Unit 2 A Nation Is Born 1750-1800

A Quick Taste… (Page 126-127) Which two entries between 1750 and 1760 mention Benjamin Franklin? What do these entries reveal about Franklin’s interests? What did France give up between 1759 and 1763? Suggest some causes of France’s decision. Which actions did Congress take between 1770 and 1780? What ongoing story does this suggest? Name two technological developments that occurred in England in 1769. How might these developments affected people’s lives? When was the first federal census taken? What does it indicate about the status of blacks in the United States?

Historical Background (Pages 128-131) Critical Thinking Why did the Enlightenment idea that people have a right to happiness prove a spur to revolution? In what way did the French and Indian War sow the seeds of the American Revolution? How were the colonists able to defeat England, a great world power?

Literature of the Period (Pages 131-135) Comprehension Check In what way was the writing produced during this period different from that produced by the Puritans? Name three important speakers and writers of this era. Name two political documents of the era whose final text was the result of committee debate. Outside of the field of politics, which writer was most widely read? As the eighteenth century came to a close, which types of literature were still largely untried by American writers?

Literature of the Period (Pages 131-135) Critical Thinking Why do you think most of the important writing of the period was political? Why is it important to remember that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are the result of long hours of debate by many men? Why do you think American writers of this era produced no plays or novels?