Federalist No. 10

You will read about the Federalist papers in the next couple of nights. These papers play a very important role in our history.

Take into consideration information you know about James Madison (his background, his political stance, etc.) when reading this document. Comment on his possible bias.

What is Publius' (aka James Madison) main argument? Choose ONE (1) of his main points and make specific comments about your opinions of this point.

Due: MIDNIGHT, Thursday, Sept. 27

Washington: Letters about Shays's Rebellion

I gave you this document in class. Read only the letter to James Madison (you're welcome).

Answer the usual questions contained in your syllabus. Then, answer these other few questions:
What is Washington's main argument? What is he asking Madison (and others, for that matter) to consider? Is he justified?

Due: MIDNIGHT, Tuesday, Sept. 25

Abigail Adams: "Remember the ladies!"

Abigail Adams, wife of future president John Adams, sent numerous letters to her husband while he was at the Second Continental Congress. She knew, through her correspondence with her husband, that the delegates were in the crux of drafting the crucial Declaration of Independence. In her letters, she appeals to her husband to "remember the ladies" when they are drafting the document. She is often considered one of the first to push for women's rights.

Click here to read some of their letters. Please read the letter dated March 31, 1776 and the letter dated May 7, 1776.

Answer the usual questions, and then think about this: Do you think Abigail Adams is truly pushing for political equality for men and women? If not, what IS she pushing for?

Due: MIDNIGHT, Tuesday, Sept. 18

Declaration of Independence

A few reminders for you before you jump into this blog:
1. Please remember to write a thesis statement for the DBQ we went over today. This is due Monday the beginning of class.
2. Do everything you can to TRY and log onto the blog with your log-in information. Please use the "anonymous" feature only as a very last resort.

Click here to access the document.

While this documents looks lengthy, keep in mind that many, many people signed the Declaration (including one of my ancestors! Can you guess which one?). Please CAREFULLY read this document. Given our discussion Thursday in class, what points of the Declaration particuarly stand out to you? Do the colonists make justifiable arguments? Please make sure to comment on your classmates' responses too.

Due: MIDNIGHT, Sunday, Sept. 16

Stamp Act Congress: Declaration of Rights and Grievances

Click here to access the document.

Read the colonists' response to the Stamp Act. In addition to answering the "normal" questions, choose THREE (3) of the points that particularly stand out to you. Comment on these points. Are the colonists justified? Also, please make sure you comment on your classmates' responses!

Due: MIDNIGHT, Tuesday, Sept. 11

Jonathan Edwards: Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Read the excerpt I gave you in class to get an idea of what this famous sermon is all about.

Click here for a little background info on Jonathan Edwards. This will help you answer the POV question you're supposed to answer.

In the comments section (as usual), please answer the questions contained in your syllabus. What is Edwards' tone? Also, consider what it may have been like to live in New England during the 1730s and 1740s and to have been able to hear people like George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards. How do you think you may have reacted?

Due: MIDNIGHT, Wednesday, Sept. 5