History

Adam Smith: Wealth of Nations

Identify the author, as much as possible, by background (social, religious, economical, and political)?

Adam Smith is an educated man. He is intelligent. He is from the middle class. He believes in the idea of an “invisible hand” dictating supply and demand. He believes in limited government interference, and is the father of “laissez faire” capitalism.

Identify the author’s purpose in writing this document?

He is talking about the ongoing debate over the proper role of government in the economy.

Describe the author’s audience. To whom is he or she speaking? Why?

He is talking to legislators and power brokers who might be able to sway government towards a new capitalistic approach. He is also talking to literate people who believe in the idea of “survival of the fittest”. He also could be talking to people who don’t believe in capitalism, and trying to convince them it is in their best interest.

What were the author’s ideas on the issues addressed in the document?

He believed in liberalism. He believed in free trade. He believed that the government should not fix prices. He believed that government should not interrupt supply and demand. He believed government should not provide welfare. And finally, government should not allow trade unions.

How did the author’s choice of words, frames of reference, or images reveal his or her perspective?

His words (use quote) allow the reader to see that he strongly believed in capitalism.

What were the limits and deficiencies of the ideas expressed? What was missing?

Survival of the fittest – that not everyone is going to be wealthy. Some people won’t make it as well as others in society.

Sadler Report: Interview

Identify the author, as much as possible, by background (social, religious, economical, and political)?

Sadler is interviewing Crabtree. Sadler is an author. He is a reformer for equal child rights. He was part of the middle class. He...