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.