Problem
Use Text evidence from "Howard Zinn & Anthony Arnove: Voices of a People's History of the US"
I. Why did the sight of Colonel John Worthington raise the "spirits" of the citizens of Springfield? Why were the ordinary people so upset by his actions?
II. Do you think the beliefs and actions of the colonists in Springfield, Massachusetts, were typical of colonists in other regions of the British colonies?
III. What words and phrases did Joseph Clarke use to describe the spirit and atmosphere that accompanied the rebellion? How do these descriptions compare and contrast with those you might use to describe rebellion? Do you think Clarke was in favor of the rebellion or against it? How and why?
IV. Summarize Joseph Plumb Martin's grievances about his treatment at the hands of the Continental Army during the war. Do you think Martin's experience during his enlistment in the Continental Army were similar to those of other soldiers who served during the Revolutionary War? How and why?
V. In explaining his experiences after the war, Martin claims, "the truth was none cared for them the country was served and faithfully served and that was all that was deemed necessary. It was, soldiers, look to yourselves we want no more of you". How does he support this assertion throughout his letter?
VI. Martin wrote his narrative 54 years after his experiences in the Revolutionary War. For whom do you think he wrote this letter? Would it have had a different audience, and a different purpose, in 1830 then it would have if he had written it in 1783? How and why?
VII. Why do you think the officers in charge ordered such a brutal punishment? Why did they force the soldiers to look upon the bodies after they were shot and killed?
VIII. Dewees remarked that the offenses for which the men were shot appeared to be "trivial". How might such extreme punishment for trivial offences affect the relationship between the soldiers and officers?
IX. Do you think that Dewees really believed his statement that "the execution of these men was undoubtedly brought about by the love of Liberty, the good of country, and the necessity of keeping proper subordination in the army in order to ensure that good ultimately"? Provide support for your answer with quotes from his recollection.
X. How did Henry Knox see the new federal constitution's working inversely to the public good?
XI. According to Knox, the accusation by "desperate and unprincipled men" of increased taxation was a "deception". How does he support his belief? Do you agree or disagree with this assessment?
XII. Why is "a body of 12 or 15,000 desperate and unprincipled men" such a threat to every "man of principle and property" in New England?