Summer Assignment Francis Lewis HS
1. What distinguished the American Revolution from others?
The American Revolution was different from all other revolutions because it was the first successful attempt that established a government. Another thing that distinguished this revolution from the others is that it did not occur from within.
2. Why does Ellis think this is significant?
Ellis thinks that the distinguishing factors are significant because the American Revolution helped to create a nation that provided a place for all people to live, despite their religion, nationality or beliefs. He believed that the country was very powerful and this could be seen through the way that it became a country from an independent state that was once profound and divine because of all the political power they held.
3. Whom does Ellis identify as the eight most important figures in the early republican? Ellis identifies Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, James Madison and Abigail Adams to be the most important figures in the early republican. Hamilton was the country’s treasurer and was in charge of the financial issues. Thomas Jefferson served as the peacemaker, and was also the governor of Virginia. Benjamin Franklin and James Madison were the founders of the early republic. George Washington was the first president of America, which meant he set up the society, and Abigail Adams helped create concepts placed on the constitution.
4. What common themes does he argue their lives illuminate? (Hint: there are four.)
Theme One: The diversity of the personalities that were represented.
Theme Two: All of the founding fathers knew each other personally.
Theme Three: The subject of slavery was not talked about so that peace was maintained in the republic.
Theme Four: The founding fathers knew what they would be doing for the country and their importance in the change of history.
5. How did the characters and the duel represent political development of the early republicans?
The Early Republicans had different political views. Aaron Burr represented the aristocratic side while Alexander Hamilton was in favor of the Federalist views. The duel came about from the differences between the ideologies of the two men. Political developments of the early republic formed and were resolved through the men arguing their views.
6. When Ellis refers to “ the supercharged political culture of the early republic,’ what does he mean?
When Ellis refers to “the supercharged political culture of the early republic” he is saying that this period of time was big on politics. Everything revolved on politics and it affected everyone, sometimes leading to disputes and drama.
7. Why did the duel matter?
The duel was important and played a major role because it ended the conflicts between Burr and Hamilton. Burr’s reputation was ruined and Hamilton lost power. Stricter rulers were brought about to prevent another duel such as Hamilton’s and Burr’s from occurring.
8. What was the dinner, who attended and what did they talk about?
The dinner was an idea that Thomas Jefferson came up with. Its goal was to come up with a plan to help Hamilton with financial plans for recovery of public credit. Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison attended the dinner and talked about a compromise that would help Hamilton’s plan and help the Southern states.
9. Why did it matter?
The dinner was important and played a big role because it was the first steps that were taken to solve the state’s financial problems. Despite Hamilton and Madison’s different views, they were able to come to a compromise.
10. To what does "the silence" refer? How do the players in this chapter use God's will?
“ The silence” refers to when the Congress did nothing to help the slaves in the South. These slaves were building up...