Assignment1

You are dispatched to the New World as a researcher by Sir Richard Weston (Chancellor of the Exchequer under King James I) to evaluate the current situation and future prospects for the further colonization of mainland America. In early 1625, you visit the settlements of Jamestown and Plymouth, as well as the Dutch settlement areas of what is today New York state. In your report, discuss any economic opportunity there might be for the settlers, threats or dangers to their lives and health, and the intentions or motivations of the residents of these places which have given rise to their apparent present preference to live a difficult life in American settlements rather than to remain in Europe. Your report will need to be specific and thus cite both the reasons for your views and also the pages in your textbook or other information sources that you use.

Before you begin writing, keep in mind that a copy of this report will be provided to King James I and that His Majesty requires all reports to be brief, that is, 2-3 pages (500-750 words), that no personal details about yourself and your adventure should be included in the report (i.e., do not tell a story such as writing “it was a difficult journey” or “upon reaching the crest of the hill I saw…”), and that this report demands using real facts and not your personal creativity.

To help you avoid making this an account of your travels (instead of the desired report) the words “I,” “my,” “me,” “you,” “your,” “we,” “our,” and the like should not be used unless you are quoting what someone said (and then citing your source).

To be clear, all information contained in this short paper should report on each group of settlers, their living conditions and attempts to secure a livelihood, and the motivations behind each group’s choice to settle in America despite the difficulties of life here at that time versus living in Europe. (While the motivations of each group of settlers should be discussed, to simplify your report you should ignore the fact that the settlers’ reasons for leaving Europe may have been different from their reasons for staying once they have arrived. Any reason for leaving Europe for America or for remaining in America may be called a reason or motivation for settling here.)

Assignment2

Explain the fundamental differences in political, social, and economic ideas which separated the American colonies and Great Britain after 1763.

Please answer the prompt in a short essay of 1-2 double-spaced pages. The essay should fully consider the question(s) and should pull from the course readings, as well as your own experiences and opinions, if applicable. Show me that you've really thought about your topic and that you have a full understanding of this issue. Your essay should have both a strong introduction (with a thesis statement that clearly states your argument) and a strong conclusion.

Assignment1 You are dispatched to the New World as a researcher...