Tutor profile: Heather W.

We talk a great deal about cause and effect in History. How can you show a connection between the Industrial Revolution and the Berlin Conference of 1884?

The Industrial Revolution demanded more and more natural resources. African countries had them. Given the belief that whites were superior to colored people, Europeans had no problem exploiting the populations of countries such as South Africa and Congo. Gold and rubber, minerals, even salt, were much sought after. This need and want of natural resources led to leaders believing that the more territory they controlled, the more power they had.

What would you say to someone who said that the Founding Fathers were not true revolutionaries, but rather businessmen who did not want to give up control of their business dealings?

The evidence to support that theory comes from the Colonists' trade. They colonies were trading in molasses and other commodities such as tea. In many instances the colonies were hurting or infringing on England's ability to make the profits they wanted. When England started to inflict rules on the colonies, like the Molasses Act, the colonists saw this as interfering with their trade and their money-making prospects.

Why do we read?

We read to develop empathy of others, whether our neighbors or people of a different country. We read to expand our knowledge, of a favorite subjuct like music or to as a way to tackle something unfamilari like a new job. We read to escape, to other worlds and times, to enrich our understanding of other people and places, We read to escape, to entertain, to laugh, to cry. We read to develop empathy.