The Quakers APUSH Topics to Study for Test Day

Quakerism is more than a type of Christianity. Its popularity rose in the United States at a particular moment in time, and the Quakers have been making an impact on U.S. history ever since. Keep reading to get an overview of this group, their historical context, and their significance in U.S. history for the APUSH exam. What is Quakerism? This blog post is not entirely about theology (the study of religion). Some theological points will be necessary in order to understand historical importance, but I am not a theologian, nor is the APUSH exam about doctrine (the rules and texts of a particular religion). With that in mind, I will provide a brief overview about the beliefs of Quakers. Quakerism (also known as the Society of Friends) began in England, much the same as Puritanism. Quakers found religious refuge in the colonies from the authoritarian rule of the Anglican Church; but the rise in Quakerism’s popularity in New England was not met kindly by Puritans. Puritans believed that the Quakers were unorthodox: unlike the hierarchical Puritans, Quakers believed that they could – and should – have a direct access to God. This was only some of the Puritan orthodoxy that Quakers shunned, and these tensions rose to a violent pitch. In 1656, several women preachers in the Quaker tradition began to preach and convert individuals to Quakerism in Maryland and Massachusetts. The Puritan leaders of Massachusetts violently persecuted these Quakers, putting four of them to death by 1661. Eventually, Quakers would have a colony of their own in Pennsylvania (charted by William Penn). Penn was especially interested in governing Pennsylvania under Quaker ideals, specifically pacifism and religious tolerance. Portrait of William Penn. What impact did the Quakers have on U.S. history? One of the biggest impacts Quakers had on U.S. history was in the abolition movement against slavery. In fact, four quakers openly denounced slavery as early as 1688 when they established Germantown in Pennsylvania. In their petition against slavery, several of the Germantown residents argued that the Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) was the moral foundation for abolition and universal human rights. This early antislavery spirit is not to say that Quakers never owned slaves – some did – but the rates of slave ownership were much lower among the Society of Friends than in other religious sects. While abolition was gaining more national attention in the 1820s and 1830s, some Quakers had established aid societies and were actively assisting runaway enslaved individuals through the Underground Railroad. Most notably, Quaker Levi Coffin assisted enslaved people seeking freedom as a child in North Carolina and eventually became President of the Underground Railroad when he moved to Ohio. Because of their pacifism, Quakers were among those who were conscientious objectors to war, a philosophical position that came under ridicule during World War I. One of the most enduring ways that Quakerism has impacted society in the United States is through their Friends Schools. These schools promote Quaker ideals, if not Quaker religious beliefs that have endured for decades. In fact, the desire for education was a foundational philosophy that governed Quakers’ abolitionism and pacifism. What kinds of questions will I be asked on the APUSH exam about the Quakers? Please use the excerpt to answer the multiple choice questions that follow. â€Å"The Slavery which now largely [exists] in the American Colonies, is another mighty evil, which proceeds from the same corrupt root as War; for, however, it may be granted that some, otherwise, well disposed people in different places, particularly in these provincesfell into the practice of buying and keeping Slaves, thro inadvertency, or by the example of others;- yet in the generality it sprang from an unwarrantable defire of gain, a lust, for amassing wealth, and in the pride of their heart, holding an uncontrollable power over their fellow-men. The observation which the Apostle makes on War, may well be applied to those who compelled their fellow-men to become their slaves, they lusted, for wealth and power†¦Ã¢â‚¬  John Wesley, 1774, â€Å"Thoughts upon Slavery† 1. In this excerpt, Wesley argues that slavery exists in the colonies because A. It is a tradition passed on through various generations. B. Slaveowners believe that enslaved people are better off being enslaved. C. Individuals who own slaves are greedy. D. Slavery is ordained and justified by God. You may not receive a question about Quakerism explicitly, but questions regarding abolition more broadly and the views that abolitionists had to confront. â€Å"[T]he condition of the African race throughout all the States where the ancient relation between the two [races] has been retained enjoys a degree of health and comfort which may well compare with that of the laboring population of any country in Christendom; and, it may be added that in no other condition, or in any other age or country, has the Negro race ever attained so high an elevation in morals, intelligence, or civilization.† John C. Calhoun, political leader, 1844 2. Which of the following most directly undermines Calhoun’s assertions? A. Many slaves adopted elements of Christianity. B. Many slaves engaged in forms of resistance to slavery, like running away. C. Abolitionist societies encountered difficulty organizing in Southern states. D. A majority of White Southerners were not slaveholders. Correct Answers: 1. C 2. B .

Duke Law School 2009 Application Tips

Most law schools will ask for a personal statement that reflects who you are and why you want to go to law school. Resist the temptation to make this a one-essay-fits-all-schools personal statement. The more specific you can be about each school, the more interested your admissions readers will be in your application. For Duke, I have put in bold the things to which you need to pay particular attention. My comments are in red. Duke Law’s personal statement: â€Å"Duke seeks to identify applicants who demonstrate leadership and engagement. Most successful candidates show sustained and meaningful commitment to one or more fields of interest to them . The Law School benefits from a student body that represents a broad range of experiences and interests .† â€Å"It is often helpful to indicate reasons for interest in law school in general and Duke in particular, especially when they relate to an applicants specific experiences.† In order for your essay to merit attention, make sure that you focus your answer on the specifics of their question. They are looking for an incoming class that is made up of more than the top 10% of every undergraduate university. Take this opportunity to show the admissions committee who you really are. Your numbers are already out there, so no point in mentioning them in your essay. Talk about your passions, how you spend your free time, your relationship with your large extended family, or whatever else about you demonstrates the niche you have carved out for yourself in the world. Make sure you are clear about why you want to go to law school and what you intend to do when you graduate. Be very specific why Duke is on your short list. Tie it back to the main theme of your essay. Duke’s additional essay: â€Å"You may submit a Duke-specific essay by letting us know why you want to go to law school and why you have decided to apply to Duke.† Many wonderful personal statements do not focus so much on why law as they do on the personality and life experiences of the writer. If this is the case, and your personal statement only touches on the reasons why you want to become an attorney and get your education at Duke, then grab this opportunity to tell the adcom more about why, and specifically why Duke. If you have already discussed why law and why Duke at length in your personal statement, you may want to use this opportunity to talk about Duke’s second suggestion for the optional essay. â€Å"Or, you may choose to submit an essay that describes how you will enhance the educational environment of the Law School and contribute to the diversity of the student body. If you choose to submit the diversity essay, tell us more about your particular life experiences with an emphasis on how the perspectives that you have acquired would contribute to the intellectual community of the Law School.† This essay should dovetail with your personal statement. You do not want to reiterate what is already in your personal statement, but you do want them to tie together. If you have devoted your personal statement to why you want to go to law school, and Duke in particular, use the optional essay to give the ad com a real sense of who you are. Be detailed, specific, and genuine. There is something about everyone that is â€Å"diverse.† You cannot imagine how exhausting it is to read generic, one size fits everybody personal statements and essays until you have read a stack of applications to law school. Everyone has a story to tell – make yours come to life. Resume: â€Å"The resume is an important part of your application and it will be reviewed to learn of the extracurricular, political and community activities, and jobs you have performed. Your resume should include your full name at the top and list all honors and awards you have received. Include dates for all items listed on your resume. There is no required length.† So here is where you get to list every single thing you want the adcom to know about you. Which means that in your essays, you DO NOT need to list every single thing you want them to know. Awards should be listed on your resume, but not necessarily in your personal statement. Same for employment, volunteer work, etc. Your resume reveals facts; your essays present personality and, perspective in a snapshot format.