Americans: A Struggle in Itself

As I uncover more information about the Americans and the events prior to the American Revolution, I begin to get a sense of who they were and what they stood for. The Americans fought a strenuous, both physical and mental, war against civilizations, such as the British,in order to obtain their moral and political rights. They were forced to undergo subordination of their empire in place of a more "powerful" one. Taxation throughout the colonies, prohibition of areas sentimental to them, and having to continuously defend their morality in society were only some of the many factors that defined the significance of the Americans' "struggle".

Because of the concealed details that have finally been exposed and absorbed into my knowledge, I am discovering the true definement of the wise saying "You don't know where you're going, if you don't know where you've been." By learning my country's history,the foundation of its structure, I give rise to a clearer understanding.Finding faults in my country's most recent actions will soon diminish and the appreciation of it will begin.

Warfare Everywhere!

I have discovered one of the most common, well-known tactics used to settle disputes between countries, states, cities, etc.-warfare. Going to war has always been the first route people seem to take when a disagreement comes into play. For example, the Civil War, Revolutionary War, and the French and Indian War were all responses to a prior dispute or clash that occurred between two separate groups of people. Warfare, for many years, has been perceived as one of the most effective solutions to a problem.

Throughout American history, fighting for justice has always overruled the idea of a more peaceful method of obtaining it. Violence throughout past events in history has had both a positive and negative influence on American society. It gave rise to the majority of rights we have today. However, warfare was a technique that created a foundation for future governments to take advantage of.

Patronage: The "Father" of All

In England resided a group of independently wealthy people called the gentry. The gentry "fathered" the common people. They were dependent on them for everything their daily life consisted of. This included employment, medical care, counseling, and even clothing. The common people's success in life depended on the actions of the gentry. Whenever a problem occurred, this class of people was called upon to establish peace and a reasonable solution. The gentry was the backbone of patriarchal society.

I am extremely grateful for inhabiting a country that has established a democracy. The residents, including the common people, don't have to rely on a specific social class. Most common people here in the U.S. manage their lives on their own. Their lives are not defined by a "gentry", or the wealthiest class of people within a social hierarchy.

All or Nothing!: Taxation without Representation

The American colonies almost reached their boiling point when they discovered that they were being taxed by the British without the representation of the Parliament. They were paying their money to a government that didn't do for them in return. According to the Parliament, the Americans' best interests were in their hands. However, the colonies' perception was quite the contrary.

The American colonies desired virtual representation. They demanded the Parliament to truly represent them if they were going to continuosly pay their taxes to the government. I admire the colonies for taking a stand when they felt justice was not being served.It took a concerted effort among these people to give rise to a change that would play a significant role throughout their daily lives.

Moderates, Conservatives, Radicals: 3 Distinct Groups

The Moderates, Conservatives, and Radicals were three distinct groups that were established as part of the First Continental Congress. The Intolerable Acts of the British gave rise to this congress. Even though these 3 groups were within one large organization, each had contrary ideas and methods of thinking. There were three types of feelings that individually swept each group of people.

The Moderates were the group that felt as though the relationship between the British and its colonies had hope of rehabilitation. They didn't think the prior events needed an outbreak from the colonies. The Conservatives were those that desired the relationship to return to the way it had been before the French and Indian War. Last but not least, the Radicals were the group of people who desired immediate independence from the British. They favored nothing less and didn't want to hesitate to take action. It's quite evident how they received their name!

It is so amazing how a single establishment could have multi-feelings and ideas within it.

Reformation of our Schools

Chicago Public Schools are in "hot water". Our economic status is diminishing and the resources are scarce. However, CPS administratives have come up with a possible solution to reform our schools. Where the attendance is low in certain schools, they are closing those scools and busing those children to other local schools to increase attendance there. Thus, they reduce the amount of overhead, such as electricity,the need for maintenance staff,and other expenditures.

This solution may work for the school system, but it may be an inconvenience to the students.These children are forced to attend schools in unfamiliar neighborhoods which could be dangerous,they are required to wake up early to travel on public transportation or wait for transportation that is provided, and they arrive home much later beacuse of the transportation issue. CPS Administratives should establish a solution to this problem that is assuitable to all, such as keeping some of the neighboring schools open so that wiil be convenient for students in all directions. In doing so, the attendance rate would possibly increase and so would the money.

The Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party occurred on December 16 1770. This event revealed just how confident the British assumed they were. They were determined to drop off their tea in Boston despite who opposed their decision. This furiated the Bostonians. So, they decided to dress up as Native Americans and sneek on the British's ship. Once the Bostonians arrived on the ship, they took it upon themselves to throw the supply of tea overboard.

In response to the Bostonians' behavior, the British planned to punish , not only Boston, but all of Massachusetts. Their response led to the establishment of the Intolerable Acts. The governor, at the time, Thomas Hucthenson, could not tolerate Boston any longer.

The Boston Tea Party

Control: A Powerful Tool

From writing an essay in my A.P. U.S. History class, I have learned what the British government's objective was when it taxed it's people and established so many Acts within only a few years. The British felt as though their own people didn't support them in the French and Indian War. They also collected a great amount of debt due to the expenses of the war. Britain desired control. They wanted to have authority over whomever they could given the opportunity. Some of the most significant Acts they established were the Tea Act, Sugar Act(1765), Townsend Act,and the Stamp Act.

I have discovered that this control factor is still being used in modern times. Even within the U.S. government, government officials desire to establish power and rule over their people. They believe that if they create control, it will give rise to respect.

Debate! Debate! In A.P. U.S. History

Today was not just an ordinary day for Kenwood's 2nd period A.P. U.S. history class. The topics discussed got a bit controversial. Our teacher began the lesson talking about the social scene in the colonial life of England. After the class took notes, had their discussion, and asked their questions, the room began to get "heated". The topic of same sex relationships and marriages came up. Everyone knows that homosexuality is an extremely sensitive subject to discuss amongst people. Therefore, it's quite evident that a disagreement and even a debate would arise.

Senators have debated the proposal of creating a constitutional amendment that will make all same-sex marriages illegal. According to my own beliefs, humans were not designed to have homosexual or even bisexual relationships. However, I do believe that in spite of what a person's sexual orientation is, they are still classified as a human being. Therefore, respect for them should remain. Even though I don't morally agree with two of the same sexes obtaining a relationship, I do agree with the fact that every inhabitant of this earth should possess the right to engage in any personal orientations they choose. If only I could get the U.S. government to perceive this situation through my eyes. Hmmmm.

A Battle in Vain

The war in Iraq is one being fought in vain. Our American soldiers don't belong there. Because our government leaders assumed there were weapons of mass destruction in that area, many innocent people have died, and this country has been transformed into a devastated nation. The president and his governmental assistants did not have clear evidence of exactly what was over there in Iraq. Once the soldiers arrived there, their judgement was contradicted. However, I feel as though a war isn't really a war if there is no reason to justify the fight. Most countries are so quick to go to war, but don't obtain any justification for their actions.

Bush and his administratives, in my opinion, have not used wise judgement. To invade an area they believed to have threatening machinery was not morally correct. They should have first conjured up evident proof that supported the assumation of these people being a threat to our nation. Common sense was the key in this situation.