LAD #31: President Wilson's 14 Points

Many participant in the war expressed their desire for peace among the nations. Many issues had erupted and there was an obvious need for negotiation. Wilson wanted to reassert the reason for the involvement of the United States in the war. He reminded them that they were fighting for the safety of our country and democracy. He then listed his 14 Points which included:

1) No private alliances internationally and diplomacy will be present and open to the public.
2) Freedom of the seas even during wartimes.
3) Equal trade among all nations that desire peace as well as no new barriers constructed.
4) The reduction of the national army to while still maintaing domestic safety.
5) In colonies, the interests of the people must have equal importance to that of the government.
6) Evacutation of Russia in order for its development.
7) Restoration of Beligium.
8) French territories will be freed and France will be righted to ensure peace and cooperation in the future.
9) Italian frontiers to be righted among clear nationalities.
10) Austria-Hungary will have opportunities to autonomous development.
11) Balkan states will be evacuated.
12) Turkish portion will have secure sovereignty.
13) An independent Polish state will be built.
14) The League of Nations will be created.

LAD #30: Schenck vs. US

Schneck vs. the United States on March 23rd in 1919 was a  case which backed the Espionage Act of 1917. The Espionage Act denied any interference or involvemnet in military plans and operations. Despite the protection of freedom of speech by the first amendment, Schenck’s distribution of printed documents posed a grave threat therefore leading Congress using their right to cease his actions. Schenck’s messages were: “"Do not submit to intimidation” and to “Assert your rights”. His passionate and intense document was to prevent the draft. “It denied the power to send our citizens away to foreign shores to shoot up the people of other lands, and added that words could not express the condemnation such cold-blooded ruthlessness deserves”. This was the "clear and present danger" , which consisted of information about the draft and many arguements fighting it. In many cases, the context of the words in which one speaks and the nature they were spoken in are the leading determinant in if the Congress has a clear path to defend. For example,“The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic. It does not even protect a man from an injunction against uttering words that may have all the effect of force.” Schenck simply commited a crime that was an obstruction of the recruiting services.  In the Schneck vs. the United States, Schenck was found guilty and was sent to jail for six months. He had appealed to the Supreme Court because he felt his right to freedom of speech had been violated.

LAD #29: Keating-Owen Child Labor Act

In the early 1900's large businesses and corporations aided the United States for economic reasons byt gave little thought to the American people, especially those working for them.Workers in cities suffered grueling conditions, long hours and little pay. Often times, instead of working toward an education, children would be working day and night in factories, mills, and farms in order to bring in an additional profit for their family, even if just a small one. Problems in the workforce were worsened for young children as they did not have labor laws to protect their rights and they were often hired solely because they could fit into small, dangerous spaces and they could be payed less. Men and organizations like Lewis Hine and the National Child Labor Committee worked endlessly to put a halt to the atrocities. In 1916, their goal was achieved with the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act being put into action, making strides to reform many of the hardships that working youth faced. Its goal was to restrict child labor which would lead to more open jobs for adult men. The act prohibited the sale of goods produced in factories by children under 14 years old, and mines operated by children under 16 years of age. Furhtermore, the Keating-Own Child Labor Act prevented children under 16 from working more than 8 hours a day, or at night. Unfortunately, the act was soon declared unconstitutional, however the next attempt to limit child labor came with the Revenue Act of 1919. Again, this stride towards reform for children was declared unconstitutional. It was not until 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act was finally passed and still remains in place today.

LAD #28: Wilson's First Inaugural

When Democrat Woodrow Wilson took office, the shift from predominantly Republican to Democratic took place. In his presidential address, he acknowledged the that Democrats now made up a majority of Congress, acquiring more influence in the government. However, he also stated that power within a political party is meaningless unless people use it reform and carry out necessary changes. Wilson also recognized the problems facing the nation such as large businesses and corportatioins taking advantage of the government and society as a whole. While these successful industries were economic advantages of the United States, their impact on the people needed to be considered. During his address Wilson additionally mentioned his disapproval of an extensive tariff, taxation, as well as businesses overtaking the government and people of America. Wilson put a specific emphasis on the need and continuance of social reform, showing support for advances in sanitation and labor reforms. He finishes his presidential address with the statement that this day should be a day that marks the dedication of the American people and Democratic party to a common cause.

LAD #27: The Clayton Anti-Trust Act

The Clayton Anti-Trust Act was passed by Woodrow Wilson's administration after being introduced by Alabama Democrat Henry De Lamar Clayton Jr in October, 1914. The act was ordained to strengthen the power of government in dealing with monopolies, a vital part of the process. It also aided to set a foundation for the regulation of business presently practiced by the government. Before, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act was the only act which allowed the government to be involved in the control of  large businesses.Theodore Roosevelt utilized the Sherman Anti-Trust Act in order to become America's first trust buster. Furthermore, the Clayton Anti-Trust Act regulated the decisions of powerful corporations which often times got away with unlawful transactions.The most significant difference between the two acts is that the Clayton Anti-Trust Act can not be used against labor unions. However, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act was indeed utilized hover and impend upon labor unions such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor. The new act allowed labor unions to be formed and activities such as boycotts, picketing, and strikes to be carried out without government interference. In the end, the Clayton Anti-Trust Act is still fulfilling its purpose as it is used in our present government.