Plan of a proposed Union of the Several Colonies of Massachusetts Bay, new Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pensil-vania, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina, for their mutual defence and security & for the extending the British settlements in North America. That humble application be made for an act of the Parliament of Great Britain by virtue of which one General Government may be formed in America including all the said colonies within and under which government each colony may retain it present constitution except in the perticulars wherein a change may be directed by the said act as hereafter follows…. The Albany Plan of Union, 1754

QUESTION

Movements & Nixon Administration Lectures:
Attached are 5 documents with HIPP being asked of each.

H – Historical Context
I – Intended Audience
P – Point of View
P – Purpose
Document Analysis: Period 3

Plan of a proposed Union of the Several Colonies of Massachusetts Bay, new Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pensil-vania, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina, for their mutual defence and security & for the extending the British settlements in North America.

That humble application be made for an act of the Parliament of Great Britain by virtue of which one General Government may be formed in America including all the said colonies within and under which government each colony may retain it present constitution except in the perticulars wherein a change may be directed by the said act as hereafter follows….
The Albany Plan of Union, 1754

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Volumes have been written on the subject of the struggle between England and America. Men of all ranks have embarked in the controversy, from different motives, and with various designs; but all have been ineffectual, and the period of debate is closed. Arms as the last resource decide the contest; the appeal was the choice of the King, and the Continent has accepted the challenge.
Thomas Paine in Common Sense, 1776

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My dear countrymen,

There is another late act of parliament, which appears to me to be unconstitutional, and as destructive to the liberty of these colonies, as that mentioned in my last letter; that is, the act for granting the duties on paper, glass, etc.

The parliament unquestionably possesses a legal authority to regulate the trade of Great Britain, and all her colonies. Such an authority is essential to the relation between a mother country and her colonies; and necessary for the common good of all….

I have looked over every statute relating to these colonies, from their first settlement to this time; and I find every one of them founded on this principle, till the stamp act administration. All before, are calculated to regulate trade, and preserve or promote a mutually beneficial intercourse between the several constituent parts of the empire; and though many of them imposed duties on trade, yet those duties were always imposed with design to restrain the commerce of one part, that was injurious to another, and thus to promote the general welfare… never did the british parliament, till the period above mentioned, think of imposing duties in America for the purpose of raising a revenue…
Letters from a farmer in Pennsylvania (1767 – 68)

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We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The Constitution of the United States (1787)

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The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed…

The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness…

It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another…

Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all… . Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases

ANSWER

Movements & Nixon Administration: Document Analysis and Historical Context

Introduction

In studying historical movements and the Nixon administration, it is essential to analyze primary documents that provide insights into the historical context, intended audience, point of view, and purpose of these significant events. In this essay, we will examine five documents from different periods, namely the Albany Plan of Union (1754), Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776), Letters from a farmer in Pennsylvania (1767-68), the Constitution of the United States (1787), and a letter by George Washington (1796). By analyzing these documents, we can gain a deeper understanding of the historical circumstances and motivations behind these influential events.

Document 1: Albany Plan of Union (1754)

The Albany Plan of Union was drafted in 1754 during a time of escalating tensions between the British colonies and the French in North America. Its historical context lies within the colonial period, where the British colonies sought to address common defense and security issues. The intended audience of this document were the representatives of the British colonies and the British government. The document’s point of view reflects the colonial representatives’ desire for a unified government that could defend the colonies against French and Native American threats while expanding British settlements in North America. The purpose of the Albany Plan of Union was to propose a centralized authority that could coordinate defense efforts and promote British interests in the region.

Document 2: Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776)

Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine in 1776, during the American Revolution when the thirteen colonies sought independence from Great Britain. The historical context revolves around the Revolutionary period, characterized by growing sentiments of discontent and the desire for self-governance (“How Thomas Paine’S ‘Common Sense’ Helped Inspire the American Revolution,” 2021). Paine’s intended audience was the American colonists who were undecided or skeptical about breaking away from Great Britain. Paine’s point of view strongly advocated for independence, arguing that the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies was oppressive and that it was time for the colonists to fight for their freedom. The purpose of Common Sense was to persuade colonists to support the idea of independence and unite in their struggle against British rule.

Document 3: Letters from a farmer in Pennsylvania (1767-68)

Written between 1767 and 1768, the Letters from a farmer in Pennsylvania reflect the historical context of growing tensions between the British government and the American colonies. The intended audience of these letters was the colonists, particularly in Pennsylvania, who were concerned about British policies, such as the imposition of duties (St John De Crevecoeur, 2021). The author’s point of view, likely a Pennsylvanian farmer, expressed opposition to the British Parliament’s authority to impose revenue-raising duties on the colonies, arguing that such actions were unprecedented and violated the principles of mutual benefit and trade regulation. The purpose of these letters was to rally support against British policies and assert the rights of the colonies to self-governance.

Document 4: The Constitution of the United States (1787)

The Constitution of the United States was drafted in 1787, following the American Revolutionary War and the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The historical context centers around the need to establish a stronger federal government that could provide stability and address the challenges faced by the newly formed nation. The intended audience of the Constitution was the American people, including representatives at the Constitutional Convention. The point of view reflected in the document aimed to create a balanced framework for governance, preserving individual liberties while promoting a more perfect union. The purpose of the Constitution was to establish the structure, powers, and limitations of the federal government and ensure the rights and welfare of the people.

Document 5: George Washington’s Letter (1796)

George Washington’s letter, written in 1796, highlights the historical context of the early years of the United States as a newly established nation. The intended audience of the letter was the American people, particularly those involved in the upcoming presidential election. Washington’s point of view emphasized the importance of national unity and the need for a strong and responsible executive government (George Washington, “Farewell Address,” 1796 | the American Yawp Reader, n.d.). He warned against internal and external threats that could undermine the unity and independence of the nation. The purpose of Washington’s letter was to announce his decision not to seek re-election and to urge the American people to value and preserve the national union, exercise caution in government administration, and maintain good relations with other nations.

Conclusion

Analyzing these primary documents from different historical periods sheds light on the movements and events that shaped American history. The Albany Plan of Union, Common Sense, Letters from a farmer in Pennsylvania, the Constitution of the United States, and George Washington’s letter provide valuable insights into the historical context, intended audience, point of view, and purpose of these significant moments. By understanding these documents, we can better comprehend the motivations, struggles, and aspirations of those involved, and how they influenced the course of American history.

References

How Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense’ Helped Inspire the American Revolution. (2021, June 28). HISTORY. https://www.history.com/news/thomas-paine-common-sense-revolution 

George Washington, “Farewell Address,” 1796 | The American Yawp Reader. (n.d.). https://www.americanyawp.com/reader/a-new-nation/george-washington-farewell-address-1796/ 

St John De Crevecoeur, J. H. (2021, August 2). Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, To the Inhabitants of the British Colonies. Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.pub/theamericanrevolutionprimarysourcereadings/chapter/letters-from-a-farmer-in-pennsylvania-to-the-inhabitants-of-the-british-colonies/