Unit 1 - Chapters 1 - 4 - People Flashcards
Adam Smith:
“The Wealth of Nations” (1776): Smith’s magnum opus, which explored the principles of political economy and advocated for free-market capitalism. It discussed concepts such as the division of labor, the invisible hand, and the role of self-interest in driving economic prosperity.
William Bradford:
“Of Plymouth Plantation”: Bradford’s historical account of the founding and early years of the Plymouth Colony. It provides valuable insights into the hardships faced by the Pilgrims, their interactions with Native Americans, and their establishment of a self-governing community.
Amerigo Vespucci:
“Mundus Novus” (New World): Vespucci’s letters describing his voyages to the New World, which contributed to the understanding that the lands discovered by Christopher Columbus were part of a new continent. The name “America” is derived from his first name.
Mary Rowlandson:
“The Sovereignty and Goodness of God”: Rowlandson’s personal account of her capture by Native Americans during King Philip’s War. The narrative describes her experiences during captivity, her release, and her reflections on faith and God’s providence.
Bartolomé de las Casas:
“A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies”: Las Casas’ work exposed the brutal treatment of Native Americans by the Spanish conquistadors and advocated for better treatment and rights for indigenous populations.
John Calvin:
“Institutes of the Christian Religion”: Calvin’s theological treatise, which presented his ideas on Protestant theology and the doctrine of predestination. It played a significant role in the development of Reformed Christianity.
John Woolman:
“Journal”: Woolman’s spiritual autobiography, where he reflected on his Quaker faith, pacifism, abolitionism, and the importance of leading a simple and ethical life. His writings contributed to the anti-slavery movement.
Martin Luther:
“95 Theses”: Luther’s document that criticized the Catholic Church’s practice of selling indulgences, sparking the Protestant Reformation. It called for reform within the Church and challenged its authority, leading to the formation of new Protestant denominations.
John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon:
“Cato’s Letters”: A series of essays published in the early 18th century, advocating for limited government, individual rights, and the principles of classical republicanism. These writings influenced the American Revolution and the development of American political thought.
Richard Hakluyt:
“The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques, and Discoveries of the English Nation”: Hakluyt’s collection of travel accounts and exploration narratives, promoting English colonization and trade. It influenced English imperial expansion and the development of overseas colonies.
John Locke:
“Two Treatises of Government”: Locke’s influential work on political philosophy, discussing natural rights, social contract theory, and the legitimacy of government. It provided a theoretical foundation for democratic principles and influenced the American and French Revolutions.
