Description

The purpose of the “Document Analysis” assignments is to help you to practice making evidence based arguments about history. There is a brief introduction to each prompt. Chose a topic that interests you. Take time to carefully study each of the sources given, keeping in mind what you might want to argue and sources that support your argument. Then write. 

Please submit a powerpoint with the following 6 slides:

Slide 1: Thesis  Statement

Slide 2: Evidence #1

Slide 3: Evidence #2

Slide 4: Evidence #3

Slide 5: Conclusion

Slide 6: Sources Citation 

 Focus your analysis on the content, which needs to include a clear thesis statement, evidence and facts that support the thesis, proper citation and a conclusion that summarizes your argument.

Answer only one question from one of the prompts. The first slide should clearly state your position and 2-3 points you intend to discuss as support for your position. The slides that follow should be a discussion of your main points and should include an analysis (an explanation of how and why these points support your position) of the facts and referencing of the sources. Be sure to cite your references, from the prompt and the course text. The last paragraph (the conclusion) should be a summation of the points that support your position.

Be sure to see the rubric below for grading details.

Prompt 1

The British Parliament passed several acts such as the Stamp Act 1765, the Townshend 1767 and Tea Act of 1773 on the American colonies to generate revenue to help pay for the debt incurred by England in the French & Indian War. As you read the documents note the time frame and consider the colonial reaction to each act

.
Massachusetts Assembly Resolutions on the Stamp Act 1765 (Links to an external site.)

Benjamin Franklin and the Stamp Act Crisis 1766 (Links to an external site.)

Bostonians Protest the Townshend Acts 1767; John Hancock (Links to an external site.)

John Adams Describes the  Situation in Boston Five Days Prior to the Boston Tea Party 1773 (Links to an external site.)

The Boston Tea Party 1773; George Robert Twelve (Links to an external site.)

1.    From the documents, which of the British acts angered the colonists most and why? Cite specific passages from the documents.

2.    Of the numerous revenue generating acts passed by the British Parliament mentioned in the text and documents (Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townshend Act, Tea Act, etc) which act served to unite the colonies against Great Britain and why?

Answer only one question from one of the prompts.

Prompt 2

African American slaves in the American Revolution were pressured by the Americans and British to support their respective sides with freedom being the reward for their service and loyalty. From the following documents note the difference in the experiences of two African American slaves; one that served in the British army and one that fought for the Americans.  

An Enslaved Black Soldier in the American Army 1777-1783; Boyrereau Brinch (Links to an external site.)

Fugitive Slave in the British Army; Boston King (Links to an external site.)

1.    What motivated each of these men to fight for their respective sides during the war and why?

2.    How did their experiences differ or were similar with regard to the treatment elicited to them by each army with respect to equality to white soldiers?

Answer only one question from one of the prompts.