Week 2: Colonialism & "American" Ideals

The colonial roots of the United States have marked this countries political culture for better or for worse. The ideals of the colonial period were written to include liberty, opportunity, democracy, equality, and rights. In this week's blog you are asked to answer the following questions as it relates to our lecture on the founding of America and the readings below.

How are these American political values expressed in history and in today's culture? What were the contradictions (name three) from the colonial era as it relates to two of the ideals expressed above? How do we see communities across the country expressing their views using these ideals? What issues relate to the colonial ideals above?

1. Columbus, The Indians, and Human Progress      
2. Drawing the Color Line


Blog Requirements
Post one original post each week along with a response to one student. Your original post should be at least 200 words, your response should be no less than 50 words.

Post your original post by midnight (11:59 p.m.) on Wednesday of each week and respond by midnight on Friday of each week (11:59 p.m.).