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.