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.