LAD #29

Although America reaped the many benefits coming from big businesses economically, this era came with a great deal of problems. The issue of horrific treatment towards child labor comes readily to mind. Long hours, brutal work, and small pay were typical for these working children. The Keating-Owen Act was instituted in order to help reform these ways. It banned the selling of any goods produced by a company employing children under 14, as well as prohibiting mines from hiring anyone below the age of 16.

LAD #28

Woodrow Wilson, running against Taft and and Roosevelt, managed to slip through and win after his two opponents split the Republican vote. Wilson's first inaugural speech emphasizes change in America; being a progressive president, he saw it fit to point out the miscues of the Industrial Era, saying that times needed to change. Namely, the "evils" of this era (namely corruption) needed to end. He details his plan for the country, in which he advocates for improved working conditions for the common men, and for more effective regulation of industry. He wants America to return to a morals- based country.

LAD #27

The Clayton Anti-Trust Act of 1914 was designed mainly to supplement previous laws against the creation of monopolies in America. Essentially, it made it unlawful for companies in America to make exclusive contracts, cut prices, and prevented them from creating different prices for different consumers. It was highly successful, and allowed the unions to carry out their plans and protected their right to go on strike. 

LAD #26

King begins by providing background of the long issue of discrimination: he speaks of the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, and how it had seemingly made Negroes equal. But he then points out that a hundred years later, matters have not improved and the African Americans are still brutally mistreated, which has caused the need for this gathering in Washington. He then goes on to compare the gathering to cashing a check; meaning that all Americans, white or black, were intended to have the rights stated in the Declaration of Independence, and now the blacks had come to receive those rights. From there, he emphasizes how important it is for the U.S to act NOW- not gradually work their way into making laws for justice. As King points out, there would be no peace nor tranquility in America until justice had been given. He then implores his fellow African Americans to always fight physical force with soul force, for an increase of violence would not solve the issues. He also says that they must not distrust the whites, as they are beginning to realize that the two races need each other. From here, he goes into the "I have a dream!" section of the speech, in which he states the ideals of a country that will one day be truly just and free. He finishes by whipping the crowd into a frenzy by repeatedly saying "Let freedom ring" and says once again that the entire country will someday be together.

LAD #25

The Dawes Act 1887 was created to give the President power to evenly spread Native Americans to various reservations, as well as giving them further protection under the American laws. Each man was given a certain amount of land- the registered head of the family was given one quarter. However, the land still belonged to the government, so the Native Americans were never truly owners of their own land. Along with the continued assimilation of the Native Americans, this act gave the U.S the right to construct railroads and highways on the designated land of the Native Americans. 

LAD #24

William Jennings Bryan's Cross of Gold speech remains to this day one of the most famous speeches in American history. He was aiming to promote the beliefs of the Populist Party, as well as specifically promoting the idea of bimetallism. He first targets the government, saying that it is the role of Congress to represent the common man and circulate money evenly, as Andrew Jackson had done; Bryan believed there was far too large of a gap between the rich and the poor. He then says that these ideals could be accomplished through the coinage of silver, as it would spread the wealth and reduce that gap. In this speech, Bryan successfully advocates for his beliefs with passion and combines the Populist and Democratic ideas.

LAD #23

The creation of the Populist Party was a result of the large businesses rapidly gaining power in Industrial America. This Party was said to represent the will of the common man, and silver was advocated for as an acceptable currency in America. Mainly, they are pointing out the dangers of having too much power in the hands of the all-powerful, money-grabbing Capitalists. After establishing what they believe are the main issues, they list their demands, including permanent labor unions and communication owned and operated by the government. In the end, they agreed to several terms such as shorter labor hours, and regulations against the government giving aid to a private corporation.

LAD #22

President McKinley's War Message gave his views regarding the war between the revolting Cubans and Spain. He complains that involvements with the war were costing the U.S precious time and money, as it was hurting trade and investments. He gives grounds for justification of U.S intervention in the war. They are, as follows, 1) to end the "barbarities", 2) give aid to the American citizens in Cuba, 3) help commerce, and 4) limit the toll the war is taking on the U.S. In conclusion, he points out that these are merely his opinions of how to go about solving this problem. In the end, it will be Congress's "solemn responsibility" to make the decision.