APUSH Quotes 1-8

(1R) and (2R) of context and significance.

“Who of those in future centuries will believe this? I myself who am writing this and saw it and know the most about it can hardly believe that such was possible.”

Bartolomé de Las Casas, The Destruction of the Indies, 1542

Context:

(1R) The quote discusses Casas’s reaction to the treatment of Native Americans under Spanish rule. Specifically, he mentions the widespread effect of disease, which possibly killed up to 90% of the Native American population.

(2R) After the Spanish colonization of the West Indies, they harnessed these islands for enslaved labor on plantations to produce cash crops such as sugarcane. The Native Americans were put under forced labor systems such as the encomienda and often experienced poor living conditions, making them even more susceptible to disease.

Significance:

(1R) The quote represents the significant impacts of disease on Native American population during the early sixteenth century. The surprise exhibited by the author contributes to the audience’s understanding of the scope of European diseases such as smallpox’s impact on these people.

(2R) The quote also represents the larger debate about treatment of Native Indians in the Americas at the time. Though most of the Spanish supported slave labor because it produced immense revenue, some people such as Casas took pity on them and called for change. Even then, Casas himself had been in support of slavery in the past, which reflects the complex situation surrounding slavery in Spanish colonies.

“There is under our noses the great and ample country of Virginia; the inland whereof is found of late to be so sweet and wholesome a climate, so rich and abundant in silver mines, a better and richer country than Mexico itself. If it shall please the Almighty to stir up Her Majesty’s heart to continue with transporting one or two thousand of her people, she shall by God’s assistance, in short space, increase her dominions, enrich her coffers, and reduce many pagans to the faith of Christ.”

Richard Hakluyt

Context:

(1R) This quote portrays a call to action by Hakluyt for Englishmen to colonize the Americas and reap the valuable resources as well as evangelize with the native populations.

(2R) As Spain and Portugal took hold of the Americas in the sixteenth century, England and other European countries quickly saw the lucrative benefits of colonizing the region. Thus, the English set out to claim the land which remained in North America.

Significance:

(1R) The quote represents the common motivation for Europeans to colonize the Americas. It demonstrates the idea of “God, Gold, and Glory” and gives it credibility.

(2R) The quote also represents the hostility of European nations against each other during the colonial period. It mentions that the territory of Virginia will be much more productive of a colony than Spanish Mexico, which implies a sense of superiority and desire to rise above other European nations.

“be disarmed [and] have his arms broken and his tongue bored through with an awl [and] shall pass through a guard of 40 men and shall be butted [with muskets] by every one of them and at the head of the troop kicked down and footed out of the fort.”

Context:

(1R) This quote describes the punishment sentence of a Jamestown settler who publicly criticized governor Lord De La Warr.

(2R) Lord De La Warr’s harsh rule came from his wartime experiences in Ireland, where the British launched brutal conquests against the Catholics.

Significance:

(1R) The punishment illustrates that there was no freedom of speech in the early years of the colonies and that rules followed the English precedent.

(2R) This situation is similar to the case of John Peter Zenger, who publicly criticized a royal governor in 1734 and was acquitted by the jury. His case established freedom of speech and represented the separation of American and British ideals.

“If any Negro or slave whatsoever shall offer any violence to any Christian by striking or the like, such Negro or slave shall for his or her first offence be severely whipped by the Constable. For his second offence of that nature he shall be severely whipped, his nose slit, and be burned in some part of his face with a hot iron. And being brutish slaves, [they] deserve not, for the baseness of their condition, to be tried by the legal trial of twelve men of their peers, as the subjects of England are. And it is further enacted and ordained that if any Negro or other slave under punishment by his master unfortunately shall suffer in life or member, which seldom happens, no person whatsoever shall be liable to any fine therefore.”

Barbados Slave Code, 1661

Context:

(1R) The number of Black slaves outnumbered the white masters on Barbados, which caused this brutal slave code to be created so the masters could control the slaves.

(2R) The Native Americans’ lack of immunity to Afro-Eurasian diseases led to slaves being the preferred labor force in the Americas, which subsequently resulted in the creation of these slave codes.

Significance:

(1R) The slave codes represent how the white masters wished to dehumanize the slaves and treat them like animals, which highlights racism and the belief that Blacks were inferior to Whites.

(2R) The settlers of Barbados later moved to the Carolinas, where this slave code was adapted, creating a harsh system that spread in the colonies and soon became the norm.

(3R) These slave codes set the precedent for slaves being chattel, which created a self-perpetuating system where the children of slaves were also considered slaves, which saw success due to high fertility rates.

“Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation.”

William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation

Context:

(1R) Plymouth was founded by separatists that wished for religious freedom, and William Bradford was the governor of Plymouth.

(2R) Illustrates the idea that Plymouth could become a religious beacon of purity and possibility that would serve as a model for others.

Significance:

(1R) The quote represents the religious unity between the people of Plymouth that allowed them to establish the first commonwealth in the New World.

(2R) Plymouth serves as a model to others and leads to the colonization of the Americas and the development of American ideals such as being the land of opportunity.

“for having protected, favored, and emboldened the Indians against His Majesty’s loyal subjects, never contriving, requiring, or appointing any due or proper means of satisfaction for their many invasions, robberies, and murders committed upon us.”

Nathaniel Bacon, 1676

Context:

(1R) William Berkeley maintained friendly terms with the Native Americans to engage in trade and profit, which led him to turn a blind eye on frontier attacks. This angered planters such as Nathaniel Bacon.

(2R) Colonists such as released indentured servants needed good land to make plantations, which led to relying on stealing Native American lands.

Significance:

(1R) The colonists’ desire for more land led to conflicts with Native Americans and pushed the tribes westward.

(2R) Plantation owners saw indentured servants and white men as unreliable labor forces so they turned to Africans as a primary labor source.

“No country yields a more propitious air for our temper than New England. . . . Many of our people that have found themselves always weak and sickly at home, have become strong and healthy there: perhaps by the dryness of the air and constant temper[ature] of it, which seldom varies from cold to heat, as it does with us. . . . Neither are the natives at any time troubled with pain of teeth, soreness of eyes, or ache in their limbs.”

Reverend John White, 1630

Context:

(1R) Reverend John White is attempting to convince Englishmen to immigrate to the Massachusetts Bay Colony by using health as a motivator.

(2R) The average lifespan of English settlers in the New England region was ~70 years, which was much higher than the lifespan in England.

Significance:

(1R) These potential health benefits were a motivating factor for many families to travel to the New World and settle.

(2R) The long lifespans and immigration as a family led to the formation of stable families in the New England region, unlike the fragmented structure of the Chesapeake region.

“A good example is the best sermon.’’

“Many have quarreled about religion that never practiced it.’’

“Serving God is doing good to man, but praying is thought an easier service, and therefore more generally chosen.’’

“How many observe Christ’s birthday; how few his precepts! O! ’tis easier to keep holidays than commandments.”

Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanack

Context:

(1R) The Half-Way Covenant and the Great Awakening occurred during this time period, which is reflected in Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack.

(2R) Initiated by Jonathan Edwards and spread by George Whitefield, religion became more popular which even led it to appear in texts such as Poor Richard’s Almanack.

Significance:

(1R) Represents a change from Orthodox Calvinism to new forms of religion that were represented by new ways of preaching and unique sermons.

(2R) The Great Awakening unified Americans under a religious movement and created an American identity which would later serve as a commonality among all colonists.

“The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked. His wrath toward you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else but to be cast into the fire.’’

Jonathan Edwards

Context:

(1R) Jonathan Edwards introduces a new preaching style that invokes emotion and paints the landscape of Hell to discuss the consequences of sins.

(2R) These new preaching styles and new variations on religion led to the Great Awakening and a shift away from Orthodox Calvinism

Significance:

(1R) Preachers like Jonathan Edwards revitalized American religion and fostered colonial unity through it.

(2R) The revival of religion led to the creation of centers of learning such as Princeton, Brown, Dartmouth, etc. as well as more efforts toward the spread of faith such as missionary work on Native Americans.

“The question before the court and you, gentlemen of the jury, is not of small nor private concern. It is not the cause of a poor printer, nor of New York alone, which you are now trying. No! It may, in its consequence, affect every freeman that lives under a British government on the main [land] of America. It is the best cause. It is the cause of liberty.’’

Andrew Hamilton, Zenger Trial

Context:

(1R) The document portrays a closing statement of the argument of Andrew Hamilton, a lawyer, in the trial of Peter Zenger.

(2R) The quote reflects the state of the press in colonial America, which was somewhat restrictive and would punish those who spoke of government officials in a bad light, which was the fate of Zenger.

Significance:

(1R) The quote represents the process of freeing up the press during the colonial period. Through Hamilton’s argument, Zenger was found innocent, which reflects a shift toward freedom of the press.

(2R) The quote also represents the larger process of resistance against British rule and a greater emphasis on liberty. Though they were not particularly hostile toward their colonizers, some had begun to think of them poorly; and the decision made in this trial represents a shift to a more democratic point of view.

“It was not Virginia that wanted a governor but a court favorite that wanted a salary.’’

Junius (pseudonym)

Context:

(1R) The document portrays a criticism of the governor of Virginia, stating that his only reason to be in office was to make money, and that otherwise he was ineffective.

(2R) As tensions between the colonies and Britain increased, they began to develop resentment toward the governors established for upholding the strict regulations imposed by the mother country.

Significance:

(1R) The document represents the power dynamic of colonial society at the time. The choice of governor was in the hands of elite white men, and often this governor angered the rights-deprived citizens.

(2R) The document also represents the use of the press to advance the colonists’ sentiment. Here, the author criticizes the current governor in the hope to incite the growing rebellious spirits among the colonists.

A torch lighted in the forests of America set all Europe in conflagration.

Voltaire, 1756

Context:

(1R) The quote describes the state of Europe as the Seven Years’ War began, highlighting the quickly escalating conditions of war.

(2R) The catalyst for the Seven Years’ War was a skirmish near the Ohio River Valley started by George Washington, which later expanded into the French and Indian War, which was in itself the spark for the war mentioned in the quote.

Significance:

(1R) The quote represents the dire state of Europe at the time. The catalyst in America had led to much conflict in the continent, which is why it is sometimes considered a world war in its own right.

(2R) The quote also represents the larger process of colonial separation from Britain. Though unintentional, the colonists’ spark of the Seven Years’ War led to England’s immense debt, which in turn sparked the regulations that angered the colonists to the point of declaring independence.

(3R) The quote represents the ways in which wars can escalate. Despite it being a skirmish over land in the Ohio River Valley, the French and Indian War soon escalated into a much greater conflict involving most of the major European powers. This connects through many wars in history.

“. . . for fire and water are not more heterogeneous than the different colonies in North America. Nothing can exceed the jealousy and emulation which they possess in regard to each other. . . . in short . . . were they left to themselves there would soon be a civil war from one end of the continent to the other, while the Indians and Negros would . . . impatiently watch the opportunity of exterminating them all together.”

Reverend Andrew Burnaby, 1760

Context:

(1R) The quote represents a criticism of the idea of unified colonies and points out the problems they would face — problems which would likely lead to their downfall.

(2R) As the French and Indian War came to a close, the colonies had suffered some losses, and they were still relatively separate at this time, with steps toward unification only beginning. The British had yet to impose heavy taxation and restrictions on land, so they were not commonly considering independence.

Significance:

(1R) The document represents a British viewpoint and justification for their control of the colonies. Because it provides clear reasons for their failure as independent states, it advances the author’s claim that they could never successfully act independently.

(2R) The document reflects the general mindset held by many of the British. Their belief that the colonists should be fully under their control and that only their provisions and supervisions would lead to the colonies’ success is revealed in the author’s statements.

“To prohibit a great people, however, from making all that they can of every part of their own produce, or from employing their stock and industry in the way that they judge most advantageous to themselves, is a manifest violation of the most sacred rights of mankind.”

Adam Smith, 1776

Context:

(1R) Adam Smith was a proponent of capitalism and laissez-faire economics, where the government had little to no control over the market.

(2R) Capitalist ideals took shape during the time of the American Revolution, with mercantilism being another reason for colonial resentment against the British monarchy.

Significance:

(1R) Adam Smith’s quote signifies the fact that the choice of individuals in economics is a basic human right, almost likening it to as one of man’s natural rights, which arose during the Enlightenment and influenced the Founding Fathers.

(2R) Smith’s quote furthers the idea that choice of individuals in economics is a basic right, but also shows the idea that mercantilism was an infringement upon the colonists’ basic rights, which justified colonial rebellion. The idea of natural rights, whether in society or economics heavily influenced the creation of the United States.

“A colonist cannot make a button, a horseshoe, nor a hobnail, but some snooty ironmonger or respectable buttonmaker of Britain shall bawl and squall that his honor’s worship is most egregiously maltreated, injured, cheated, and robbed by the rascally American republicans.”

Boston Gazette, 1765

Context:

(1R) This quote reflects the tight economic controls Britain placed upon American colonists, requiring them to import from Britain exclusively.

(2R) American republic ideals began to grow in response to the perceived injustice against British policies, eventually leading to the American Revolution.

Significance:

(1R) The quote signifies the colonial indignation towards British hypocrisy and economic policies in the form of mercantilism, as the colonies existed for the benefit of the mother country.

(2R) The concept of mercantilism led to the shortage of currency in the American colonies, with Continental currency being almost worthless.

“Chimney corner patriots abound; venality, corruption, prostitution of office for selfish ends, abuse of trust, perversion of funds from a national to a private use, and speculations upon the necessities of the times pervade all interests.”

George Washington, 1776

Context:

(1R) The American Revolution had already started by 1776, with the Battles of Lexington and Concord already having occurred.

(2R) Unprofessional militias and the professional army were both involved in the Revolutionary War; George Washington was the head of the Continental Army (professional soldiers).

Significance:

(1R) It signifies how Washington believes that the soldiers’ misbehaviors equate to them putting their individual interests above the interests of the nation.

(2R) The misbehavior of soldiers highlights their temptation for comfort (hence, “Chimney corner patriots”), as well as the absence of a moral sense of duty towards the nation, as Washington has.

“The nearer any government approaches to a republic the less business there is for a king. It is somewhat difficult to find a proper name for the government of England. Sir William Meredith calls it a republic; but in its present state it is unworthy of the name, because the corrupt influence of the crown, by having all the places in its disposal, hath so effectively swallowed up the power, and eaten out the virtue of the house of commons (the republican part of the constitution) that the government of England is nearly as monarchical as that of France or Spain.”

Thomas Paine, Common Sense

Context:

(1R) The pamphlet, Common Sense, by Thomas Paine argued for republican ideals and was considered radical for its time.

(2R) American colonists soon began to disfavor the monarchy of England, and began to embrace republican ideals, as seen in the Declaration of Independence.

Significance:

(1R) The quote signifies the growing embrace of republicanism in the American colonies and the view that the British government is corrupt due to being a monarchy.

(2R) The quote supports the broader revolutionary base for rejecting monarchy due to its perceived corrupting qualities and establishing a true republic based on popular sovereignty.

“. . . [You] are to be hanged by the neck, but not until you are dead; for while you are still living your bodies are to be taken down, your bowels torn out and burned before your faces, your heads then cut off, and your bodies divided each into four quarters, and your heads and quarters to be then at the King’s disposal; and may the Almighty God have mercy on your souls.”

George III, 1802

Context:

(1R) The Catholic Irish rebels were in conflict with the Protestant English, who crushed Irish uprisings against English rule.

(2R) The English inflicted atrocities upon Irish people who rebelled against their rule, seeing the native Irish as “savages.”

Significance:

(1R) This signifies the harsh consequences for rebellions against the King, highlighting how the fears of American revolutionary leaders were reasonable.

(2R) The quote illustrates risks that the signers of the Declaration of Independence faced and were aware of, suggesting the desire for freedom and liberty outweighed the risks, while also exposing the brutality the monarchy utilized to centralize control.

“Who would have thought that the American colonies, imperfectly known in Europe a few years ago and claimed by every pettifogging lawyer in the House of Commons, every cobbler in the beer-houses of London, as a part of their property, should to-day receive an ambassador from the most powerful monarchy in Europe.”

Patriot Journalist

Context:

(1R) The Revolutionary War is ongoing, with the battle of Saratoga likely to have finished, leading the French to ally with the Americans.

(2R) The French and English were rivals in Europe and abroad in their empires, with the Revolutionary War providing a chance for France to weaken England.

Significance:

(1R) The French military provided the Americans with valuable training, weaponry, and financial aid, helping the American effort.

(2R) The French alliance led to the American Revolution being an international conflict and making it harder for Britain to win, with Britain eventually losing its American colonies.

“The genius of this nation is not in the least to be compared with that of the Prussians, Austrians, or French. You say to your soldier, ‘Do this’ and he doeth it; but I am obliged to say, ‘This is the reason why you ought to do that,’ and then he does it.”

Baron von Steuben

Context:

(1R) Baron von Steuben, who was a Prussian general, helped to train the Continental Army into professional soldiers.

(2R) The training that foreign generals, like von Steuben provided, proved valuable in battles against well-trained and experienced British soldiers.

Significance:

(1R) The level of foreign assistance was valuable to the American colonists due to their relative inexperience compared to the British, allowing them to succeed in battles.

(2R) The foreign assistance from countries like Prussia and France highlights the internationalization of the American Revolution, which made it harder for the British to win.