Howard Zinn, A People’s History Assignment
The Text: Howard Zinn, A People’s History of the United States 1492-Present
• A copy is available online via: http://www.historyisaweapon.com/zinnapeopleshistory.html
Assignment Instructions:
• Read the selected chapters of the text (CHAPTERS 1 – 9)
• Respond to all the questions for each chapter in complete sentences. ( 10 questions total)
• Make sure your responses are in order by chapter. Each response should fully address the question—even if it takes 1-3 paragraphs, you need to address the question.
Chapter 1: Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress
1. Why did Zinn choose to write this book and take the perspective that he has?
2. According to Zinn, what is the sacrifice of human progress?
Chapter 2: Drawing the Color Line
1. How did slavery develop? How did racism develop along with it?
2. Why was it feared that whites would join slave revolts? How was this prevented?
Chapter 3: Persons of Mean and Vile Condition
1. Analyze the statement “It seems quite clear that class lines hardened through the colonial period; the distinction between rich and poor became sharper.” (Describe the role and makeup of the elite, middle and lower classes and how the upper classes maintained control.)
Chapter 4: Tyranny is Tyranny
1. Explain the phrase “Tyranny is tyranny let it come from whom it may” by using the evidence that Zinn offers throughout the chapter.
Chapter 5: A Kind of Revolution
1. How did the various groups in colonial society respond to the movement for Revolution and how did the war add to the conflict between the rich and poor?
Chapter 6: The Intimately Oppressed
1.How were the lives of early American women different from the lives of women who came to the Americas from Europe?
Chapter 7: As Long as Grass Grows or Water Runs
1. In your opinion, was removal of Native Americans necessary for the progress of American civilization? In other words, did the end justify the means? Make sure you engage with the text to support your ideas.
Chapter 8: Chapter 9: Slavery Without Submission, Emancipation Without Freedom
1. How does Zinn argue that the Civil War was not really fought over the moral issue of slavery, but rather the economic issue of slavery?
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Chapter 1: Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress
- Why did Zinn choose to write this book and take the perspective that he has?
In writing this book, Zinn wants to tell the history of the U.S. by giving in different perceptions to the misconceptions perpetuated by colonial and slavery apologists. The history of America has been presented with certain biases conceals by the different sides of the conquerors and conquered, capitalists and workers, dominators and dominated in race, sex and masters and slaves. It is in this context that the author wanted to it in on the side of the many interested parties such as the Cherokees….
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