Description / Question
Directions: Using only the materials found only in this week's module (Week Two), please thoughtfully reflect to following prompt with a minimum 800 word short response essay (you may go over this word count without penalty, but do not go under the word count). Be sure to use specific examples from both the lecture and the required readings whenever possible. Simple in text citations should be used whenever you are quoting directly or indirectly (Week Two Module) or (Ted Talk), (How America Invented Race), or (Author's Last Name or Title of Chapter/Article, page number if possible). Remember this is your opportunity to express how you have understood/viewed the materials - readings, lectures, videos/documentaries - presented throughout within the module.
All work submitted must be your own. Your response/reflections serve as an opportunity for your to share your thoughts, feelings, and/or ideas about the topic at hand. Though these assignments are short, they should still be treated as a formal written assignment, so please be mindful of spelling, grammar, punctuation. Points are awarded based on your ability to fully address the questions at hand. Unless otherwise noted, all assignments/discussions should be completed in a standard 12-point font, single or double space, with standard margins. Your response/reflection should be written in an essay format. All questions must be fully addressed.
Response/Reflection Prompt for Module Two:
This module has included a brief history of servants, slaves, and the invention of race in early colonial history as well as an overview of some economic, political, and social motivations for the American Revolutionary War and the need for a new U.S. Constitution. Based on your understanding/interpretation of the materials presented in this module,
- How and why did Virginia shift from indentured servitude to slavery? In what ways did race suddenly become a major factor in the mid- to late 17th century? What was the significance of Bacon's Rebellion?
- How were British/Colonial relations up to the start of the war? Why did the United States declare independence? How did the ideals of Revolutionary War impact Native Americans, African Americans, and Women at this time?
- What were some of the successes and failures of the Articles of Confederation? What were some of the compromises made during the Constitutional Convention? And do you think that the system of checks and balances provides the United States with an effective and efficient government? If so, how? If not, why not?
- How has the information provided throughout this module affected or enhanced your own understanding regarding the significant impact of the Early Colonial Period on issues of race and identity in the newly established United States?