History Exploration, Contact and Conflict: 1500s-1700s - Assignment Example

? 17th February History Exploration, Contact and Conflict: 1500s-1700s History refers to the collection, analyzing, organization and presentation of events that occurred in the past. In other words history is a field that covers the factors that led to the occurrence of past events. In this regard, historians focus at providing a clear perspective that led to the problems or positive implications on the contemporary world. For example, the invasion and subsequent colonization of America and African countries significantly impacted on political, economic and social policies that are currently adopted in these countries. This paper seeks to analyze key aspects that are related to the exploration, contact and conflicts that occurred in North America as a result of invasion by European. Question1.Primary sources versus secondary sources A primary source refers to an original source of information. For example, Cobbs coverage of smallpox outbreak or Virginia’s Statutes. On the other hand secondary source entails the evaluation of information that has been presented by a primary source. Examples of secondary sources depicted by Cobbs are Merrell and Salisbury as well as Brown and Morgan interpretive essays (Cobbs and Gjerde 31). One of the major challenges faced by students and scholars is determining the validity of the historical sources. Historical arguments are not equally valuable. This is based on the differences in the opinions by various historians. In this regard, it is prudent to undertake extensive research so as to determine the valid opinions. Problems in U.S. history Economic and foreign policies One of the major problems that characterized US history was propagated by economic and foreign policies. The harsh economic depression that took place between 1774 and 1775, led to decreased revenue and high prices for basic commodities. In order to increase the revenue, majority of the states addressed the depression by increasing importation duties for the goods that were bought from other states. For example, the goods that were imported by the state of Connecticut from Massachusetts were highly taxed than those from Britain. In addition, the government was faced with bankruptcy that led to borrowing from French and Dutch countries. As a result of low economic performance in most states, young industries that were major cause of employment faced stiff competition from British companies based on the high number of products they exported to America. American Revolution Even though the Americans were under the British colonial rule, some of them supported the British government since it protected them from the oppression that was instigated by the American parliament. For example, in 1774 continental delegates who met in Philadelphia were aimed at reconciling with the British rulers. However, the residence of the state of Massachusetts disagreed with the British rule leading to the declaration of Massachusetts as a rebellion state by the US parliament. This led to shooting of the rebellious Massachusetts leaders and residence. To avoid arrest and other forms of torture the rebels fled to other countries. Constitution and the slavery Constitution and the slavery was another key problem that faced the US. According to the Marshall a renowned African American who sat on the Supreme Court, the process of making the US constitution did not involve majority of the US residents. In the same way, the aspects of slavery were not covered by the constitution. For example, the constitution did not deter the Congress from eliminating the Atlantic slave trade. According to the US constitution, slaves who run away were supposed to be returned to their owners. Similarly, the constitution installed power on the government to curb any rebellions that were caused by slaves. According to the government officials who formed the constitution, restriction of slave trade in Georgia and South Carolina would adversely affect agricultural and economic sectors of the two states. Question 2.The impact of the arrival of Europeans in larger numbers to North America into the seventeenth century During the seventeenth century, the lives of Native Americans of North America were changed as a result of the political, social and economic aspects that were introduced by the Europeans. For example, diseases such as small pox and malaria that caused health challenges to the indigenous residents were effectively tackled thus enhancing the agricultural productivity of the region. One of the major reasons that led to the marginalization of the North Americans was the strong relationship that they established with the Europeans (Cobbs and Gjerde 33). This section covers some of the major implications that came about as a result of the European settlement in North America. Establishment of new crops Based on the different cultural background between Native Americans and the Europeans, the latter established varieties of crops that they grew in their home countries. However, most of the new crops were not compatible with the new climate thus leading to high rate of death among the first European settlers (Cobbs and Gjerde 21). Even though the Indians who settled in the Northern America cultivated various foods crops such as beans, squash, sunflower seeds and pumpkins, their method of storage were poor. This caused reduction of food in the region. Reduction of forests Due to the high demand of land by Europeans in the North America, majority of the settlers claimed large tracts of land. As a result, most of the land was put under cultivation leading to reduction of Eastern forests. The reduction of forests was also caused by high demand for wood as fuel especially by the natives. Land and property ownership The invasion of the European also led to the changing of the ownership of land and property. Before the arrival of the Europeans, Native Americans used traditional forms of land ownership. This was due to the fact that they relied on various sources of food that were different from those of the European. On their part, the European settlers believed that individuals who cleared land, fenced the pastures and constructed buildings in those lands owned the property and they had right to sell them without the approval of any native American or American Indian. Given these realities, the history of the first centuries of contact between natives and immigrants as well colonization of the natives can be viewed as a trigger of the American development in economic, political, social and technology sectors. For instance, the establishment of modernized methods of farming and new techniques of addressing the diseases resulted to high population and increased food production. In addition, the propagation of equality and elimination of slavery led to enhancement of democracy in America. Question 3.Basis of economic and political life in the colonies of Chesapeake and the Carolinas versus in New England and the middle colonies Chesapeake and the Carolinas colonies In the colonies of Chesapeake and the Carolinas various crops that included rice Indigo were grown. However, tobacco was a major source of income that led to economic stability of Chesapeake. Due to the high demand of tobacco in the international market, farmers who cultivated the crop in the two colonies experienced high income that led to the establishment of industries and growth of employment opportunities. Even though majority of the colonizers relied on slaves, Native Americans were reluctant on using slaves as labor force. Another key aspect that was the basis of economic and political life in the two colonies was the establishment of Headrights. This entailed the opportunity to acquire 50 acres of land for the European who settled in the regions. In this way, the immigrants were able to independently grow their crops that they sold to earn profits. The establishment of land ownership among the wealthy planters and the high demand of staple crops in the local and international markets led to increased demand for indentured servants. In the same way, the establishment of huge plantations near the coast of Atlantic led to the growth of urban centers thus expanding trade activities in the region. The political life in the Chesapeake and the Carolinas colonies was based on the democracy that that was propagated by the government. While the house of representative was elected by people, the council and the governors were appointed by the crown. The role of the governors was to appoint government officials, undertake military duties, and spearhead religious matters. On the other hand, the assembly was entitled with taxation and control of public funds. Due to the strong control that the upper class had on the political and economic factors, the public disagreed with some policies that did not cater for their welfare leading to Bacon’s Rebellion. This involved holding hostages the officials who were in the House of Burgesses. Bacon’s Rebellion was also caused by the fact that the rich land owners run the entire government thus ignoring the plight of the poor free men. As mentioned earlier the high demand of tobacco in the Chesapeake colony, led to the expansion of tobacco plantations resulting to increased demand for slaves. The major source of slaves was Africa. Due to the hard labor that included cultivating in the plantations and packing of the tobacco, majority of the slaves tried to escape but they were unsuccessful leading to severe punishment from the rich land owners. In the same way, Carolina was a renowned slave colony. Just like in Chesapeake, high number of slaves was imported from Africa to work in Indigo and rice plantations. This led to an increase of slaves in Carolina that almost outnumbered the white residents in the 18th Century. New England and the middle colonies The economic growth that was experienced in New England was largely as the result of expansion of commercial activities based on the industrial revolution. Beverly Cotton Company, which was the first cotton firm in US, resulted to growth of employment opportunities and high household disposable income. As majority of farmers diverted their attention to cotton farming, more companies were established to cater for the increased cotton production. Key people who shaped the religious foundation of New England included Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin. Through their teachings, they focused at reducing the influence of Protestant church that was establishing itself in New England. As the religious debates continued, Puritans emerged. According to the puritans Anglican Church needed purification. Puritans was divided into two teams. The first group believed that it was worth to remain under the control of the Church of England while the second category of puritans argued otherwise. One of the major religious organizations that were formed by puritans who were not comfortable with the rule of Elizabeth 1 was Massachusetts Bay Colony. Massachusetts Bay Colony enabled the puritans to move to America during the reign of Charles 1.The social life in New England was characterized by strong marriages that were focused at expanding their families. As a result of the belief that sex was a gift from God, large families were established leading to high number of the New England residents. Middle colonies that included New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware were under the leadership of Royal and Colonial Assemblies. As opposed to New England colonies, middle colonies were against heavy taxation and allowed freedom of religion. Just like in New England colonies where the public held rebellions, governors of middle colonies also experienced severe public resistance such as Leisler's Rebellion. Exportation of wheat and other grains was a major activity that led to economic growth of middle colonies. In addition, iron and textile industry in various states such as Pennsylvania led to expansion of trading activities that resulted to expansion of infrastructure and other social amenities within middle colonies. Other aspects that led to economic growth of middle colonies included establishment of ports, papermaking companies and saw mills among others. Middle colonies families lived in small houses from where they were making hats and cloths. The religion foundation of middle colonies can be traced from British Empire. Majority of Pennsylvania residents were Quakers. As a result of the expansion of Quakers doctrines, various religious groups including German Reformed, German Lutherans, Amish, Moravian and Mennonites among others established religious centers in Pennsylvania. Others religious organizations that were established in middle colonies included Baptist churches, Methodist as well Congregational. Conclusion Through proper collection and presentation of the issues that occurred during the European invasion of North America, historians have effectively portrayed the extent to which history can shape contemporary political, social and economic factors. For example, the invasion of North America and Africa by Europeans led to establishment of Christianity, abolition of slave trade as well as development of political movements. Works Cited Elizabeth Cobbs and Jon Gjerde. Major Problems in American History: Since 1865. Stamford: Wadsworth Publishing, 2006.     Read More