LAD #21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Andrew Carnegie was one of the wealthiest men of his time. He had acquired his wealth in iron and steel, and wrote in his "Gospel of Wealth" the ideas he had it's distribution. Carnegie begins as he explains that living conditions had significantly altered over the past few centuries, bringing about a larger gap between the wealthy and poor. He believes that this drastic change is important and welcome, as it is better for few individuals to experience a life of wealth and riches than no one at all. His belief was that this was more favorable to society than "universal squalor". Carnegie stated three ways in which to dispose of wealth, which was kept among the rich. He said to give it to descendants, give it to the public or use during life by the owners of the wealth. Carnegie did however state his idea of the value in giving away money while still alive. The buildup of one individual's money until death results in the government distribute large taxes on the person in order for the public to receive their share.

LAD #20: Emancipation Poclamation

In Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation given after the Battle of Antietam, he declared that all slaves are emancipated and the government of the United States will provide aid to ensure their freedom. By gaining this newfound freedom, they would gain basic civil rights such as receiving fair wages. Some regions of certain states such as in Virginia and the New Orleans area of Louisiana did not have to comply however Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia made up the list of states in which the contents of the Proclamation were mandatory to follow. 3.1 out of 4 million slaves in America achieved freedom with the Proclamation, proving to be a major turning point in the Civil War. The Emancipation Proclamation was truly made America a free country, bettering it immensely.

LAD #19: President Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

President Abraham Lincoln had already served one term before being elected to his second. The Inaugural Address that was given at his second inauguration had great meaning to the nation although it was the shortest Inaugural speech ever given. Lincoln emphasized that although the United States was attempting to avoid war, men from both the North and South were continually heightening the animosity and planning to fight. He points out that neither side was completely correct in their accusations, implying that both were to blame. Lincoln also addressed that the government desired to limit the territorial expansion of slavery, however Americans and their contrasting ideas turned the conflict into one of bloody disputes. He also touches on the fact that the length of the Civil War, as well as it's brutality could never have been predicted which led to the America being disunified especially in the social, political, and economic sense. Lincoln ended his sadness tinged speech by clearly emphasizing that Reconstruction would be long and difficult but indubitably possible.

LAD #18: Dred Scott Decision

The Dred Scott decision, or Scott vs. Sanford, involved the case in which Dredd Scott, a slave attempted to gain freedom by running from Missouri to Illinois. Scott then tried to purchase his slavery from his owner, who refused which resulted in Scott suing. Chief Justice Taney ruled that blacks weren't citizens of America, no matter if they were free or slaves which meant that they could not sue. Taney also said that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional since it did not allow the right of property to people who desired to own slaves above the southern border of Missouri. Because slaves were considered property, the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional as it denied the right to property, which was promised in the Constitution.  Ultimately, Scott was forced to return to his master as a slave to continue to work.

LAD #17: Ain't I a Woman?

Sojourner Truth opens her speech by bluntly stating that white men are going to be dealing with many upcoming conflicts with the countless reforms of blacks, as well as women taking place throughout Ameica. In her speech she is primarily arguing for the rights of women in general, however by asking the question, "Ain't I a woman?", she is making a point that just because she is a black woman, she should receive the same priveleges that white women already receive. Women, particularly white women, are fighting for acknowledgement of having an intelligence equal to that of a man. However, although white women receive the "privilege" of being helped into a carriage or over a puddle of mud, black women don't even receive those "womanly privileges." She says that women must assert their voices over those of men in order to bring about change and equalness and that men should stand aside and let them do it.

LAD #16: 5th of July

In Frederick Douglass' speech, "5th of July", he opens by asking the audience to think about what it means to be a slave on the 4th of July. He says that the 4th of July is only truly a significant holiday to free people, or whites. He continues that there is a major difference for slaves and free people when thinking about the meaning of the 4th of July in that "The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence bequeathed by your fathers is shared by you, not by me." Douglass asserts his point that there are more slaves who continually are not receiving these privileges and are instead treated as lesser beings. Any freedom that a white has, was denied to a slave which supports Douglass' statement that "This Fourth of July is yours, not mine." He says that America has been built upon false foudations with the presence of slavery. He emphasizes the fact that black people and white people are equal, as many blacks during the time were holding jobs such as lawyers doctors, ministers, poets, authors, editors, orators, teachers, and much more. In the end he says that the free people should stand up for the rights of slaves so that America can be a true and equal country.

LAD #12: President Polk's War Message

In President James Polk's war message of 1846, he directly addressed the conflicts between the United States and neighboring Mexico which regarded Mexico's unjust and harsh treatment of American civilians. During the time in which the message was relayed, there was fighting and war taking place with Mexico in which Polk wanted to bring resolution and peace to. Although many attempts were made to achieve this desired peace, no resolutions could be agreed upon. Both countries desired an even negotiation which made it extremely difficult to settle on an agreement. Later American peace negotiaters were sent to Mexico in order to attempt at the creation for a resolution, however the the Mexican leader at the time, Paredes, would not allow them to do this which ultimately led to the disputes over the Texas territory. Both Mexico and America argued claims to the land which further developed the issues at hand and heightened the already ongoing fighting which was taking place. Mexico then broke into the United States, resulting in the death of innocent civilians and those of who weren't even involved in the fighting. America had no choice but to fight back in order to repress these attacks and President Polk encouraged and requested that all American citizens work together and support each other during this time.

LAD #13: John Calhoun's Speech

John Calhoun's main purpose in his speech was to explain how Clay's Compromise of 1850 was dividing the United States. He addresses the conflict in preserving the unification of the States. He also states that a major reason for the break in unification was the Southern States as they said that in order to remain their honor, they could not remain a part of the United States. This had resulted from various conflicts with slavery as well as economic issues and other problems in regards to western settlers. Additionally, there were conflicts dealing with the unequal distribution of land as well as the "supposed supremacy" of the Northern States which all led to the anger rising from within the South. Calhoun stated his disapproval of Clay's Compromise since he believed it would not prevent war. Calhoun was against the spread of slavery in America becauses of this compromise. Calhoun also went on to say that the sole way to solve these conflicts would be to give the South what they wanted, however only the North would be able to do this. He stated that without the North making these appeasments, then the Union would break as the South would secede from the United States of America.

LAD #11 - Seneca Falls Declaration

The Seneca Falls Declarations of Sentiments and Resolutions was an extremely prominent beginning for the women's rights movement. The first part of the Declaration states how women have been continually oppressed and wronged.  A said that women deserved the basic rights that men already had such as owning property, having the ability to vote, unjust divorce laws, in addition to many more. The Resolutions make up the second part where it states that women are equal to men. This is also where the women state that they are not only equal to men but they deserve the same rights that men have.

LAD #10- Monroe Doctrine

"The Monroe Doctrine was expressed during President Monroe's seventh annual message to Congress, December 2, 1823:" It stated that the United States would not stand for any oppression brought on my existing European colonies in America. If any such violence or oppression was present then the United States would act with agression to put it down. European nations were forbidden to interfere with the United States any further which also meant that no additional colonization of the "New World" was to take place. Especially with the newly independent and somewhat shaky America, interference of any sort was dangerous. Additionally, Russia and Great Britain were now maintaing peaceful relation to America. Both countries, as well as America, believed that the whole of European nations should cease colonization and oppression of other counrties, and concentrate on their own domestic affairs. The United States also declared that they would not interfere or attempt to colonize any European nations. The Monroe Doctrine ultimately allowed the United States to become fully independent without fear of being taken over once again. The United States was then able to flourish without the looming shadows of European superpowers who would jump at the chance to dominate the country.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

In the beginning of Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address he first thanks the American people and expresses his gratitude in being voted as President. He also acknowledges the difficulty of the job he has taken on but promises to do the best he possibly can and that he was ready to take on the role as President. He goes on to stress his desire for the country to succeed and move forward in the next few years which can be done with the aid of the American people as well as the Constitution. He claims that America will continue to be the strongest nation in the world while maintaining it's sense of security and improving itself for the future. Jefferson declares that he wants to stay away from the issues plaguing Europe and remain uninvolved. In essence, he would follow the guidelines of a Republican government in order to retain the strength and stability of the government that presently was in place. Following the basis of a Republican government would aid America in reaching its goals and bettering itself for the future. He concludes, yet again acknowledging the difficult task that lies before him but promises to learn from his mistakes and lead America in being the best that it can be for he is there to serve the country.

Columbus Blog #8

Today, the immoral acts that were committed by Columbus in the founding of America are almost never remembered in comparison to the happiness that many associate Columbus Day with, in having a day off from school or work. Many do not remember the horrors that Columbus brought to the Indians of the New World and of the impacts of his voyage. The primary reason for his voyage was to find new trade routes to the East Indies which would bring him more wealth and fame. However, although he ended up finding the New World, he still received the wealth, fame, and glory he was searching for, each being a variation of the greed that consumed Colombus in his expeditions. On his first expedition he encountered the Arawak people of the Bahamas which he believed were very vulnerable and could easily be converted to Chrisitanity and taken as slaves. He even said "I could conquer the whole of them with 50 men, and govern them as I pleased." This shows his power hungry mindset and that he was leading these voyages in order to solely benefit himself. On later expedition similar events occurred. Columbus would accept the gifts and services that he was given by the Indians, just to take their land, convert them to Christianity and use them as slaves. Additionally the disease brought to the New World by Columbus and his men took countless lives of the Indians.  He obtained much wealth from the Indians themselves and also from monarchs who paid him to carry out these expeditions. Columbus should be remembered as a villain but by most people today, Columbus is recognized as the hero who founded America resulting in a three day weekend.

Republican Motherhood Blog

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

The war allowed the roles of housewifery to expand. Before the mindset was focused on raising children and taking care of the home, however later expanded into "training good citizens." The most important roles of housewives who were now in the transition to Republican Mothers was to guide her children "along the pleasant paths of knowledge." (Doc A) Also, there was an increasing push for the education of women although the subjects studied were never in depth. The main purpose in educating these women was so that they could pass on the knowledge that they possessed to their sons. (Doc B)

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

The consequences were that there was a higher expecation of women to take care of the home and most importantly pass on their educations to the children. Women may have at times considered this a great burden as "she may never herself step beyond the threshold" of her home. According to Jonathan F. Stearns, in the Discourse on Female Influence, the "fate" of the country was solely in the hand of women and the decisions they made. (Doc D)

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

It was believed in Thoughts Upon Female Education by Benjamin Rush, that the stage of Republican Motherhood would encourage a furthur education in order "to prepare [women] for the duties of social and domestic life." Also with this education a woman could properly socialize and educate her children in order to later benefit the world when they became adults.

1.) The setting of this portrait is in the home, where women spent their time caring for the children and the house. The clothing of the subjects, most clearly the little boy in blue implies that the family has spome wealth. The couch and the picture frame in the background also may lead one to this conclusion.

2.) The little boy in blue servces as the center of this poaiting as evidenced by the emphasis with light on the figure. He serves as the center because it emphasizes the main role that women had in the household during the time which was caring for her children. The woman looks content to be with her children. There is an air of calmness around her. She looks republican rather than aristocratic because of the clothing she is wearing and the sole fact that it is her caring for her kids and not a nanny. She looks happy to be there which implies the relatiponships she has with her children as well.

3.) Her sons exhibit values of sophisitcation and calmness, like their mother. Even in the way that the boy in blue is standing, implies that he is patient, traits that were probably taught by his mother.

4.) It looks as though her arm is separating the two boys and the light on one but not the other suggests that one boy is more important. It may be that the boy in blue represents the effects of a republican mother on society, while the other boy represents the past effects before republican motherhood. However, her arm could also be interpreted as the loving arm of a mother who possesses and intense care for her children.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

In Washington's Farewell Address, Washington focused on the point to avoid political parties which he believed would split up the country and lead to disunity. He was a strong advocate for national unity throughout his presidency. He believed that without unity, the future success of America would not be possible. Washington also stressed that America should pursue of a policy of isolationism and remain neutral in forgein affairs. In the end, he was very grateful to the people and many were sad to see him leave.

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality stated that the U.S. would maintain friendly relations with each of the powers involved in the war against France which included Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and part of the United Netherlands. It also stated that if any person disrespected these friendly relations then the U.S. would discontinue to protect them and additional punishments would be carried out.

LAD: Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

Factions are difficult to eliminate because they origniate from liberty. They are few solutions in dealing with factions as the options are limited to forcing all the people to believe in the ideas of one faction or to eliminate liberty in a faction. Both are completely outrageous solutions which would probably never sustain any sense of order.

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

Although factions are accepted as things that are almost impossible to be eliminated, if the faction is smaller in size then they will allow for more control. Also, by attempting to break large factions into smaller factions will again provide for more control. The use of the government to one's advantage will help one also take the majority of the people to one's advantage.

Blog #4 - Revolution Article

1.) One intersting thing that I learned from this article was that there were cameras recording various events throughout the war which allows some to know it as the first modern war.

2.) It was America's longest declared was, lasting more than eight years.

3.) More than 100 residents of Braintree, Mass. fell ill some dying, just from the disease spread by the soldiers.

4.) Battles were fought in areas that weren't even bigger than a baseball field.

5.) A soldier taken prisoner had a greater chance of dying in prison than on the battlefield.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

1. The Declaration of Independence has many democratic principles within it, most notably the given unalienable rights which includes life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration is based of everything that will benefit the people and exists to solely benefit them. The idea that the Declaration was created for the people, by the people is one of the most important democratic principles it is made up of.

2. Along with the democratic principles that were included in the Declaration, there were many grievances, much having to do with Britain, and it's king, that were existent in the document. One grievance was that King George III never passed a law that truly was beneficial to the just the people. Each law always had to benefit him in some way and he did not care if the law benefitted the people or not. Another grievance was the continous creation of new laws and taxes which required the colonists to always pay money to Britain. He did this all without giving them any representation. Additionally, he required the right to British soldiers that allowed them to live in the houses of the colonists, even in times of peace. Lastly, King George III frequently dissolved of representatives that did not side with him while also having a standing army present in the colonies, even in times of peace.

3. In the conclusion, the colonists stated that any sort of connection with them and Britain has now been dissolved and that they are now "fully free independent states." They also make known that they are willing to fight if Britain questions these principles, as they "mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

John Peter Zenger immigrated to America from Germany with his family when he was thirteen years old. His father died on the trip over. He owned a printing shop in New York, which he had opened in 1726 and became very successful. However in 1733, until he was caught in the middle of a political dispute between Governor William Cosby and a wealthy group of men who aimed to fight politically against the Governor. Zenger worked with these men to publish negative articles in the New York Weekly Journal who he was now the editor of. The articles criticized  Cosby's corruption of the government and soon Cosby grew angry with Zenger and his newspaper. This resulted in Zenger being arrested and jailed for ten months.

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

The controversey over his charges were that although they were negatory, all of the information was true. The prosecution argued that just because the stories were published should convict Zenger, not mentioning the truth behind the articles. Andrew Hamilton, the lawyer who defended Zenger argued that although they articles were published, they could not be considered libel because they were true. Zenger was found not guilty.

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

This case greatly promoted freedom of the press and significantly altered the outcomes of future libel suits because now if the information was found to be true then it could be published. Judges would look at these cases in a new way as a result from the Zenger case, most favoring the defense.

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

The most significant lasting impact of his trial was that it led for improvements and progress in freedom of the press. It also allowed writers and publishers to put anything into a newspaper as long as it was true, without the worry of being sued by people whom the writing critcized. The trial paved the way for future advancements in freedom of speech, revolutionizing the cause in America.

LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The concepts included in the Mayflower Compact revolve around first attempts to establish order, organization, and a sense of unity among the colonists. It acts as guidelines in which to follow in order to ensure security and success as these people arrive establish the first colony in northern Virginia.

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?

Throughout the Mayflower Compact, King James is continually referred to, implying the close connection that the colonists felt to their former home and country. Clearly, the people feel that they must uphold "the Honour of [their] King and Country." The "Old" world has a strong attachment to the "New World" as in the Mayflower Compact King James and their country are mentioned numerous times and one of the colonists main goals is to strive to honor their home by establishing a colony based off of the strong sense of structure and order that was found in Europe. In addition to honor, furthuring the Christian faith and the glory of God was also prominent in the Mayflower Compact which demonstrates the colonists desire to carry over beliefs to the New World.

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

A major way in that the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact is in that the Fundamental Orders are significantly more specific and planned out. The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document (which is another difference) and therefore contains much less detail. Another important difference between the two is that the Mayflower Compact doesn't address the subject of voting, however the Fundamental Orders allowed voting to take place. In addition, the Fundamental Orders contain a list of eleven laws in which to be followed as well as an introduction and detailed description of each law.

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

They took this approach beacause they knew that the key to order was to have a stable and controlled government that layed out the laws for people to see and understand in the use of a written form. To do this they needed unification and strength which is what the Fundamental Orders did.These Fundamental Orders provided a unifiying document that brought together the people and would be a lasting form of government.

 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?

To protect against the uprising by one individual or a chosen few, the Fundamental Orders were established on a Democratic foundation as colonists could vote by the use of paper ballots. The officals were chosen by elections as well, which prevented one person from taking over power. Lastly, the government was limited to some degree which would make the oppurtunity for one or a chosen few to take power very difficult and highly unlikely.

HELLO!