Detailed Study Notes on Colonial History and Revolutions

Instructor calls names for exam retrieval.
- Example names: Bianca Arenas, Jose Salas, Josie Bach, etc.
Specific exceptions noted:
- Yaka Arinas did not receive an exam back.
- Allison Kabo also did not get an exam back.
Instructions for students:
- If no exam is received, they must email the instructor to discuss the issue.
- Importance of communication emphasized: "If you don’t send me an email, you’re not gonna get a grade for the exam".

Overall class exam grades were satisfactory, average reported as 83.
- Mention of a previous class that performed poorly affecting overall impression.
Key issues with student performance pointed out:
  - Lack of engagement with assigned online lectures.
  - Insufficient studying and reliance on outdated notes.
  - Use of previously shared answers which may no longer be accurate due to changes in content.

Instructor encourages questions about the exam.
- Reassures students that inquiries are welcome for better understanding of grading.
Suggests scheduling time for specific concerns regarding scores.

Reminder about the online lecture watched on Tuesday:
- Focus on development of colonial governments and beginnings of the English Revolution.

Definition of Revolution (related to physics analogy):
- A full circle; if Earth revolves around the sun, it completes a full cycle.
Historical revolutions analyzed:
  - Common theme of revolutions starting and ending at the same point (point A).
  - Examples provided:
    - Russian Revolution led to new dictatorship.
    - Mexican Revolution resulted in new oligarchies.
    - French Revolution reinstated monarchy of the same dynasty.
American Revolution distinction:
  - Seen as "the most conservative revolution" because it focused on retaining the status quo rather than transformative change.
  - Key reason behind this difference:
    - Colonists were not initially under heavy monarchy control; weren’t fighting to change but to maintain their existing conditions.

Overview of early colonial governments:
- Represented local forms of government similar to English models.
- Colonists viewed themselves as part of England, emphasizing the lack of division.
Major distinction between colonies:
- New England: Pursuit of egalitarianism with no social hierarchies, focus on civic equality, religious participation.
- Virginia: Established to profit, initiated slavery early, thus creating a racial hierarchy.
Implications of slavery and political consciousness:
- Formation of a black American political consciousness stemming from systemic discrimination.
- Rest of the material needs to connect with later historical events.

Education in the colonies:
- High literacy rates established, overshooting England.
- Establishment of Harvard University in 1636 as a significant educational milestone.
Reasons for emphasis on education:
- Necessities for trade and effective legal system.
- Religious motivations, particularly for Puritans emphasizing direct Biblical reading for salvation.

Evolution of the English Monarchy and its relevance, beginning from war leaders to the ineffective rulers of the Tudor period.
Key figures discussed:
- Henry VIII: Modelled kingship after Roman emperors.
- Charles I’s increasingly problematic reign leading to civil war.
Formation of the New Model Army amidst turmoil.
- Establishment reinforcing the transition of power and ultimate downfall of the monarchy.
- Execution of Charles I launched unprecedented shifts in political thought in Europe.

Emergence of factions within the New Model Army:
- Grandees: Aristocratic interests, pushing for a monarchy without a king.
- Levelers: Advocated for equality before the law and universal suffrage.
Consequence of failed agreements:
- Violent suppression of Levelers by the parliament due to perceived threats.
Puritan ruling switches under Oliver Cromwell:
- Introduced strict governance aligned closely with religious tenets.
- Focus on communal rights, controlling political and social behaviors.

Key reforms under Cromwell’s Protectorate:
- Introduction of political equality and public education reforms.
- Major population restructuring; militarization and direct oversight of governance.
Draconian measures emphasizing a moralist agenda:
- Prohibition of various personal freedoms (e.g., public displays of affection, drinking, gambling, etc.).
- Shift toward a policing state with emphasis on conformity to the law.

Effects of high taxation and public dissatisfaction fostered unrest against the Protectorate.
The civic unrest illustrated the disparity between American colonies and Britain, leading to false sense of American resilience.