Answer 4 Prompts about American History

Part III: Essays

In an essay for each, answer TWO of the following three questions.

Be sure to use evidence from both lectures and readings!!

1. In the debate over ratification of the U.S. Constitution, federalists and anti- federalists disagreed on many issues. First, what were three (3) of the key issues at stake in this debate, and why did Americans of the era consider them controversial? Second, in the end, who “won” the debate between the federalists and anti-federalists? [Note: A good answer to the last part of the question will treat the issue as more complex than noting that the Constitution was ratified.]

2. In The Shoemaker and the Tea Party, Alfred F. Young subtitles the second section of the book, “The Contest for the Memory of the American Revolution.” What does Young mean by describing this as a “contest?” Who was competing for the “memory of the American Revolution” (in general; we’re not looking for specific names)? How did these competitors want the Revolution to be remembered? [Readings other than just Young will be helpful in answering this question.]

You have to include not only The Shoemaker and the Tea Party, but other resources.

3. How did women affect the American Revolution, and how were they impacted by it? What does this reveal about Revolutionary America?

You have to include not only Documents on women and the Revolution (from Voices of Freedom), but other resources.

4. How did the Constitution attempt to solve the key problems with the Articles of Confederation? Were the revolutionary ideals of equality, liberty, and republicanism supported or undermined by the adoption of the Constitution? Be sure to consider whether the Constitution’s supportive or hindering effect on revolutionary ideals applied similarly across lines of race, class, and gender.