LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

The Cubans revolted against Spain in 1895, and a brutal war resulted. During the first three years of warfare the United States remained neutral, but in 1898, the US asked for Spain to stop fighting. A few days later, the President declared war on Spain, saying,"In the name of humanity, in the name of civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us the right and duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop."
McKinley shows Congress how bad the situation is in Cuba and that it needed to be fixed, and the US could aide in this. He also described four main reasons why intervention was needed: 1. The US needs to help for humane reasons but also because the conflict "it is right at our door". 2. The citizens of Cuba need the US's help. 3. The war is affecting trade, commerce, and our people's business. 4. The condition of Cuba affects the United States' peace.
Also the destruction of the Maine (an American Battleship), further increased tensions.

LAD #21: Carnegie's Wealth

A very successful man, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), became wealthy in the industry of iron and steel. In his Gospel of Wealth, Carnegie explains how wealth and money should be handled to ensure it is protected and can be worth it. Also, he asserted that wealthy people were needed to keep a society balanced and so that they could distribute this money. Three ways of distribution were described: after death money could go to one's family, the society, or even give money away before death.

LAD #20: The Emancipation Proclamation

Lincoln declares that all slaves are free and the United States Government will help to ensure their freedom. He says that anyone considered or held in the place of a slave in America are now emancipated, meaning free. All rights will be extended to them such as receive fair wages and a free life. A very official order by the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, on a very serious topic that would forever change America and really make her the land of the free.

LAD #19: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

There is a tone of sadness in his speech, even though he was just re-elected President and the Civil War would soon come to an end as well as slavery. Lincoln described how both sides were wrong and did not realize what they were getting into in this war. He also makes many references to God throughout his speech."With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. " By this, Lincoln references to the times ahead such as Reconstruction where he tries to help the South and make the country better for the future.

LAD #18: Dred Scott Decision

The decision of the Supreme Court was that slaves are property and the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court refused to act of the case because property could not sue, and since Dred Scott was a slave, a slaves were property, he had no right to sue. This made his argument to be a free slave invalid and he was sent back to the state where he was a slave and under the mastership of his old master.

LAD #17: Sojourner Truth "Ain't I a Woman?"

Even though there is a stereotype to help women such as "ladies first" or other common sayings, Sojourner Truth does not enjoy this courtesy. She is a woman though, should that not count for something? This is her main point, that race should not distinguish people apart from one another and that all are equal in terms of race and gender. She also mentions Jesus and God to give her side a more convincing effect.

LAD #16: Frederick Douglass "5th of July"

Douglass questions what independence is, because of those who are slaves. He goes on to say that he should not be included en the festivities of "Independence Day" because he is a black man who does not receive the freedoms granted to many Americans. While some rejoice, he mourns. At that time the "black man" did not receive fair treatment as whites, but America should move past this because they are all Americans and all human and no one person should discriminate or berate another.

LAD #15: Gettysburg Address

This is a reflection of a Civil War Battle, the Battle of Gettysburg where many American lives were lost. It was a very smart speech consisting of a few sentences but had a profound affect on the people of America. Lincoln says, he calls the Civil War "a new birth of freedom" and also talks about human equality. He starts out talking about the American Revolution ("fourscore and seven years ago"). Even though the address was about the bloody battle, it had a bigger meaning; one about the entirety of the United States, including democracy: "government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."

LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural

This election is known as the spark of the civil war, but Lincoln starts his inaugural by addressing the predicament of slavery and therefore it was directed towards the South. In the speech he vowed to maintain the Union and keep all the states, even if it meant war. Also he declared that the Union was indissolvable and needed to be kept unified. Furthermore, he said that we would not be the first to attack, and soon after this speech, the Confederate army attacked Fort Sumter, which was included in speech that the Union would hold onto its property, rights, and places that belonged to the government. In the speech he addressed slavery, the south, not using force against the south,  secession, protection of slavery (Corwin amendment), more about slavery (in territories), the postal service (how it would still be in use in the south), and federal positions in the South. He ends with, "We are not enemies, but friends." And that the North and South must get along in order to create a strong unified nation.

LAD #13: Calhoun's Speech

This is the most famous speech by John C. Calhoun, who died shortly after having it read. He brings up right away, "How can the Union be preserved?" He saw that the slavery issue was escalating and something needed to be changed. However, he completely rejected the Compromise of 1850. He brought up that the Constitution said that the South had the right to own slaves. And then offered a solution to the question he posed about saving the Union, only the North could save it by recreating the balance once held by the North and South. He used ethos and logos to help prove his point as correct. Even though he made this great speech on not passing the Compromise, it was still passed.

LAD #12: Polk's War Message

Talking about the relations between the US and Mexico, President Polk says:
The border dispute with Mexico and the US has become increasingly tense and corrective actions need to be made. Polk talks about Mr. Slidell and the struggle in Mexico. When the US said that they were going to annex Texas, Mexico was unhappy, and Polk, when trying to reach the Presidency, promised that he would garner Texas. This led to the Mexican-American War. This war problem with Mexico is solely due to the acts of Mexico and the US is trying to fix it.

LAD #11: Seneca Falls Convention

A crucial start for the women's rights movements started in the anti-slavery movements, as women were excluded. In the Declaration of the Sentiments, the first part of the Declaration of Independence is quoted and the women proceed to say how they have been wronged by this sentence and phrase at a time. In each of these sentences it begins with he and has her in it. The second part is titled Resolutions, and each sentence begins with Resolved, that... This is the place where it says that women are equal to men and women are entitled to the same rights as men.

LAD #10: The Monroe Doctrine

December 2, 1823: President Monroe addressed countries all over the world declaring that there should be no more colonizing in the West (the Americas) from then on out. The prohibition of such would ensure the United States' safety. Also, friendly relations with European powers were sought by Monroe and the United States. But, Monroe deemed that the Old and New Worlds were separate and different.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Summarize Jefferson's First Inaugural Address:

Jefferson thanks the American people for voting him in as President of the United states and promises that great times for Americans and the country are ahead. He also declares that with teh help of the Constitution, the American people, and other official, they will be safe and have a great few years. Life and liberty are important and will be kept, while following the Constitution. The American government is among the strongest in eh world and they will continue to keep it that way as well as develop it further. He explains what will come of his years in office including; a well trained militia, payback of money, higher levels of commerce, trade, and agriculture, continued freedoms listed in the Bill of Rights, as well as liberty and safety. He concludes that he is happy to lead teh country and he wants to ensure the happiness of the citizens and takes their opinions to heart.

Columbus Blog #8

Although Christopher Columbus is both a hero and villain, he is a hero to a greater extent. The arguably "accident" landing in the New World, can potentially be called one of the most important discoveries. Ever. This finding meant the start of a new era in world of politics, economics, and social relations. He is a hero because he helped form the basis for all action in the New World, such as the formation of the colonies which eventually turned into one of the most powerful nations in the world, provided an extreme exchange of products and goods otherwise unknown to each territory. Corn, tomatoes, potatoes, vanilla, rubber, tobacco, and chocolate were all indigenous to the New World and previously unknown to the Old World, while citrus plants, bananas, apples, mangoes, onions, wheat, rice, and coffee were all only known to the Old World. All these products were exchanged permanently influencing the world; Switzerland and their chocolate, Italy and tomatoes, France and cigarettes, Florida and oranges, Hawaii and pineapples, Columbia and coffee, and America and dandelions. Columbus's landing in the Americas can be considered the turning point in world history, as after this many new, different, and otherwise nonexistent events occurred such as colonization, strengthening of countries, wars, and much more. Also, Columbus was one of the first to understand, comprehend, and accept that the world was round, not flat, like many scientists of the time thought. However, this was purely by luck and from this Columbus negatively impacted the natives lives by spreading disease and being the sole reason that they lost their land and home as well as people across the globe, including Africans, who after this encounter were roped into the slave trade for generations. Even though there are negatives, like every situation, the positives outweigh them and, thanks in part to the hero Christopher Columbus, these are the reasons I can call America my home today.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

Summary of the Farewell Address:

     George Washington, after serving two terms as the President of the United States, decided to retire even though he would have continued to be the excellent leader he was. He decided to set the precedent of limiting the number of terms served as to not have the position of Presidency turn into that of Kingship. Also in the address, he did just as it says, addressed certain issues that should be corrected, avoided, or kept the same in the future. These included precedents that would be kept for generations and many other influential aspects of American History.
      Washington starts out by warning the American citizens to keep the states unified, or independence will be lost. With this, he says that individuals need to be loyal to both the state AND the country, not just their town or section, as this would undermine the independence and unity of the country.
       He also defends the newly made Constitution calling it better than the Articles of Confederation, and if followed, the country will be in good hands. And if at anytime the government is not solely providing for the people's needs and helping them out in the long run, they have the right to add amendments to the Constitution. he also declares that political factions and political parties are dangerous and should be avoided. Washington, being a strong believer in the Constitution further backs it up by saying that the systems of checks and balances and separation of power are beneficial.
       This very strong address is filled with arguments about the importance of religion and money management. This would ensure prosperity in the politics of the country. Also important, is that the United States should remain neutral in European conflicts to ensure safety of liberty,  but nevertheless, good relations should be kept with these countries. Washington also agreed with free trade with other nations.
       He closes the document with saying that he apologizes for any mistakes and takes responsibility for his actions. He goes on to say he is content with being just a private American citizen living in the great country he and many others help to create.

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Summary of The Proclamation:

    There is wafare going on in Europe with many different countries including Great Britain and France, and becasue of this, the United States should maintain good relations with all involved, instead of picking one side. Washington warns the American citizens to not take sides, as it is in their best interest. Those who go against this stance of neutrality by the nation, will not be protected nor would the country back up the persons involved. In Philadelphia, on April 22, 1793, President George Washington set the precedent of staying neutral in European affairs, as to protect American independence and future.

LAD #5: Federalist #10

1.  Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

     The only way to elimate them is to either take away citizens' liberties or make everyone feel exactly the same; same ideas, likes, beliefs, etc. This would be completely unfair and unjust to do, therefore factions cannot be taken away.

2.  If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?

     Since taking away factions would undermine Americans, they can be controlled by con trolling the effects, because the cause cannot be controlled. A democracy cannot control a faction, but a republic can. This is becasue of the "delegation of government" and "the greater number of citizens, and greater shpere of country".

LAD #4 - Revolution Article

Five things I learned from "Rethinking the Revolution":

1. The duration of the Revolutionary War was longer than any other declared American war, lasting over 8 years. I did not know that it lasted so long nor that it was the longest war in American history.

2. While the Civil War had the most American casualties, because both sides were American, the Revolutionary War had a scary ratio of those killed to the total population with 30,000 dying in a population of 2.5 million. Compared to today, that would mean that of our 300 million American citizens, 3 million would have died, to be proportionally correct.

3. Many, including myself, had thought that the Revolutionary War was widespread throughout the colonies, but in fact, few of the colonists were affected by the war and the fighting was not all over the place. The only ones who were really affected were the soldiers and such.

4. Conditions were not also good, and in many cases they were plain awful. During the winters, men went without food or clothing, and in one extreme case, during the invasion of Canada, men were so hungry they ate their dogs, shoes, and candles.

5. Individual states took land from the Loyalists, Tories, or foreigners and sold it. Furthermore, certain Loyalists were banned from eight states who took these measures.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

Summary of:

1. Democratic principles:
There are certain rights given to all people upon birth and no one; no king, parent, government, or leader, can take them away. The people have a lot of say in this new government, and help elect officials and leaders. And if these rulers and politicians do not help the people, they will be removed from office and replaced in order to ensure security and equality for the people.

2.List a handful of grievances:
King George was accused of negatively affecting the rights of the people, not allowing elections for new or different officials, and made the officials in government submit to his will and not let their idividual opinions stray from his. He has also passed different acts, and infringed on the rights of his people without their consent, kept armies and troops even in times of peace, and so many other grievances that hurt the colonists.

3. The conclusion:
The colonists signed this document declaring that they are no longer colonies of Britian, but rather "free and independent states." They would get along with Britain when needed such as times of peace, but were ready to stand up for themselves and fight the British in war. This document also declares that the cut of ties from Britain, no longer a colony or territory, but a free state that could form their own government, laws, and make their own actions as an independent country, officially establishing the United States of America.

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?
Was a German emigrant and the printer of the New York Magazine, the New York Weekly Journal, in the early 1700s. He was put thrown in jail and on trial by Governor William Cosby for printing things in his magazine that the Governor did not like, such as criticizing him.

2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
Zenger wrote about the royal Governor, William Cosby, in his magazine, criticizing him for his actions in prosecuting the iterim Governor, and even removing a cheif justice. Hamilton spoke directly to the jury, presenting his case to them. He said that although the articles were harsh, they were true and this means that Zenger should not be charged with libel. When the jury left to make their final decision, no time was wasted andthey re-entered the courtroom no more than fifteen minutes later with the verdict of not guilty.

3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradtion?
This case set the example to follow of being rational and not tyrannical in libel cases, such as this one. It also showed that the courts would stand up for the liberties granted to the citizens of America.

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
The lasting significance is the affirmation of the freedom of press. This case guaranteed that the freedoms declared in many documents in American History were in fact true and backed up with evidence and the judicial courts as well.

LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
The basics of a civilization, that there would be meetings to create laws and discuss life. It also officially declares the creation of the new colony and briefly explains the beliefs and ideals of the new colony, such as equality, and that laws would be created that are just, as well as that meetings of the people would take place when needed.

2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
The "Old" World is represented because the Compact says that the pilgrims are still devoted and under the rule of the English King James. But it also shows the "New" world by first off leaving England and second creating new laws such as being equal and meetings as a group to discuss life and issues within the colony.

3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
The Fundamental Orders is much longer and more specific, upon first reading, I thought that I had the wrong article for the Mayflower Compact becasue it was so short and had a long list of names at the end. Specifically, the Orders set up the frame of Government, down to the little details such as term length, elections, gave more voting rights, and specific responsibilities, while the Mayflower Compact was basically an agreement saying that this was an officila colony and that they would meet, create laws, and be fair.

4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
 The colonists wanted order and the laws written out. The article said, "...where a people are gathered together the word of God requires that to maintain the peace and union of such a people there should be an orderly and decent Government established according to God..." This quote as well as many other parts of the article show that part of the reason the colonists chose to create this document was in their faith and commitment to God and living a good life with rules and laws dictating it.

5. In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?
The Fndamental Orders keeps referring to God, so they are clearly a religious people who want God's protection; but on top of this, and more importantly,  there is, in a way, a system of checks and balances on the Secretary, Governor, Magistrates, the two Genereal Assemblies, and really everyone in politics. Meaning, in this case, that there are limits on the length of the term each serves, who does each task, and who would react if said person was not fulfilling their deeds, on top of their other duties.