History 1700Midterm Exam

Part I: EssayChoose one of the following essays to answer on the exam. In a clear and organized essay, cover all parts of the question and support your claim with specific evidence from the text and class discussion. You are required to discuss one primary source in your essay providing the appropriate analysis and connection. Please double space your essay. (100 points possible)

1. What were the principle differences between early Massachusetts and Virginia colonies? What caused those differences? What effect would the differences have on the course toward nationhood?Be sure to include items such as social systems and structures, geography and climate, and economic priorities in your answer.

2. What caused a large portion of American colonists to rebel against the British crown in 1775? Be sure to include the political, economic, and social issues leading to revolution as well as why groups from all sociallevels contributed. Such an essay cannot be effectively argued without including the Atlantic System and the period of salutary neglect.

3. How do you explain the transition between the relatively weak continental congress and Articles of Confederation government of 1775-1787 and the much stronger central government created by the Constitution of 1787? Be sure to integrate into your essay the weaknesses of the Confederation, the experiences of various state governments, and the primary arguments for and against ratification.

4. Why did the Union break apart in 1861 leading to a long and bloody war between two opposing sections of the nation? What were the major events that led up to the division? How did these evens contribute to the disintegrating sense of Union among the states? What one event was the “point of no return” for the United States? (This event must be pre-1860)

Part II: Short IdentificationIdentify each item and explain its significance to United States history. (50 points possible)

Bacon’s Rebellion First Great Awakening Common Sense

American System Uncle Tom’s Cabin