Question

The author suggests that many early Americans believed that divine power had what role in the formation of the United States? (A) A negative and revolutionary role (B) A neutral and removed role (C) A positive and instrumental role (D) A helpful yet tangential role

Short answer

(C) A positive and instrumental role.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks us to determine what role early Americans believed divine power played in the formation of the United States. This requires understanding what early Americans thought about divine power's influence on their new nation.

Analyze the Options

We have four options to consider. - (A) suggests that divine power had a negative and revolutionary role. - (B) suggests a neutral and removed role. - (C) implies a positive and instrumental role. - (D) suggests a helpful yet tangential role. We need to infer which of these descriptors best matches historical beliefs.

Connect to Historical Context

During the formation of the United States, many early Americans believed that divine power, often referred to as Providence, played a crucial and positive role in their success and the establishment of their country. This belief was evidenced by references to divine guidance in documents like the Declaration of Independence.

Choose the Best Option

Based on the common historical perspective that divine power was seen as a guiding and supporting force, option (C), which states a positive and instrumental role, best describes the belief held by many early Americans regarding divine power.

Key concepts

Historical Analysis

Historical analysis involves examining past events with the aim of understanding their causes, context, and impact. In the context of the formation of the United States, historical analysis helps uncover the philosophical and practical beliefs held by early Americans. Many of them saw divine power as instrumental in their success. They believed this power, often referred to as Providence, guided and protected them. References to divine assistance are scattered throughout important documents from the era, like the Declaration of Independence. These references provide evidence that many Americans interpreted divine intervention as a supportive force during their struggle for independence. This kind of analysis helps us understand not just what happened, but how people of the time interpreted their own history and their perceived relationship with the divine.

Inference Skills

Inference skills are critical when solving problems that require reading comprehension and historical understanding. They help readers connect the dots between given information and broader concepts. For this exercise, inference skills are key. Readers must deduce from historical context and documents what early Americans believed.

• By understanding references to divine guidance, one can infer the perception of divine power was significant and positive.
• Using hints from historical documents, a reader can choose the conclusion that divine power was seen as supportive and central.

Developing inference skills involves practicing to go beyond what the text explicitly states, by linking facts and drawing logical conclusions. These skills are essential in interpreting texts related to U.S. history, particularly those dealing with abstract concepts like belief systems.

U.S. History

The history of the United States is a rich tapestry of events, people, and ideas that shaped the nation. Early Americans were deeply influenced by religious beliefs, which played a central role in their worldview. At the time of the nation's founding, many colonists believed that their efforts were supported by divine intervention. This belief was not just personal but was woven into significant documents that outlined the principles of the new country. These historical beliefs about divine power impacted the cultural and political landscape, influencing decisions and justifications for independence.

• Key documents like the Declaration of Independence bear witness to these beliefs, mentioning a reliance on a Creator and divine Providence.
• Understanding these perspectives provides insights into how early Americans viewed their achievements and struggles.

Studying U.S. history, with a focus on religious influences, highlights how these notions helped shape the American identity and path to independence.