RHS 201

Review: Exam 1

D. C. Ellison

The examination will consist of four questions taken from the following. Be sure to take the exam in pen, place a full heading on all answer sheets and remember that an exam is your opportunity to display your knowledge, not merely to "answer the questions."

1. It can be argued that the movement for independence from the British in the northern colonies began with the arrival of the Puritans and the Pilgrims in Massachusetts Bay, and culminated in 1775. What argument and evidence can be advanced to support this thesis? (hint: this asks the question, "Could there be a religious motive for the revolution of 1775")

2. How did the charters of incorporation of the early Joint Stock Companies influence the early forms of political institutions in the British N. American colonies?

3. What are the basic assumptions of mercantilism, the role of colonies within a mercantile system and the advantages and disadvantages from the colonial point of view of mercantilism?

4. An East/West social division existed within the British North American colonies throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. What caused this division and where was it reflected in the events of that period?

5. With what specific problems in her North American colonies did Britain deal following the Seven Years War and what proposals for their solution did she advance?

6. Ignoring the issue of taxes, the Crown and Parliament of Great Britain managed to "step on a few toes" in the colonies, so to speak after 1763; i.e., whether intentionally or not, managed to injure or threaten to injure the interests - real or perceived - of various groups within the colonies. How and where and how did she do this?

7. The Puritans undoubtedly had the greatest impact of all groups settling N. American upon the subsequent development of America. Specifically, what was this impact?