TLH.1-questions - JB
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Name: Ja’Vion Byers
Thinking like a Historian #1: Debating the Revolution, p.142-145
Comparing secondary sources
1.
What is the main argument of each
excerpt?
Response: Bernald Bailyn's passage quoted the main argument of the book is that ideology, or the system of ideas, concepts and beliefs that give political and economic theory and practice strength, was what shaped the American revolutionaries.
The second sample Gary Nash's writings make the case that the American revolution was mostly influenced by the common people and the economic circumstances that impacted them. Doesn’t think ideology is the main thing. 2.
While we are looking at these excerpts to see the different ways that a historical topic or event can be approached, there also may be similarities in different arguments. What similarities do you see between these two excerpts?
Response: There are similarities between the two extracts in that they both support and strive to understand the Whig worldview, and they both concur that there were factors that inspired the general public to participate in the conflict.
3.
According to each
author, what role did ideology play in the origins of the American Revolution? (Look up ideology if you do not know what it means!) Include a quote from each piece that you think best shows the author’s argument about ideology and explain your quote choices.
Response: According to Bernard Bailyn, the main drivers underlying the American Revolution were conflicts over ideas, the constitution, and politics. In other words, views that did not support them forced the lowest social strata to fight for a revolution.
Gary Nash and Bailyn both agreed on the same idea. He asserted that ideology had a significant part in fanning the embers of popular insurrection. 4.
According to each
author, what role did economics and material conditions play in the origins of the Revolution?
Response: Poor living circumstances and unequal resource allocation, according to Gary Nash, were two factors that prompted urban unrest and extralegal activity. Due to a concentrated distribution of power and income, he said that a sizable portion of the metropolitan population was eager to take part in attacks. So, economics and materialism were the causes of the Revolution.
When monarchical autocracy was at its height, according to Bernard Bailyn, he started to comprehend what the terms "corruption," "slavery," and "conspiracy" meant. The point that Bailyn was trying to make was that the so-called "high class" benefited from the economy, riches, and power. This sparked a revolt among the populace.
5.
What types of primary sources does each
author mention?
Response: John Dickinson, "Letter from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" (1767)
Governor Francis Bernard, "Letter to the Lords of Trade" (1765)
6.
What might account for the differences in the way the authors have interpreted the origins of
the Revolution?
Response: After reading both sections, I believe that Nash concentrates on his own worries regarding the revolution whereas Bailyn seems to have a broader understanding of the events that occurred.
Using primary sources
7.
Give an overview or summary of the each primary source. What argument is each making?
a.
#1 John Dickinson: He is arguing that the British Parliament lacked the legal jurisdiction to impose taxes on the American colonies without their permission. Dickinson, who wrote under the pen name "A Farmer," was a fervent supporter of colonial rights and fought British policies that, in his opinion, violated those rights.
b.
#2 Gov. Francis Bernard: Governor Francis Bernard's "Letter to the Lords of Trade” was an argument for the continued use of the Stamp Act and a justification of it. At a
period when conflicts over taxation and representation were developing in the American colonies, his opinion represented the British government's perspective.
8.
Which primary source do you think best supports each
secondary source? Explain. (ex: Dickinson best supports XX because…while Bernard best supports XX because….)
Response: The primary sources provide the strongest evidence for Barnard Bailyn's claims. This is due to Bailyn's thorough assessment of how ideology influenced the American Revolution. By examining the thoughts and works of the elites, he does this. Francis Bernard, governor of Massachusetts Bay, best argues that ideologies or doctrines were the driving forces behind the American Revolution in his second letter to British officials. The first primary source continues to discuss how the government and legislature repress the middle class while favoring the elites.
9.
What is historiography? (hint: check the introduction to the TLH assignment in the book) Response:
I've discovered that historiography is quite broad and varied in that there are many various sources, such as letters, that may be used to research history, as well as numerous approaches that can be employed to document history.
10. Why is important to look at the historiography of a topic? What we can we learn from doing
this?
Response: It is crucial for developing a full grasp of the topic, identifying holes or points of disagreement in the literature, and situating your own study within the larger study. You are also prevented from reusing prior research and your critical thinking abilities are improved.
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