LAD# 21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Carnegie starts out by stating that if there weren't both the rich and poor classes, the economy would fail because an economy solely with a middle class wouldn't be effective. He believes that qualities of perseverance and hard work should be used to acquire as much money as a person can make, and then when thy retire they should distribute the wealth. He also believes that wherever a man dies, his money should be invested wisely to better the future of production. His endowments are associated with libraries and Carnegie Mellon University, and is a well known philanthropist to this day.

LAD#20: Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation

In Lincoln's Proclamation he starts by stating that all slaves in southern states rebelling against the Union are free, and will be protected. He then declares that former states of the Confederacy have the option to rejoin the Union through sending representatives to Congress, and then slaves in that area would avoid being emancipated. Lincoln encourages slaves to work to earn money, for they are free. He states that their rights will be supported in the North, and that the proclamation is an act of Justice.

LAD#19: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Adress

In his second address, Lincoln opened by touching on the fact that neither the North or South desired to go to war. Diplomatic Compromise between the North and South was meant to happen, but this was unsuccessful, and thus a war emerged. War was inevitable and all the people involved hoped that it would end quickly. Although the war originated from several components of sectionalism, he stated that slavery was the main reason. Lincoln finishes the address by regarding the idea of blessing and how it is in God's will. He also states that America should have a lasting peace.

LAD #18: Dred Scott Decision

In the Dred Scott vs. Sanford case, originally the court ruled against Scott. Chief Justice Taney decided that Scott was not a citizen because he was only the child of people that had migrated to the United States. Scott believed that he should have the same rights as anyone else, but Scott was categorized as property rather than a citizen. The constitution ruled that Taney had the right to keep Scott as property because Taney was a white landholder. Taney stated that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional because Scott was living in Illinois as property of Taney, and Scott didn't have the privilege to sue.

LAD #17: "Aint I a Woman"

Sojourner Truth is an African American woman aggravated by prejudice. She expresses that she never had the privilege of being treated with good manners by a man, because she was black. She feels it is unreasonable that she has worked hard all of her life and only received punishment in return. She states that because she is a woman, that does not mean she is less intelligent, and people should treat others with respect regardless of social backgrounds. She concludes by addressing that Jesus came from a woman and God, not from man.

LAD #16: 5th of July Speech

Frederick Douglass started his "5th of July Speech" by addressing the issue of slavery. While free men of the United States would support and celebrate their independence on the 4th of July, blacks did not have the privilege to celebrate personal liberties because they lacked them. He believed that Independence day highlighted the disunity between slaves and free men. He reflects that African Americans have proven to be just as successful as their white slave holders, and that African Americans should have the right to celebrate this day to the same extent as the whites.

LAD #15: Lincoln's Gettysburg Adress

In his address, Lincoln mentions how proud he is of the soldiers who engaged in the Civil War to preserve the Union. After the battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln describes the purpose of fighting, which was oriented around fairness, justice, and equality. He delivered his thankfulness for the courage of the soldiers in the address, and stated that America must acknowledge their bravery and sacrifice so that we can further improve unity and peace in our nation.

LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural Adress

Lincoln starts by addressing that he will not interfere with slavery in southern states where it has already existed. He supported the constitution which declared that if a slave was to escape, it must be returned to the owner, because slaves were property. He supported states rights, and it was the right of the state to maintain slavery if it so desired to. He addressed the concept of Unity and preserving the Union. His goal was to prevent states from seceeding from the Union, and to enhance the strength and togetherness of of the United States of America.  

LAD #13: John Calhoun's Speech

In his speech, John Calhoun conveyed the idea that the Union was at threat. First off, he stated that the Northern Government gained too much power which disrupted the balance of unity. Since the north was continuing to add non slave states, and the south was not adding more slave states, the power balance was altered. Calhoun believed that the North was acting hostile towards southern slavery. He stated how Tariffs on imported goods were not as beneficial to the south as they were to the north. The south was export oriented, and if they had to pay more for imported goods that would not be ideal. Calhoun dressed that slavery played a major role in American economy, and this is why the south favorited it. The North believed it was immoral and dehumanizing, and thus it created a further threat to the Union.

 

LAD #12: Polk's War Message

There was increasing tension over harsh treatment of citezens between the United States and Mexico, and Polk wrote a letter to congress dressing the issue. Polk states John Siddle was sent to Mexico for the purpose of obtaining territory in New Mexico and California, but the Mexican government refused to speak with him. Polk also stated that he ordered some troops to occupy the border in case there was another Mexican attack. Mexican soldiers attacked American soldiers between the Nuces and Del Norte area, and 16 troops were killed. Furthermore, Polk concluded by addressing the fact that Mexico has taken hostile measures, and this gives the United States a reason to go to war. 

    

LAD #11: Seneca Falls Declaration

The Declaration begins by adressing the unalienable rights of Americans. Women and men were created equal, and the Seneca Falls Declaration reassured some ideals of the Declaration of Independence. It listed grievances involving American women such as having limited say in government, denied right to vote, denied right to own property, and the denied right to receive a higher education. Following the grievances, the Declaration holds a list of ideals to further enforce the equality among men and women.

LAD #10: The Monroe Doctrine

1. What did the issuing of the Monroe Doctrine express from an American Perspective post War of 1812?

From an American perspective post War of 1812, the Monroe Doctrine expressed that the northwestern coast of North America was independent and free of any further colonization. The idea of neutrality was still implied, but president James Monroe asserted that European powers were not to colonize in North America.

2. What was the Secretary of State Adams' hope when he wrote the Monroe Doctrine?

When he wrote the Monroe Doctrine, Adams hoped that there would be no further colonization in the western hemisphere, and that America would stay away from foreign interests that would get it into trouble. He hoped that there would be peace and safety.

3. What is the key phrase in the entire document that you need to remember as the cornerstone of American foreign policy?

"With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with the Governments who have declared their independence and maintain it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States."

Columbus Blog #8

Christopher Columbus should be considered as a villain rather than a hero for several reasons. Although he is praised for discovering America, his flaws override this. As he arrived in the new world, his treatment to natives was extremely unreasonable. He demonstrated brutal qualities by torturing and wiping out the population of Arawak Indians. His greed and selfishness exemplified along the hunt for gold caused him to threaten Indians if they did not bring him gold. He completely transformed the lives of Indians by forcing them to participate in the encomienda system and mining for gold in harsh conditions. He did discover a vast continent, but he handled the encounter with Indians incorrectly, and thus he should be considered a villain.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Summary:

Thomas Jefferson is appreciative of being elected and being given such a responsibility. He encourages the Constitution to remain a basis for freedom and policies for Americans. He states how the majority will prevail, but the minority must be given equal respect and gratitude. Like other national leaders, he enforces the concept of national unity. Jefferson supports the fact that Americans have an opportunity to create and live their own free lives in a blossoming nation. He stated how government holds the duty of protecting our rights and civil liberties. Jefferson ends the address by admitting that every citizen will not be satisfied with his policies, but he will do his best to provide for the nation.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

The beginning of Washington's Farewell Address is oriented around the concept of national unity and how the United States will only maintain freedom with unity. He believes that if the constitution does not permit beneficial concepts, then it should be altered. He states how the establishment of political parties will diminish the union and separate the nation as well. Next, he advises that the United States remain neutral considering foreign affairs, and that the military shouldn't obtain excessive power to the point of dictating the government. He concludes that citizens should obey the concepts incorporated within the constitution, for it is for the benefit of the nation.

 

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality summary:

In 1793, George Washington declared that America should stay neutral in the war regarding France and its enemy powers in Europe. He also stated that if an individual were to disregard these orders they would not receive support and protection from the United States, but instead they would receive punishment for such actions.

  

LAD #5: Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

Factions are so difficult to eliminate because of how closely they are associated with liberty. Liberty allowed for factions to be established, and with eliminating factions, freedom would be taken. In society, people will have different beliefs and opinions no matter what. Eliminating factions would downgrade the meaning of liberty in the US.

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

Since factions cannot be removed, they can be controlled by enforcing a republic type of government so that the majority will be established after voting and have similar principles. By doing this, the amount of conflict will decrease and many people will be on the same terms. It is not realistic for everyone to have the same opinions, but it is possible to eliminate the number of different opinions.

 

Republican Motherhood Blog

1. What Role did the revolutionary war play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?

The Revolutionary war lead to the establishment of concepts such as patriotism, republicanism, and guidance of others. Instead of being a housewife with limited duties, it was the role of the mother to institute these concepts into the minds of her children for the benefit of the nation (Document A).

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

Women were put under enormous amounts of pressure during Republican Motherhood. A main priority of the mother was to "make home, whatever it is". This meant that the woman influenced domestic life to a significant extent. The consequences of women not completing the tasks of Republican Motherhood were extreme. If the mother did not instill the correct values into the children, "A fierce race of semi-barbarians" would arise (Document D).

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

The ideology of Republican Motherhood was significant in women's socialization because women could greatly influence other women and people in society with their values. " Society is her empire, which she governs at will" implies that women possessed control with spreading ideals among society. "If the hedges and borders of the social garden be broken up, the lovely vine, which not twines itself so gracefully upon the trellis, and bears such rich clusters, will be the first to fall and be trodden under foot (Document D)." This quote supports the idea that if the social structure that women enforce is altered, the values previously enforced will crumble.

1. Describe the setting

The setting of this painting takes place in a home with a grey wall and piece of furniture that Mary an her sons are sitting on. Mary and her sons are wearing an affluent style of clothing which symbolizes some wealth. 

2.   Who serves at the center of the portrait and why?  How does the woman look?  How is she “republican” rather than aristocratic?

Mary Gibson Tilghman's son in the blue coat serves at the center of the portrait because his high value clothing represents how Mary does a fine job of caring for her children. This is what Republican Motherhood is all about. The woman in the middle looks very confident and content with her life and the picture gives a vibe of comfort. She is republican rather than aristocratic because it is evident that she cares and provides for her children. They seem to be happy, safe, and comfortable. 

3. What values do her sons exhibit?

Her sons exhibit positive and comfortable values. Her son in the blue is displaying patience by standing and her son in the white has a moderate smile on his face. 

4. Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham's arm?

Her arm is around the boy in the white because he is possibly younger and needs more personal care. The boy in the blue jacket may be given more independence. 

Blog #4 - Revolution Article

Rethinking the Revolution

1.     Following George Washington’s death, Mason Locke Weems wrote the article “Life of Washington” which greatly admired Washington and his contributions. It talked about how George Washington was similar to Moses in the way that he guided his people away from captivity. 

2.     The Civil War and Revolutionary war are opposite of each other in the sequence of war and revolution. The Civil War started out as a war and turned into a revolution, whereas the Revolutionary war started out as a revolution and became a war.

3.     The best-known leaders of the Revolutionary War were mostly civilian leaders, whereas compared to the Civil War the most well known leaders were mainly Military Men.

4.     Commonly appreciated Paintings of the American Revolution such as Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze and The Spirit of ‘76 by Archibald Willard depict the war in a non-violent way. In Willard’s famous painting, there are no dead bodies, shots being fired, or wielding of bayonets.

5.     Although soldiers in the Civil War carried weapons that were able to cause more damage and casualties than those in the Revolutionary War, there was intense close combat and bayonet fighting in the Revolution. The Rifles used in the Civil war contained a shooting range about six times further than the muskets used in the Revolutionary War.  

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence Independence

1. The Declaration of Independence states that the ruling power comes from the people and it exists for the happiness of the citizens. Some democratic principles consist of Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness. They are unalienable and cannot be taken away. People are also guaranteed the right of governmental protection over these rights. If the government forces any harm or does not provide guaranteed protection over these rights, it is the right of the people to eliminate the authority. If this is the case, the people should institute new ideas for a thriving governmental body.

2. The handful of grievances in this document derives from King George's unfaithful acts against the colonists before the revolution. The king stripped the Americans of their right to self representation and imposed taxes disregarding the opinions of the Americans. He put a stop to the trade between the colonies and other parts of the world which was economically harmful. He gave British troops the right to intrude upon homes without the colonists' consent. He ultimately destroyed the civil rights of the people.

3. The Declaration of Independence concludes by stating that because Great Britain has not given  justice to the colonies, the colonies have the undeniable right to break free from British authority. It includes that the newly independent nation has certain privileges like declaring war, establishing alliances, renewing trade relationships, and declaring peace. It states that Great Britain no longer has any control over the states, and that the colonies have evolved into a unified nation.

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

John Peter Zenger was an American journalist originally from Germany who started to print The New York Weekly Journal. This Journal was critical of governor William Cosby's policies, which angered Crosby, and Zenger was charged with seditious libel. 

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

The controversy over his charges focused on the idea of seditious libel. Hamilton pleaded that Zenger should not be charged with seditious libel because his journal contained true statements about Cosby. 

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

The Trial of John Peter Zenger enhanced the idea of Freedom of the Press. The American government is not permitted to charge the press for publishing downgrading statements, if they are true. 

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

  The John Peter Zenger Trial promoted the need for a grand jury in a court case so that the government could not unjustly determine if an individual is innocent or guilty. The trial also had a lasting effect on the development of the First Amendment. 

LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact was created to ensure religious freedom and a self governed state for the colonists. Although they desired qualities of a self governed body, they wanted to remain somewhat loyal to the king of England as well. The colonists wanted advance Christianity and promote equal laws.

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

The colonists wanted to establish a new colony in the honor of their mother country, but express fairness and a newly shaped society. They also wanted to spread Christianity throughout the new world. 

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

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was created as more of a functioning government with a system to choose government authorities while the Mayflower compact did not have set governing rules. The Mayflower Compact lacked the complexity that the Fundemental Orders on Connecticut possessed. 

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

The colonists wanted to create a more democratic form of government. They didn't want the new colony to be ruled in the same way as England, so they created a written constitution modeled with different concepts than England. 

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?

The Fundamental Orders called for election of leaders who would only lead for a limited time. It stated how the commonwealth had court power and the ability to make or repeal laws. The power was in the hands of the people.

hello