August 15 Review and Homework

Here's a re-cap of today's focus:

Puritans

Women were not so bad off compared to England and other areas of the world. Women made up nearly 75% of the church, supported one another because of their close proximity, and carried a lot of weight with their opinions. The downside of this was that because of their “power of influence” they were often charged with slander. A woman’s opinion could ruin a minister’s career. Also, most women could read and write. This literacy rate was unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Why? Because reading the Bible was important to them. Women were also more cherished and respected because of the Puritan faith than in other religious communities. While they could not hold office, they were able to divorce (although infrequently), were protected from abuse and neglect, and men were held accountable for abandonment or adultery.

Anne Bradstreet- Puritan poet. As you read the prologue, consider what she is saying about the status of Puritan women. 

Livelihood: Their religious harmony was compromised by another group moving in that helped save their economy: Fishermen. Considered rough, heathen-like men, often charged with breaking the Puritan laws of decency and Sabbath, they actually contributed largely to the economy that sustained the early colonies. Most fishermen preferred the more laid back Anglicanism to the Puritan faith.

Education: Because literacy was so important, grammar schools started popping up in New England.

Church was life. You were required by law to attend twice on Sundays, morning and afternoon each a two-hour sermon. And you must also come midweek for another two-hour sermon.

The devil was alive and walking amongst them, often disguised. All calamities and hardships were sent by God as a punishment for their wickedness, including infant deaths, illnesses, and crop failures.This contrasts the increasing shift towards Rationalism that viewed God as leaving men to their rational decisions and intelligence rather than controlling every circumstance. 

 Native American and Colonial conflicts.

Praying Towns sought conversion rather than death but did not hesitate to place the rule of convert or die.  Native Americans were forced to settle into small towns where their culture could be absolved, they could be isolated from those resisting conversion, thus conveniently opening up land for Puritans and colonists to manage. They were forced to work 6 days a week and rest on the Sabbath. Required to take English names, give up their body grease, sports, and cut their hair into Puritan fashion. Also had to wear English attire.

Some benefits: Saved dying tribes from obliteration, literacy, and some found solace in Christianity from the traumas experienced. Still, most Puritans distrusted Indians.

King Philip’s War: Bloodiest Indian war in history. Native Americans managed to gain access to the guns they were forbidden to own, leveling the playing field. They’d attack and retreat to the swamps. So much damage was sustained that even Roger Williams conceded that God must be punishing New England for their sins and the Native Americans found their successes to be confirmation of their own returning spiritual power. This battle became a struggle for spirituality. Many colonists believed that the only way to advance the cause of God was to destroy the Indian, their enemy and they eventually turned on the Praying Towns. Destruction of the other measured God’s favor. The only way Native Americans could prove their loyalty was to bring two scalps or heads from other Indians to the Puritans.

These alliances comprised 1/3 of the Natives, supporting the colonists. This is where military tactics start shifting. They taught colonists how to ambush, hide, and stealth attack. Colonists abandoned their European training.

Alright, now that that is done, let's look towards next week. Make sure you read the first 2 acts of The Crucible. My book says this is on page 76. Starting this Monday evening would be a mistake. Pick one of the topics listed on the board (also found on the syllabus), and research that topic. You need to gather enough information to teach this portion to the class, so spend some time on this. Your ability to discuss this intelligently and thoroughly saves you the hassle of writing another paragraph. 

All of you need to begin your research of The Salem Witch Trials. Wikipedia is a great place to start, but feel free to expand to other historical sites. 

If you are joining the mock trial, I will have your folder ready for you next week. :) Make sure you come see me. 

Your writing assignment is to write ONE academic paragraph on any topic discussed this far. This is your chance to show off your interests. This is your education and you can explore the areas most fascinating to you. Also, begin thinking of your essay due September 5th. You will need to tell me your topic next week. Previous students will write the full 5 paragraph essay. New students need 2-3 paragraphs, unless you are up for a challenge. 

I will have this week's work graded and ready for you next week. :) If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.