APUSH Unit 1 LEQ prompts

The colonies in British North America developed into three distinct regions. Explain how both the geography and demographics contributed to the unique characteristics of each. Despite their differences, were there any overriding commonalities that united all of the colonies?

Contextualization: - 1620 group of puritan separatists known as the pilgrims settled at plymouth which led to the discovery colony of massachusetts and as they got accustomed to the area that spread to discover connecticut, rhode island, and new hampshire which all became known as the new england colonies. Later in 1664 King charles gave the territory to his brother the duke of york which became known New york. Then in 1680, the king gave william penn land in debt which became known as pennsylvania. These colonies including new jersey and delaware became known as the middle colonies. Lastly, the southern colonies made up of Maryland, virginia, north and south carolina, and georgia were discovered around in the 50 year period of 1600-1650.

Thesis: Despite being united under the english crown, religion and the economy were main reasons that led to the separation of the colonies

Topic sentence: Religion is a major factor that sparked colonial division.

New England Colonies- puritans who were very strict that believed that members should follow only the bible and scolded the priests and ceremonies(left england to practice this religion) Except Rhode Island. these strict rules drove out many of its members to live in colonies that offer religious freedom: middle colonies. they hated anglicanism because they think that its the opposite of their beliefs which separated them.

Southern Colonies- Anglican and baptists who were more traditionalists who were loyal to the british throne including new york

Middle Colonies- diverse full of all religions because they were a haven for the dutch, french huguenots, jews. Freedom of religion

Although they were separated for religious reasons, one major factor that united all the colonies was the fact that they were all subject to the crown. This similarity would allow them to drop their differences in order to diverge from the crown. One example is the american revolution. The colonies teamed up together despite their differences in order to become free from their rule. So even though they were separated religiously, they were united through the english.

Topic sentence 2: Economy had a huge part in the division of the colonies.

New england- used ocean with fishing and trading, wasn't able to to plant because rocky soil

Middle colonies- very diverse economy but mostly agricultural with grains and oats, logging, textile production included

Southern colonies- agriculture growing cash crops like tobacco and rice with slave trades and labor

One might argue that being patriotic, loyalist, or neutral must have a bigger effect on the separation of the colonies because it caused a greater conflict for the fate of the colonies. By choosing sides or being nuetral, you are fighting against your own neighbors for a greater cause. You are killing them in different battles, you are scolding them, etc.

Professor Ned Blackhawk contends that the French and Indian war is the most significant event of the 18th century. Support or challenge his assertion. Be sure to include a comprehensive summary of the war itself in your response.

Contextualization: - Britain in control of the thirteen colonies, french in control of canada french wanted to move south and britain east met at the ohio river which was a important trade port which led to conflict over rule. This conflict sparked the start of the war in which the english colonists were fighting against and with natives and the french. After losing by a lot, william pit turned the tide by administering funds which led to the british victory at quebec leading to the treaty of paris: french gave up all its territories in mainland north america and established border with fishing rights

Thesis: Despite Blackhawk's claim that the french and indian war is the most significant event of the 18th century, gaining independence from a power country and inspiring other countries to revolt supports the claim that the american revolution was the most significant event of the 18th century.

Topic sentence: Gaining independence from such a powerful nation like Britain is an important achievement which allows the american revolution being the most significant event.

The colonies with no experience of skill of military battles were able to beat the advanced and knowledgeable british with tactical strategies and smart moves: Battle of trenton, washington was able to sneak attack them when they were sleeping

Them and their french allies outsmarting and sandwich the strong english navy at the chesapeake bay which won them the battle of yorketown. these big campaigns allows them to beat the british which is a powerful experience military making it the most significant in the century.

The only reason that would have happened is because the british beat the french at the french and indian war which led them to keep their colonies. They also gained war experience from the french and indian war. For example, george washington is wise and tactical because of his experiences at fort necessity where he surprised attacked the french but ended up surrendering to them.

Topic sentence: The american revolution sparked an idea of revolution throughout the world allowing for other countries and nations to revolt.

French revolution- based on american revolution against monarchy

sparked different movements other than political like womens, slavery, and industrial

one might argue that the american revolution was not a revolition at all because it only offered rights to the whites and not slaves also wealthy class benefited.

Examine the division and diverse openings among the american colonists at the start of the war. What factors...

Contexualization: american revolition split up the colonies, people had to choose sides, they were united anymore

patriots: small farmers, protestants, chesapeke gentry, merchants, english office holders

loyalists: anglicans, tenants, backcountry, merchants, formed officers, enslaved men, and natives

neutrals: quakers

they should unite because they all live together