to Britain's rule over them. Britain insisted on cutting of ties with Boston and thought it would be beneficial but it ended up not going the way they thought it would. After receiving such a great revenue from them they were used to the fact that they had extra money, but it made Boston unhappy and also Britain since Boston had great resources. The Act "fill[ed] the colonists with indignation." Boston had written the letter to all the surrounding colonies to let them know that if it could happen to them then it could happen to any of the other surrounding colonies. If one colony is affected then all the colonies suffer. If Britain ever decides to pretty much be selfish and cut off ties with any colonies who do not co-operate, then uprisings may occur.

--The Letter from the New York Committee of 51 is in response to the "cry for help" from Boston. New York shows great compassion for Boston but they are unable to help. The citizens of New York had put together a Committee of 51 persons to help sister colonies that ever need help. This just shows that the colonies really do work together to make America "United." The sister colonies are there for other sister colonies.

--The quote, “What do we mean by the Revolution? The war? That was no part of the Revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The Revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected, from 1760-1775, in the course of fifteen years before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington.” The people that are united have the same belief and understanding in the change that they want to obtain from the government. When the citizens realized that their liberty was stripped away by the controlling of the British, they understood they they needed to fight to win back their liberty and freedom.

Text Analysis- Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

--Who is writing?
The writer of this primary document is Patrick Henry, an upset colonist who was trying to get his voice out there.

--Who is the audience?
The audience of the document is mostly the king, or "President" as Patrick Henry calls him, and the colonists.

--Who do the writers represent?
The writer is representing a man who thinks more highly of patriotism that any man. He really knows what he wants and is trying to persuade others of his position. In my opinion he is representing change.

--What is being said, argued and/or requested?
Patrick Henry is very displeased with the conditions of his home colony and is trying to make a point to the king that, if necessary, the colonists were of enough number that they could start a war with the British and pretty much outnumber them. Although Henry sounds like he is opposed to war, he states, "The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat sir, let it come." The Christianity among the colonists, Henry believes, will supply them with enough friends and colonists to fight the battle and that God will provide that for them.

How is it being said, argued and/or requested?
--When reading this document, I noticed that Patrick Henry repeated himself when stating what he felt very passionate about, for example, "[...] --we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight!" The document is being stated in a very passionate and opinionated manner. It is also very persuasive in the sense that he is directing it toward the king.

What proof, and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
--Basically, Patrick Henry wanted liberty not only for himself, but for the whole colony, and what better way then this? He clearly shows his concern and care over this matter and wants change just as much as he wants life. He states that, "Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence ans insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne!" Everything that they have tried to do to change the British minds has gone unnoticed or has failed. War was the only way out when it came to freedom and liberty. Therefore, Patrick Henry was threatening that he either wanted liberty RIGHT THEN, or death during war.

Summary- Circular Letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence, 1774

----I am very unsure of who is writing this document, but they are writing in response to Boston's mistreatment and the cruel and unjust conditions. They are showing their concern and seem to be hasty in the way they are writing. The Act of the British Parliament sounds to me like a negative thing. Some Acts "fill[ed] the inhabitants [of Boston] with indignation." The Act is trying to cut off all ties and trade with Boston and barely keeping them alive is what I gathered. The authors show their concern at the end of the document by saying, "[...] we are still determined to maintain to the utmost of our abilities the rights of America, we are, gentlemen."

Summary- Letter from the Ney York Committee of Fifty-One, 1774

----The author(s) of this document are the people of the New York Committee writing in response to the Boston Committee of Correspondence's cry for help. The Boston Committee had written a letter to the New York Committee asking for their advice and help in the colony. The kind citizens and the Committee immediately show their care and concern by saying that the letter from the Boston Committee was immediately taken into consideration. "Our citizens have thought it necessary to appoint a large committee, consisting of fifty-one persons to correspond with our sister colonies on this and every other matter of public moment." The citizens of New York put together this committee not only to aid Boston, but for any other incident in the colonies as well. I gathered that the tone of this document was very considerate, compassionate and caring. Although the New York Committee was unable to be of any assistance, they surely revealed their sorrow and condolences through this writing.

Summary- Resolutions of the Continental Congress, 1764

----It sounded to me like this Resolution took place in Great Britain. The authors of this document, the people of the Congress, are directing it toward the poor colonists and they are stating that the way that they expect the colonists to be and act. At the beginning the tone was very sincere and understanding toward the colonists, but toward the end it seemed to look more at the negative aspect. The Congress is thinking of setting up an establishment that has order and liberty of the people, and it sounds like they want it to be an "of the people, for the people" kind of thing. Representatives of the people are chosen by themselves and no taxes are imposed on them. The document states, "That the increase in prosperity, and happiness of these colonies, depend on the full and free enjoyment of their rights ans liberties, and an intercourse with Great Britain mutually affective and advantageous." It seems like they just want the colonists to be happy and are thinking of their well-being in the colonies.

Essay #1 Reflection

---While writing about Bacon's Rebellion, I learned a lot more about the subject then I ever did just reading the story. When reading, sometimes we often just read to get it done. But when we are reading to find information, we dig deeper to find that perfect quote or summary of our thoughts. This "digging" results in a collection of knowledge about the topic. I was able to relate this information to a modern example of rebellion: 9/11. I found the writing process very helpful and useful. I now see why it is so important to write more that just one draft. You are able to look back and see what changes you have made and what changes need to be made.

---One MAJOR thing that I learned through this writing process was to NOT write my introduction first! I honestly never knew h0w helpful this was, or to even do it. Writing an outline first was also very helpful. Although, the only thing it helped me do was get started. Getting started is always the hardest part for me and it takes a a very long thinking process. The outline helped me get some ideas and topics but I didn't really really use them in the same order. When writing about history, on of the most important thing to do is to annotate. Annotating gets your "I say" going and also aids you in the process of starting a thesis. The next paper will be SO much easier because now I know exactly what to do and how to do it.

---When I glance back at "My Writing Philosophy", I see that the way I wrote my essay refers back to this. I do in fact tend to keep my writing simple and some might say it's too "vague". But no matter what grade I get on this assignment, I will still be pleased with my own work and motivation. I feel well accomplished with my piece of writing and feel that I did a great job on completing it.

BR- Rhetorical Analysis for Source 2

Source:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/bacon.htm


Author:
The author of this article is John Pike who is a one of the world's leading experts on defense, space and intelligence policy, and is Director of GlobalSecurity.org. Pike is noted for his ability to translate complex information into something more simple and easy to read. He provides insight and understanding about worldly affairs.

Audience:
The audience of this article is intended for the simple, young-minded. Pike simplifies intense discussions and world events into an easy read for the audience.

Tone:
The tone of Pike’s writing is straightforward and very informative. His intensions are to get out all the information and facts about the subject in a relatively trouble-free manner. I found his writing very pleasing and understandable.

Purpose:
The purpose of this writing is to inform readers of exactly what happened during Bacon’s Rebellion. It is not for the reader to be confused, but rather to be up to date with the subject itself.

Ethos:
The credibility of the writing was, I believe, the fact that Pike told the story from beginning to end and it seemed as though he did not leave out any subtopics that lead up to the next big event. He gave it character by using his own writing style and adding in a few views of others.

Pathos:
I did not in fact see or feel the emotion of the author. He was simply telling the story with facts and such and did not input his own views. However, he did make it an interesting read.

Logos:
The logic to this article is that there was a power struggle between two people during Bacon’s Rebellion 1676 and each incident that happened at that time lead up to the next. All to discover after Bacon’s death that Governor Berkeley seized many of Bacon’s followers and took back complete control of the order in Virginia.