LAD #21

• Andrew Carnegie was an extremely wealthy and successful business man in America, someone who made money by supplying the rapidly growing iron and steel business. In his "Gospel of Wealth", he describes the many benefits of a capitalistic society for large businesses. He also suggests that the gap between the wealthy and the poor in America is actually better than if everyone shared the wealth- this is yet another reason why the big businesses are good. He points out that the robber barons, although attacked by some critics, are really quite helpful to American society in that they give hefty contributions to social projects. It was his belief that it was the job of the wealthy to give back to the poor to help them stay relevant (Carnegie himself was a philanthropist). 

LAD #20

• Abe Lincoln declared that on January 1 of 1963, all slaves of any state in rebellion with the Union would be considered free men. These former slaves would be granted protection by the Union army, and the government would use force if necessary to enforce this new law. He adds that the slaves would be given the opportunity to serve in the Union army. He closes by firmly saying that this is an act of justice allowed by the Constitution.

LAD #19

• Lincoln begins his speech by saying that his second inaugural address will be relatively short compared to his first, nor does he have to lay out a course of action for the country this time around. He reminds us that 4 years ago, the Union was being threatened by the potential secession of the South, and when they eventually did secede the Civil War started. However, he does not offer a prediction as to how the end of the war will play out. He also cites the issue of slavery as a main cause of the war, and the north will continue to try and contain it. He finishes by saying that the war is taking longer than anyone could have predicted, and it is God's will that is keeping it going.

LAD #18

 

• The Dred Scott case was originally supposed to be presided over by Justice Nelson, but was then given to Justice Roger Taney. President-elect James Buchanan was in a lame-duck period, and wanted to hear the decision of the court so he could use that information in his inaugural address. He did find the information, so he openly supported the Court in his address. As for the court case itself, Taney ultimately decided that slaves were indeed considered property, thus rendering the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional because it was prohibiting citizens from life, liberty, and property without due process of law. This case was a blow to ongoing abolitionist movements, because it was essentially providing another excuse for racial inequality to continue.

LAD #17

• In this famous speech, Truth is discussing the different perceptions in regards to white and black women. She points out that white women are treated with respect and courtesy from men (helped into carriages, lifted over ditches). Meanwhile, black women receive nothing of this sort- Truth speaks of how she labors tirelessly to raise a family, essentially working as hard as any man does. Hence the repeating line, "Ain't I a woman?" She is saying that she, as a black women, deserves the same courtesy that white women do. She is asking for fair share for the black women. To close her speech, she references Eve from the Bible, saying that if the first woman God created was powerful enough to turn the world upside down (create sin), then the women of today are powerful enough to turn it back right side up.

LAD #16

• Douglass begins his speech by questioning whether he truly can participate in the Independence Day celebrations. He points out that white Americans can enjoy this day, but he and his fellow African Americans cannot because they are not truly free. He questions the principles stated in the Declaration of Independence, which includes the notion that all men are created equal-apparently this does not include black folk (most notably slaves). He then strongly denounces slavery, calling it a terrible sin. He feels as if the 4th of July celebrations are "false", as they are covering up the crimes committed by Americans. He says that he hopes America will someday abide by the words written in the Declaration and outlaw slavery. 

LAD #15

• In a brief and beautifully crafted speech, Lincoln is honoring the brave soldiers who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg in order to preserve the Union. He says that their deaths cannot go in vain, and that America has to remain as one strong nation, with a government for the people and by the people, just as the founding fathers intended "fourscore and seven years ago." 

LAD #14

• Lincoln's First Inaugural Address mostly concerns slavery, which was arguably the most hotly contested issue of the time. However, Lincoln avoids blatantly taking a side in the issue, as he knows doing so would turn a large portion of America against him. He knows that slavery could cause further tensions in America and ultimately cause the Union to split. He states that any act of a state seceding would not be lawful and considered revolutionary. He also mentions that he will use his power as president justly, and by no means ever unnecessarily use force against the people. Essentially, he is reiterating how important is to keep the Union together, as there is many potential major problems stemming from a broken country. 

LAD #13

• In this speech, Calhoun is displaying a great deal of foresight in conveying his fear that sectionalism was creating a rift in the U.S and was putting it's well-being in jeopardy. He believed that slavery was the biggest cause of the divide, as the North and South had completely opposite views on it, and it was creating mass tension among the two sides. He rejects the Compromise of 1850, saying that the Constitution gives southerners the right to own slaves. He thought that the only way for peace was a compromise in which the North would surrender land to the South in order to achieve equality and give the South more representation in the Federal Government. Calhoun knew the potentially disastrous scenarios that could come about as a result of internal issue, and was doing everything he could to help. 

LAD #12

• Polk begins this war message by explaining the rationale for going to war with Mexico. He explains that he sent John Siddle, an American, to Mexico to try and diplomatically resolve the ongoing border disputes hostile actions being taken on American citizens that were plaguing the southern United States. However, the Mexican government refused to speak with Siddle, doing nothing to solve the issues. Polk also speaks of the violence displayed towards Americans by the Mexicans as a result of these border disputes. In the end, Polk determined that the actions of the Mexicans were enough justification to declare war and settle the issues once and for all. 

LAD #11

• The Seneca Falls Declaration is similar to the Declaration of Independence in that it begins by stating the basic rights for people. This time, however, the words are targeted specifically at women. It even uses exact words from the original Declaration, twisting them to apply directly to women. From there, the grievances of women are listed, such as the inability for women to vote, unequal education and career opportunities, unequal wages, and many others. Following this, resolutions to these grievances are stated, and the notion that women should indeed have equal rights with men is reaffirmed. 

LAD #10

1.  What did the issuing of the Monroe Doctrine express from an American perspective post War of 1812?
It states that America would resume it's policy of avoiding involvement in European wars that did not involve America. Also, it strongly states that any further colonization of America by European countries is outlawed, and America is willing to go to war again to ensure that the Doctrine is followed.


2.  What was Secretary of State Adams' hope when he wrote the Monroe Doctrine?
He hoped to create separation between America and the European powers, and to ensure that these European powers would no longer interfere with issues in the Western Hemisphere. He realized that in the past, many American conflicts with Europe came about as a result of them being on American soil, therefore eliminating this would subsequently reduce conflicts with Europe.



3.  What is the key phrase in the entire document that you need to remember as the cornerstone or American Foreign Policy?
"It is impossible that the allied powers should extend their political system to any portion of either continent without endangering our peace and happiness; nor can anyone believe that our southern brethren, if left to themselves, would adopt it of their own accord." This sums up the issues that would result in unnecessary conflict, and this is the main reason that America assumed the position that it did.

Columbus Blog #8

                     

Christopher Columbus: a World Hero

                             Here we go again...the annual debate about Christopher Columbus. In my opinion, this ridiculous argument needs to be put to rest as quickly as possible. It is widely known that Seattle no longer celebrates Columbus Day; rather, they now refer to it as "Indigenous People's Day." I hope the press conference to announce this change was aired on Comedy Central, so everyone could have a nice laugh about it. The entire point of Columbus day is to celebrate the man who had enough bravery and foresight to cross the ocean that nobody at the time even knew was possible or not to cross! And you can listen to all the hoopla about Vikings discovering America first, but the point is that it was Columbus was the one who made it possible for European culture to start spreading across the Ocean, which conveniently made it possible for us to be eventually be here, living in this beautiful country. Or does that not matter to the people of Seattle? I think allowing one of the most influential countries to develop constitutes him as a hero. And yes, he arrived here, and because he had no knowledge of who the Native Americans were, he exploited them and made life miserable for them. Well, people have been exploiting others for centuries upon centuries; it has to happen sometimes. He saw the opportunity to have new life develop in this New World, and he took it. He was finishing his job. Considering I wouldn't be sitting here without Christopher Columbus, I consider him to be a hero.

LAD #9: Jefferson's Inaugural Address

                      

    Jefferson's Inaugural Address

                      Jefferson begins his speech with a general thank you to the people of America, and states his belief that America has already experienced rapid growth, and has mass potential for more. Jefferson then explains that if any issues were to arise in the government, the Constitution would be used to determine his course of action. Jefferson explains that while he would generally support the majority, the minority groups could not be ignored. He declares that his government will protect the people, and he lists some of his principles: equality of all men, religious freedom, peaceful relations with other nations, no entangling alliances, support of the state government, and preservation of the general government are all included. By listing these, he supports his reassurance that every man in America has the same principles. He concludes by admitting that there will be decisions he makes that will undoubtedly frustrate the American people, and he asks for their indulgence and to have faith in him. 

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

1. It was in this address that Washington begins by announcing that he would not return to the Presidency, thus setting the "two term" precedent for future presidents, later leading to restrictions on how many terms a President can serve. He goes on to thank the citizens of America for making his tenure as President enjoyable. More importantly, he states what he feels would benefit the country in the future, saying that a united country that can overcome their regional differences would be much more effective than a separated one, a warning that feels significant considering the Civil War years later. He then goes on to state what he believes is the proper government for America, saying that government alliances would be detrimental and that a system of checks and balances is necessary. He puts out support for religion and morality, and makes it clear that the citizens of American should always have a voice in matters. He also reaffirms his position on his Proclamation of Neutrality. This address seems almost prophetic, as he very accurately described future America.

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

1. In the Proclamation of Neutrality, George Washington declared that the United States would remain neutral in the conflict between Britain and France. While they would observe respectfully, they would remain impartial towards both countries. Furthermore, any American citizen who goes against the Proclamation and becomes involved somehow in the conflict does so at his own risk and will not receive protection from the U.S. 

LAD #5: Federalist #10

 

 

 

 

 

1.  Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

In eliminating a faction, basic rights of people are also being taken away. We are a country that puts value and pride in our democratic society; the act of eliminating a faction consequently eliminating rights would go against many of the American principles. Furthermore, if a faction was to be eliminated, all people involved would have to have the same views and opinions, which essentially ends all hope as this is impossible to achieve.

 

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

Since it is a foregone conclusion that factions cannot be removed, efforts must be made to control them so they do not get out of hand. Perhaps the most effective way of doing this is to enforce a Republican government. In doing so, representatives are elected to represent their faction; this differs from a democracy, where every citizen stands for himself. In addition, a Republic will also eliminate small faction groups and clear the way for more worthy groups.  

Republican Motherhood Blog

1. What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?

It is said here that glorious ideas such as independence and patriotism were seen with new enthusiasm following the Revolution. It was believed that the mother had to act as the supervisor of the household and instill these new ideas into her children, so as to influence many future generations of Americans. This was a critical role for mothers to fulfill (document A).

2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?

Gaining this new role of instilling Republican ideas in their children had several consequences. In document B, Benjamin Rush points out that in order to carry out this task, education for women would be necessary, therefore he was pushing for increased rights for women. On the other hand, some thought this role should lead to a more restricted life for women. In document A, Mrs. A.J Graves states her belief that it would be more beneficial for women to remain mainly at home and instill their influences there.

3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women's socialization?

After always having a diminished role in society when compared to men, women now had an important role to play in the lives of the Americans. As Mary Morris says in document C, "already may we see the lovely daughters of Columbia asserting the importance and the honor of their sex." The growing confidence of the female undoubtedly helped lead to the future women's rights movements.

1. A young woman is sitting elegantly on a couch, while holding her two small sons, who seem to be dressed up in women's clothing.

2. The woman is featured in the portrait, which could be meant to portray her as the central, dominant figure with a significant amount of influence over her sons. The plainness of her outfit could lead us to think that she is Republican.

3. Her sons exemplify the growing influence of women on the lives of children in that they are sitting daintily with their mother and wearing feminine clothes. This perfectly exhibits the influence of the Republican Motherhood.

4. Her arm rests calmly yet firmly over her son's lap, perhaps showing the ability she has to direct him in his life/

Blog # 4: Revolution Article

1. I thought it was interesting that the author brought up the fact that for the most part, memorable figures from the Civil War are military people, whereas this does not hold true for the Revolution. This goes along with the general misconception that the Civil War far outweighs the Revolution in terms of the magnitude of the actual warfare; people tend to believe that the Civil War was far more deadly for our country.

2. Cultural aspects such artwork also add to this misconception regarding these two wars. Paintings from the Civil War depict gruesome battle scenes, complete with dying and bloodied soldiers suffering from the horrors of war. Revolution paintings offer more of a "sanitized" image, with little major battle scenes depicted.

3. One can easily forget how much a difference of one hundred years can make; the equipment of the Civil War was far more advanced than that of the Revolutionary War. Civil War soldiers carried rifles that had about six times the range of the muskets carried by the Revolution soldiers, which goes a long way in explaining the comparative death toll in the two wars. Along with the much more powerful cannons, it is easy to see why there were so many more deaths in the Civil War.

4. I didn't realize how small the probability of survival was for an American Revolution soldier. Forty- seven percent of soldiers taken into captivity did not make it out, a startling number considering the smaller death percentage in the Civil War. This is yet another example of the underappreciated horrors of the Revolution.

5. Civilians suffered more in the Revolution than I realized. Coastal raids by the British were frequent, evidenced by numerous Connecticut towns being nearly wiped out. Furthermore, Virginia shipyards, ships, and tobacco warehouses were attacked and destroyed, while plantations were also plundered and the slaves were taken for prisoners.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence

1. The main principles of the Declaration of Independence are staples of democracy. Most notably seen, the notion that all men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and the task of protecting these rights goes to the government. Furthermore, it is the right of the citizens to abolish a failing regime in order to keep a strong government and put more power in the hands of the people.

2. The Declaration was also used by the colonists to list their many grievances in regards to their treatment by the British. They complained about the infamous "taxation without representation" that helped spark the revolution, and listed other offenses such as the British quartering troops without warning in colonial houses, and that in general the British were trying to destroy the colonial way of life.

3. The conclusion of the Declaration ties it all together, and it is here that the Americans declare that they will break apart from the mother country England and become "free and independent states." They declared that they would now have the same rights as all independent countries in that they could form alliances, declare war, establish commerce, etc. They were truly becoming the United States of America.

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

                                                         John Peter Zenger Trial, 1735

1. Who was John Peter Zenger? 

Zenger, who had come over to New York from Germany, was the printer of the New York Weekly Journal. He strongly opposed the policies of Governor William Cosby, and expressed these views by printing critical articles in his newspaper. For this, he was arrested and charged with seditious libel, and spent 8 months in prison. 

2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.

Philadelphia lawyer Andrew Hamilton that charges were incorrect in that it could not truly be considered libel unless the stories published by Zenger were false. Thus, there were no substantial charges, leading to the verdict of "not guilty". 

3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?

By winning the case, Zenger showed that citizens had a right to express their own views and have say in government/political matters. It showed that the government does not have complete control, and that the citizens have a large role in running the country. Essentially, it made clearer the main concepts of democracy. 

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.

In a country where the media has such a large influence on the citizens, the advancement of freedom of the press that the Zenger trial caused is extremely important. Basically, this trial proved that American citizens would have the right to voice their opinions; a right that is a cornerstone of American society. 

LAD # 1: The Mayflower Compact and The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
The Mayflower Compact was signed in order to bring the traveling men together as one in an effort to create a set of rules and regulations to live by once they reached their destination. They agreed to have loyalty to both their home country of England as well as the New World, and to have a deep faith in God. This first written set of rules would later influence the American Constitution. 


2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds? 
In regards to the Old world, the Compact shows that the colonists are willing to remain loyal to their mother country and it's leaders as they agree to continue practicing their own traditions in their new home. As for the New World, the fact that they are preparing to come together and form their own government in order to benefit the colony shows the attachment. 


3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
While both "constitutions" are fairly similar, they ended up serving different purposes. While the Compact basically just provided a set of guidelines describing how the colony would be run, the Orders were a much more specific set of rules stating how they would rule the colony and giving them the ability to completely govern the towns and citizens. 


4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
After leaving England in part to escape certain injustices, the colonists decided to take matters into their own hands and create a government in which everyone (well, almost everyone) had a say in political matters; men were given more voting rights and more opportunity to run for elected positions. They also thought a known government system would reduce problems within the colony.


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 colonists wanted to avoid the dominant power of a King, as it was in England, the laws specifically made ways so that this would not happen. They put strict limits on the amount of time people could hold positions of power, so as to avoid one person developing into a tyrant and gaining too much power. Also, policies such as creating two General Assemblies created an effective balance of power. Just as the Compact did, the Orders later had great influence on the American Constitution.