LAD #21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Carnegie believed that the gap between the rich and the poor was a necessity in order to keep the economy a float. He thought that the economy would plummet and eventually fail if both classes met in the middle to form one large middle class. Carnegie said that people should find something they love to do, learn everything they can about it, apply that knowledge to earn money, then when one retires they should give back to enrich civilians lives. Being a selfless man, Carnegie hated the idea of having the oldest inherit all the families’ money. He wanted rich people to give their money back to the common people and leave their money to them when they die. Carnegie has several endowments which lay in several libraries and colleges such as Carnegie Mellon and Pittsburg University. The Gospel of Wealth, written by Carnegie, were his true beliefs laid out on paper for millions to see. 

LAD #20 - Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation (issued September 22nd, 1862, effected January 1st, 1863:) stated that all slaves, in any state, were declared free. Lincoln said that the executive branch as well as the army and navy would “recognize and maintain the freedoms of such persons.” President Lincoln lists off the southern states which are in relbellion and tell them that their slaves are from that point on free. Lincoln then addresses the newly freed slaves and warns them to stay out of trouble and violence. 

LAD #19 - Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address

Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address was quite short. No skocking news about the war was shared that the general public did not already know. In Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address, he had talked about trying to perserve the union without a war, however, "one party would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish.” He says that main cause of the civil war was due to the issue of slavery. The Lord has plans to repay the slaves for their years of suffering. He closes his speech with his resolution to end the war, repair the union, care for the soldiers/widows/orphans, and finally how to achieve lasting peace.

LAD #18 - Dred Scott Decision

Dred Scott, the child of immigrants to the United States,  went to court against Sanford because he felt that his rights were being violated. Under the Constitution , Scott, felt that he should have the same rights as other men. However, since his parents were immigrants and did not have rights, Scott too was not a citizen and therefore could not obtain equal protection under the law. At the time, Roger B. Taney was the Justice of the Court.  He ruled that slaves were no different than property and therefore, Scott’s rights were not being violated. In the Scott vs. Sanford case, Sanford, a white landowner, won because under the constitution he had the right to keep his property (his land and his slaves a.k.a. Scott). Taney also declared the Missouri Compermise unconstitutional at this time. 

Blog #17 - Sojourner Truth: “Ain’t I a Woman?” Speech

At the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio, Sojourner Truth, an African American women, gave her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech. She spoke about her beliefs that women should not be discriminated against and that they are just as capeable of being successful as men. Truth believed that many men’s perception of women was degrading. She herself has accomplished many tasks that men would normally do and she was still a woman. Finally, she sums up her speech with the conclusion that men were created by God and a woman, therefore women should be given more respect and rights than what they currently had. 

Blog #16 - Frederick Douglass: 5th of July Speech

Frederick Douglass gave his “5th of July Speech”
in Rochester, NY)

Frederick Douglass, a former slave, opened his "5th of July Speech” with his angry thoughts. He was heated because the Declaration of Independence said that all men were created eaquily but in reality, they were not treated eaquily. On the fourth of July, white men celebrated their independence, however, black men could not because technically they were not free. He expresses his wished that the slaves nd would be freed and gain the same liberties that the white Americans are granted. 



LAD #15 - Gettysburg Address

The Gettysburg Address is where the famous line “four score
and seven years ago" comes from.

The Gettysburg Address, given by President Lincoln, serves two purposes. The first is to thank and remember the soldiers who lost their lives fighting to preserve the union in the Civil War. Secondly, to address the importance of the cause. Lincoln understands that words alone cannot show how greatful the people of America are. Therefore, the living must give their utmost devotion from then on to the cause of preserving the union. The government was created by the people and for the people. It will continue to protect the rights of its citizens.

LAD #14 - Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Lincoln focused on the issue of slavery in his First Inaugural Address because it was creating a split between the North and the South. He clearly states that he is not taking sides in this fight. His sole goal is to preserve the union of the United States as a single country. According to the constitution, a person held to labor in one state is not able to shake that duty and become free by entering another state. This statement specificly refuring to the fugative slaves that escaped from the South to the North. Lincoln strongly and repetativly states that we must preserve the union. Any act of secession would be very harmful to the unity of the union. He says, “we must not be ememies,” but friends. Both the North and the South need to realize that these problems of slavery many not go away, however, the union must be preserved.

LAD #13 - John Calhoun's Speech

In this speech, John Calhoun shared his belief that the disunion of America was on the verge. Slavery, being one of the main issues of sectionalism, agitaded both the North and South greatly due to their opposition in opinion. In addition the difference in economies created further feelings of sectionalism. It seemed as though the North had gained supremecy and control of the government. One example of this is when the North tried to control the Mexican cession and the tariff. Calhoun was convinced that everything was favoring the North. Despite the fact that he wanted to preserve the Union of the states, he did not have enough power and influential guidence. However, when secession finally occured a weight was lifted of of his soldiers. 

  

LAD #12 - Polk's War Message

John Slidell, an American, was sent to Mexico to confirm America's relationship and boundaries with Mexico. However, he was rejected by their government. Mexico had invaded American territory and shed American blood. At the same time Slidell arrived in Mexico, there was a revolutionary party which forced the Mexican government to refuse John Slidell's arrival. About a month later, General Herrera surrendered his presidency to General Paredas. The resolution had be conducted solely by the military. The new militaristic Mexican government refused to make any negotiations with John Slidell about the existing boarder and citizen situation in Texas. American military forces were assembled in case of a potential Mexican invasion which became a threat after Texas's appeal and annexation into the united States. Some American soldier were injured and others killed when scouting Mexican troops. The rest of the American soldiers were forced to surrender. Polk presented the idea that Anerica should fight was with Mexico due to various Mexican wrong doings, the benefitless trade, and the unwillingness for peace negotiations. Eventually Mexico declared was or the United States.

LAD #11 - Seneca Falls Declaration

Modeled after the Declaration of Independence, the Seneca Falls Declaration, depicts the inalienable rights of both men and women. It restates many ideas brought up in the Declaration of Independence. For example, the idea that the government's job is to protect and secure the rights of its people. The entirety of the population along with the government, have failed to do this for women who indeed were created equal to men. A long list of grievances is then provided. It shows all of the sexist injustices toward women. Two of the various grievances include the denied right to vote and the denied right to own property or earn wages. The declaration wraps up with another list. This time of resolutions and principles for women's equality to men. The women were able to assert their grievances about the rights they been denied of.

LAD #10 - Monroe Doctrine

Monroe Doctrine Summary:

First, the Monroe Doctrine talks about negotiations with Russia and Britain pertaining to colonization of the Americas. "The occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents...are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers..." President  James Monroe then discusses and addresses the topic of neutrality in the United States. He does not want America to be involved in any European wars and said that America would not align themselves with any European country in case a war did break out. America will only fight in order to protect its people's rights and/or for public safety. He then further discusses what would happen if another country tries to colonize any part of the Americas which they already viewed as independent. Monroe said that the United States was intrinsically tied to all the other colonies and nations on the American continent, therefore, America would help protect and fight along with another American nation if necessary to keep peace and safety of its people. But, staying neutral was the top priority for America at that time.

Blog #8: Columbus

I know Columbus day isn't until tomorrow but...

Should Christopher Columbus be considered a hero or villain? The truth is Columbus had both heroic and villainous qualities, however, his nefarious actions far outweighed his superhuman actions. On the voyage to America, there was going to be a monetary reward given to the first person to spot the new land. When one of the sailors on board spotted the land from a distance, Columbus argued that he had seen the land the night before and ended up getting the reward. Then, once they arrived in America, they encountered Indians. As soon as Columbus saw the Indians he wrote, they would "make fine servants...With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want." To top it all off, in order to collect enough gold to repay the government Columbus told the Indians that they had to gather a certain, almost impossible, amount of gold every three months or he would chop their hands off. When one thinks of a hero they don't normally think of a lying, cheating, and cruel person such as Columbus.

LAD #9: Jefferson’s First Inagural Address

     Thomas Jefferson first says in order for the new union to be successful,  the people must “unite in common efforts for the common good.” He adds that although peoples opinions differ, everyone's idealistic principles are very similar. Jefferson fully believes that everybody, even the minority, should have freedom of religion and also of opinion. He leaves the nation to develop their own views of federalism and republicanism. America has to create a foundation of public virtues which Jefferson says should include civic virtue (that every man has “equal rights the use of their facilities”), honesty, temperance, gratitude and lastly, that honor and confidence come from our actions not from our birth. Some of Jefferson’s personal practices include support of foreign policy, equality for all men (regardless  of their background), the maintenance of a well trained militia, and freedom of speech as well as freedom of the press. In conclusion, Jefferson says that he will try his best to uphold all of the practices he has listed and asks for forgiveness if the people are unhappy, however, he will do his best to keep everyone as happy as possible.

LAD #7: Washington’s Farewell Address

Summary of Washington’s Farewell Address:

In Washington farewell address, he not only thanks the American people, but he also gives them advice as to how they can keep America cohesive and a great nation.  He plants the idea that America is stronger as a unified nation. He states that they should not let either foreign nations or angry American political parties divide or misguide America and its people.  In order to preserve liberty and the union, Washington recommends that the people spread knowledge, religious piety, and morality.

LAD #6: Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality

Summary of Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality: 

     Washington declared the country neutral order to prevent participation of the United States government and people in wars. Citizens were warned by Washington that if they engage in hostilities with any European nation they will lose protection from the United States. Also, they will be liable to forfeit and punishment under the law of nations.

LAD #5: The Federalists #10

1.  Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?            Factions are difficult to emiminate because they are sort of like political parties.       Different factions have different political views therefore opposing opinions come up when discussing an issue. Tensions run high between factions and that is why they are hard to eliminate. 2.  If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?

      

      Factions can not be removed because then liberty is being taken away. If factions are controlled to much, everyone in society will have to form one opinion. The best way to control factions is to have a large republic with an ample amount of candidates and voters

Blog: Republican Motherhood

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

                  After the Revolutionary War, people began to think that women should be taught simple math, how to write, and the basics of the English Language (Document B). Women had to be educated so that they could teach their sons about the government and principles of liberty (Document B).

  

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

                  Women started to gain respect and they were the ones who educated their children and taught them their morals (Document D). Home is a "nursery of the future man and of the undying spirit; and women is the nurse and educator (Document A).

   

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

                  Women did not have to leave the house much, but it was expected that their house was welcoming. Despite the fact that their physical appearance was not important, their influence on society was very important (Document D). 

   Picture description:  The woman in the center of the portrait is Mary Gibson Tilghman, the mother of the 

      two children also in the picture.  She is dress modestly and conservatively meaning she was probably a republican. Her sons are dresses well and have good posture indicating their morals and good behavior.  Mary's arm around her son shows the viewer that she was caring 

      and loved her children very much.

LAD #4: Revolution Article

Five things I learned from Rethinking the Revolution... 

1.)  Over six hundred and twenty thousand  soldiers were killed in the Civil War.  It is the highest death toll of American Soldiers in any war. “Popular interest in the Civil War surpassses that for any other event in American history.”  Many people are interested in it because of the bloody battles that were faught.

2.)  To many historians, the Civil War, is known as the first modern war because cameras enabled the events to be captured and saved unlike previous wars where there are no pictures, only written records and drawings. The slaughterhouse aspect is one factor that draws people to the Civil War.  Issues that were also at stake included slavery, self-government, and the survival of the United States.

3.)  Videos and film played a large role during World War II and the Vietnam War. Throughout World War II, short, seven to ten minute, black and white films were played in the American theaters to bring news from the front lines home. Then, during the Vietnam War film footage was broadcasted in vivid color on the television. Vietnam was America’s first television was.

4.)  Civil War soldiers were equipt with weapons that were capable of producing more casualties the General Washington’s soldiers during the Revolutionary War.  Union and Confederate soldiers had rifles with effective aim and nearly six times better than the men in the Continental Army.  

5.)  The Revolutionary War was a civil war within a civil war.  The Anglo-Americans were fighting the British while the American Tories and the Whigs faught one another.  On top of that, the civilians had vendettas against one another. General Nathaneal Greene, the last commander of the Continental army in the South, said that Southern civilians “persecute each other, with little less than savage fury.  There is nothing but murders and decastations in every quarter."

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

1.)  Summary of the democratic principles
 One democratic principle stated in the Decloration of Independence is that all men have certain unalienable rights, which are, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Also, a majority of the power came from the people and if the people were unhappy they had the ability to change it.

2.) A list of grievances 
 There are many grievances listed in the Decloration of Independance.  For example, one reason the colonists were mad is because the British cut off their trade with all parts of the world by implmenting mercantilism. Also, the British imposed taxes on them without their consent. "No taxation, without representation."  And, the colonists felt deprived in many ways, especially in trial by jury.

3.) Summary of the conclusion
In the conclusion, the colonists were now independent form Britain which gave them the right to make their own alliences and declare war.  This brought the colonists together because they could make their own rules.

LAD #2 Zenger Trial

1.)  Who was John Peter Zenger?

Zenger’s New York Weekly Journal

          John Peter Zenger was a native German who moved to the New York colony. In the latter part of 1733, Zenger started publishing a newspaper to voice his dissent about the arduous policies of the colonial governer William Cosby.  On Sunday, November 17, 1734 he was arrested and charged with seditious libel.


2.)  What was the controversy over his charges?  Talk about Hamilton's defense.
          Zengers arrest and charges of seditious libel caused controversy because the case challenged the ideas of the freedom of the press.  The prosecution thought Zenger should be convicted and found guily because of his reputation tarnishing stories about Cosby.  However, Andrew Hamiltom, Zengers lawyer, pleaded that the stories were true and not libel.  Therefore, the case challenged the idea of the freedom of the press.  

3.)  What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
          The Zenger case influenced traditional American government because it set a precedent saying that the press can speak out and freely oppose the government.  In addition to setting a precedent against judicial tyranny, it also showed one can use truth as a defense against libel suits.

 1730’s - Courtroom during the Zenger  Trial
 
Andrew Hamilton (Zengers lawyer) uses truth to
get the jury to find Zenger not guilty 

4.)  What is the lasting significance of his trial?  Explain.
          The most signifigant lasting effect of the Zenger case was the advancement made in the freedom of press.  After the case, any person could critique the government as long as the story had truth in it.

LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1.)  What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact w/signatures

          The Mayflower Compact includes the reasons for the colonists to attempt settling in Northern Virginia. They want to settle for a handful of reasons such as spread the Christian faith, for the glory of G-d, and of course for their mother country, Britian.  In the "Presence of G-d" they come together to for a "Civil Body Politick", or a goverment.

2.)  How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attchment to both the "Old" and "New"worlds?
          The Mayflower Compact reflects both the “Old” and the “New” worlds independently and together. The “Old” world is talking about the loyal subjects of the king as well as advancing in his name, honor and under their religion. When discussing the “New” world, there were plans of action such as forming a new political body and taking action to settle the new land. These two worlds connect as well. They are connecting the “New” world, being Virginia to the “Old” world in lite of the fact that all of the goods and benefits and profits that were reaped were returned to The King, in a way like tribute. These ways of the old world were being brought over and put into practice in the new world, hence connecting them. 

3.)  How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?

          Simply put, the Mayflower Compact was an extremely rough draft of a constitution. It was meant to set up a bunch of general “rules” to follow and these were what the colonists who came aboard the Mayflower were to follow. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, on the other hand, was a much more organized document. The people of Connecticut had a clear idea as to what they wanted there government to look like and how they wanted their settlements’ laws to be structured. 

4.)  What prompted he colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.:  use of a written Constitution?

          When the colonists arrived in Connecticut, there was no one who was a set leader. The only leader that they had ever known, The King, was some hundred thousand miles away and had limited authority as to what he could do; not to mention that it would be a costly operation to manage these settlers seeing how expenses such as shipping people and supplies would be a lot and it would take a decent amount of time. So, in order to fill this void, the people of Connecticut created a set of laws that would allow them to establish their own government while preventing one person or group of peoples from rising to power and taking control of the new land.

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

5.)  In what signifigant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safegaurd against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?  Remember to include a related photo for each document.

          The biggest way that the Fundamental Orders document was a safeguard  against any one person or group of people rising up and taking power was due to the distribution of power and responsibilities. Throughout almost the entirety of the document, there were many different people who were involved in the government and each of them had a different job; a different role with different powers. 

This prevented one person from being too “strong” and taking control of others.