Colonist's View of England

The Colonist's View of England Questions

1. John Adams means being morally and spiritually honest when he speaks of virtue. In order for liberty to be true, the officials and the nation's peoples must be good and honest ones. If they are not, then liberty simply cannot exist. An example of this that is used constantly through these excerpts is officials must not be open to bribery.

2. John Dickinson finds the dishonesty of Parliament to be the most shocking aspect of British society. Those elected are easily bribed and do not take "oath of not being bribed" seriously. He claims this dishonesty roots from their lack of virtue. The officials want more money and power, so they are easily bribed if the result gains them either. Dickinson fears this because he says that the disregard of virtue "is the unfailing cause of the destruction of all empires." Obviously he does not want his homeland empire of England to fall, so he fears this dishonesty.

3. Charles Carroll Jr. is writing to potential colonists. He tells them to purchase land in Maryland while its societies are still virtuous and bountiful. Loose morals and such have not corrupted Maryland, at the time, so Carroll urges people to enjoy this liberty while it still lasts. This is a endeavor worthy of their money because the time when this freedom ends is far away.

4. He is warning English Parliament that they must end their corruption and similar vices or else the English government will sink into anarchy and crumble. He tells Parliament that empires that lack virtue do not last, and England will have a similar fate is they do not end this corruption.

5. Franklin's views are this: England is corrupt; the colonies are virtuous. He glorifies the colonies and states that a closer relationship with England will only make the colonies worse. When the corruption of English Parliament causes England's destruction, they will want help. As the colonies help though, it will be to no avail. And through aiding England, the colonies will only get themselves involved more, thus causing their own corruption.

6. Taxes are dangerous to these denizens in Boston because the Parliament could potentially put a tax on everything they own and take away all profits. It clashes with their rights as British