AP American History

LAD #34: Brown vs. Board of Education

2009-04-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Summary:
Segregation was an accepted norm in public schools in the early 1950's. Black schools were almost never equal to the white schools in the same district. Linda Brown, a third-grader in Topeka, Kansas, had to walk a mile to the black elementary school, although a white school was much closer. When the principal of the white school refused to allow Linda to attend, her father Oliver Brown asked the NAACP for help. The NAACP agreed to take the matter of segregation to court. The NAACP argued at the hearing that segregation could never be equal because it sent a message that black children had to be kept from white children because they were inferior. Black children are also denied the chance to get to know or associate with white children.
The Board of Education argued that segregation permeated all of society, and that segregated schools prepared children for the real world. They also argued that other blacks had overcome segregation and worse to achieve great things (so segregated schools did not prevent people for achieving success).
The court agreed that segregation gives black children a feeling of inferiority and lack of motivation to learn. However, the precedent Plessy v. Ferguson had ruled that seperate was okay as long as it was equal - and the court therefore felt it was necessary to rule in favor of the Board.
Brown and the NAACP took the case to the Supreme Court. The Court asked that the case be argued in respect to the Fourteenth Amendment. In 1954, Chief Justice Earl Warren handed down the decision that segregation, even if concretely equal, is inherently unequal. The Court overturned the doctrine of "seperate but equal". The Court ordered the desegregation of public schools (but not other public places). However, this desegregation in reality would only be partial.

LAD #33: Truman Doctrine

2009-03-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

Truman Doctrine Summary:

President Truman gave this speech before Congress in 1947. The problems facing the United States impact its security and foreign policy. Greece has asked for financial aid in order to survive as a democratic nation. Truman believes that the Americans would want to help Greece, a poor nation which has experienced invasion and occupation. When Greece was liberated from the Germans, much of their infrastructure was left destroyed, their means of food production and livestock decimated, and their people sickly. This political and social trouble has made economic recovery impossible. They need economic growth in order to estabish peace and order. Greece has also asked for the help of American professionals in administration and economics. Greece is threatened by Communism, and the government is unable to deal with the threat because of the poor state of the economy. The United States is Greece's only hope.
Turkey also needs assistance from the United States. The future of Turkey is as important as that of Greece in order to ensure the world remains safe for democracy and maintain order in the Middle East. Turkey has not had the same extent of devestation that Greece has endured, but it still needs help. As with Greece, Britain can no longer afford to provide help; the US is the only one able to do this.
Truman is aware of the problems with involving the United States in providing aid to these nations. The US must prevent totalitarian regimes from siezing power. The US has a responsibility to allow all people a free chocice of government, between a government goverened by the will of majority that promises civil liberities versus one with the will of the minority imposed upon the majority with terror, oppression, control, and censorship.
The United States should support people who choose to create their own destinies and to resisit oppressive governments. The US should do this through financial aid.
If Greece and Turkey fall to oppressive governments, it would be a blow to the free world.
Truman asks for $400 million to give to Greece and Turkey. He also wants to send American experts to Greece and Turkey to assist in reconstruction and training of Greek and Turkish leaders. The money we already invested in WWII was only the first payment in making the world safe for free people. If we do not help these people, we put our own peace and security in danger.

LAD #32: FDR's First Inaugural

2009-03-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

Summary:
It is the time to speak truthfully and frankly and accept the problems facing the nation. The United States will endure as it has in the past, and will prosper again. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself". FDR trusts that the people will support the government and will help to return the country to prosperity. The difficulties of the economy are low values, high taxes, loss of government income, loss of trade, loss of markets, savings lost, unemployment and underemployment is high. FDR acknowledges that times are difficult. However, these difficulties are nothing compared to what Americans have faced before; Americans today still have much to be thankful for. Difficulties today come from the actions of rulers and bankers. In order to fix the economy, we must embrace ethics over profit. Happiness is not based only in money, but also in pride of achievement, effort, and creativity. Good work provides as much happiness as money. These difficult times should teach us to be less selfish and to care for one another. However, we must change more than just new ethical standards - there must be immediate action too. The first thing to do is to find jobs and end unemployment. By doing this we can also accomplish needed projects. Second we must focus on farms and agriculture. Again FDR emphasizes the importance of quick action. In order to prevent this from happening again, we must implement supervision of banks, credit, and investmen. Speculation must end, and a sound currency must be ensured.
As far as foreign policy, FDR adovocates respecing the rights of other countries. The nation has realized that we are interdependent on eachother. He calls for a strong military.
FDR refers to the Constitution and its practicality. FDR hopes that the balance of executive and legislative authority can be maintained, but during this difficutl time it may be neccessary to change the balance. FDR is willing to carry out his constitutional duty to fix the problems of the times. However, if necessary, FDR is willing to ask Congress for more power in the case that the United States was invaded and greater leadership was necessary.

LAD #31: Kellog-Briand Pact

2009-03-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

Summary:
The treaty between the United States and other countries - written in 1928 in Paris - renounces all war. Countries who signed include the United States, Germnay, Belgium, France, Great Britain, India, Italy, Japan, Poland and Czechoslovakia. Understanding that the rulers are required to protect the welfare of their people and other peoples, renounce war and promise to promote friendly relations. All disputes should be resolved peacefully and orderly. If any signatory does resort to war, they will be denied benefits. After the treaty was made public, other countries joined, including: Afghanistan, Finland, Peru, Albania, Guatemala, Portgal, Austria, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria, Iceland, Russia, China, Latvia, Kingdom of the Serbs, Cuba, Liberia, Croats and Slovenes, Denmark, Lithuania, Siam, Dominican Republic, Netherlands
Spain, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sweden, Estonia, Norway, Turkey, Ethiopia, Panama, Persia, Greece, Honduras, Chile, Luxemburg, Danzig, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.

LAD #30: Schenck v. United States

2009-03-01T16:20:00.000-08:00

Summary:
Schenck violated the Espionage Act by obstructing recruitment and encouraging insubordination in the military while the United States was at was with Germany. He printed and circulated a document which encouraged insubordination and obstruction of recruitment. He used the mail for the transmission of these documents; this is illegal. He was found guilty. Schneck carried out these crimes as the Secretary of the Socialist Party. He produced 15,000 brochures against the draft and the war. It likened the draft to despotism. Schneck was clearly guilty of doing this. It called for petitioning to assert rights. The point of the brochures were to encourage others to protest against the draft and the war. Although in normal times this would have been protected by the First Amendment, the circumstances are still matter - a man can not shout "fire" in a crowded theatre if there is none. These brochures would be detrimental to the United States in a time of war. Free speech is dependent upon the circumstances.

LAD #29: Wilson's Fourteen Points

2009-02-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

Summary:
The Central Powers are interested in discussing the purpose of the war and the possibility of peace. Negotations are in progress at Brest-Litovsk between Russia and the Central Powers. Both Russia and the Central Powers let it be known upon what grounds they would be willing to agree to peace. They are agreeable to liberal terms. Russia has insisted on open negotiations. The Central Powers have challenged their enemies to explain their purpose in war, and Wilson sees this as an opportunity define the purpose and hopes of the United States. The Germans and Russians are very clear in their aims and principles. The United States hopes that it may be able to help Russia in its goal for democracy and peace. The United States is dedicated to openeness and transparency in the war and peace process. The goals of the war and stipulations for peace are:

1. Openeness in diplomacy.
2. Freedom of the seas.
3. Equality in trade for all.
4. Reduction in armaments to bare minimum for domestic defense.
5. Self-determination.
6. Removal of German army from Russia and political freedom for Russia.
7. Removal of troops from Belgium and political freedom for Belgium.
8. Removal of troops from France. Alsace-Lorraine returned to France.
9. The set-up of boundries for Italy.
10. Political freedom for Austria-Hungary.
11. Removal of troops from Rumania, Serbia, and Montenegro and the Balkan states given political freedom and independence.
12. Turkey given soverignty and freedom for other nationalities in the Ottoman Empire.
13. Creation of Poland.
14. Creation of the League of Nations (an association of nations for the purpose of peace).

The United States is against imperialists and fight for freedom. The United States is not jealous of Germany or covet its territory. The United States also does not intend on mettling in internal German affairs. Wilson hopes that this clarifys percisely the intent of the United States.

LAD #28: Keating-Own Child Labor Act

2009-02-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

Summary:
The Keating-Own Child Labor Act was passed by congress in 1916. It's purpose was to prevent interstate trade of products that were made by child labor. Child labor is defined as work done by children under the age of sixteen. Childeren under 14 may not work, and children 14 to 16 may ot work more than eight hours a day or six days a week, before after 7 pm or before 6 am. This act goes into effect within 30 days. After 30 days, no one may deliver goods made under prohibited conditions.
The Attorney General, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Labor may create other rules and regulations to enforce this.
The Secretary of Labor, or anyone authorized by him, may enter and inspect at any time workplaces where goods are produced for interstate commerce in order to ensure the enforcement of this act.
If an establishment is found to be in violation of this act, evidence can be gathered from officials and the establishment can be penalized.
The penalty is a maximum fine of $200 for first offense, and a fine from $100 - $1000 for each subsequent offence, or imprisonement of less than 3 months, or both. Shippers who were unaware that the products they shipped were made in illegal conditions are exempt.

LAD #27: Wilson's First Inaugural

2009-02-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Summary:
The Democrats have won a sweeping victory - they control the House and the Senate, and the Presidency. This means more than just a change of party. Americans lead rich lives, and this applies to morality as well as material wealth. However, with this wealth has come waste and wasteful spending. With industrial expansion there has been human cost and suffering. The government has forgotten its job to look out for the underprivledged. With the Democratic party in power, Wilson will remove the evils of government and restore it to its former power. Wilson will reform the tariff, banking system, industrial system, and government wastes. The duty of the government is to protect its people. This means sanitation, food, and labor laws. But the government still has the duty to protect the rights of property and individuals.

LAD #26: Clayton Anti-Trust Act

2009-02-08T13:01:00.001-08:00

Clayton Anti-Trust Act.
Summary:
It is illegal for a seller to give different prices on the same product to different customers with the intent is to hurt competition. However, different prices may be given for goods of different qualities, etc., and sellers may still choose their customers, and that they have the right to change their prices in response to changing conditions. If discrimination does happen (not for the above reasons) then the ICC is authroized to order an end to the discrimination.
It is illegal to receive anything as compensation except for services or goods.
It is illegal to discriminate against purchasers who buy for resale by ordering the purchaser to not buy from a competitor.
It is illegal to knowingly to accept a discriminatory price (rebates, discounts, etc. meant to hurt competitors for the purpose of making a monopoly).
Anyone who violates the above can be fined a maximum of $5,00o or imprisoned up to a year or both.
Nonprofit institutions - schools, public libraries, hospitals, churches, and charities - are exempt.
If a person's business/property, the United States, a foriegn state, or a state is injured by this law, that person may sue. If the courts uphold his case, he shall be given three times the amount lost and the cost of the suit.
Human labor is not a commodity or commerce, and therefore this law does not apply to it.
It is illegal to obtain through stock an entire company in order to lessen competition and form a monopoly; this does not apply to stock bought for investment purposes.

LAD #25: MLK's "I Have a Dream" Speech

2009-01-19T06:19:00.000-08:00

Summary:
MLK knew that this would be a historic event, and is proud to be there. Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation 100 years ago, and yet blacks are still not free. Blacks still live with poverty, discrimination, segregation. Today, they (the crowd) has come to Washington to cash a check - the Founding Fathers gave a promissory note for freedom and equality, and yet America has defaulted on it. However, the bank of justice cannot be empty; and so they have come to cash their check for freedom. Now is the time to do this: it is time for urgent action, not gradual change. However, they can not allow their desire for urgent change to bring them to violence, distrust or hatred. Blacks can not achieve equality without whites, and many whites support blacks' search for equality.
Civil rights activists will not be satisfied until all signs of inequilty are gone: segregation, limited mobility, poverty, political disenfrachisement.
Many present at the march had gone through great trials in the battle for civil rights. But they must return to their homes in the South and in the ghettos and continue the fight with hope. They can not give up hope. MLK believes that one day there will be true equality for all everywhere, and that freedom will truely ring from every mountainside.

LAD #24: Dawes Act

2009-01-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

Summary:
The purpose of the act is to set aside land for Native Americans on reservations as private property and give Native Americans protection under the law. The President has the authority to give sections of the reservation to Indians living there, depending on their age and number of dependents. If there is not enough land to go around, then the land will be divided up according to the order - heads of families first, and so on. Lands usable for grazing only will be alloted to the individual. The lands will be chosen either by the head of family or an agent selected for orphan children. If a head of family does not make a decision within four years, the agent will chose for them. If a Native American is not living on a reservation, he is still entitled to the same allotment of land. This land can be any land that is not otherwise claimed. After the Secretary of the Interior approves the allotments, he will issue patents to the new owners ot he land. The patents mean that the land, for twenty-five years, is for the use and benefit of the Indian to whom it was alloted, or to his heirs. After twenty-five years, the government will renew the patent for a fee, unless the President wishes to extend the period. State laws about descent and partition apply to the allotments as well. The US government is able to buy back these lands from the Native Americans for the use of settlers. Religious and other organizations can also recieve land from the government. After recieving the patent for lands, the Indians will become subject to the laws of the United States and of the state in which they live. No state may deny such Indians equal protection under the law. All Indians born within the United States who have been given an allotment of land, and all Indians who live apart from a tribe and live "civilized" lives are declared citizens, and therefore have civil rights. A large number of Indian tribes were excluded from this act, including the Cherokees, Creeks, Seminoles, and Senecas. The money for surveying land will be from the Treasury, to be repaid by sale of the lands. Congress will still have the right to grant right of way through alloted lands for transportation or infrastruction or public use. The act does not prevent the removal of the SOuthern Ute Indians from their reservation.

LAD #23: Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech

2009-01-05T15:42:00.000-08:00

Summary:

Bryan says that the gold standard issue is a broad and very important issue. The debate has been brutal, bringing new leaders onto the stage. A majority of the people of the Democratic party support coinage of silver; this is therefore an issue of allowing majority rule of the everyday people over big business interest. The western workers and settlers - farmers, miners, pioneers and so on - are as much a worker as the industrial bussinessmen in New England, and the Democrats must represent this larger class too now. Bryan speaks for the Western settlers, who have been often ignored. He calls on Americans to do the right thing and not follow other nations - if the gold standard is a bad thing and not supported by the common people, then the US should disregard other nations who say it is necessary. The US should be a leader, and do what its masses want. The issue is one between the common man and the wealthy - a class issue. The industrial urban nation can not survive without the farmers, so we must do what they believe is right.

LAD #22: Populist Party Platform

2009-01-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

Summary:
Corruption and the poor living condition were the reasons for the begining of the Populist party. Populists are upset by the wide gap between rich and poor, and the influx of cheap immigrant labour. They want to return the running of the government to the working class people, and to fix the wrongs in society like poverty and injustice.
The Populist party supports labour unions. Wealth belongs to the worker who has created it, not to to business tycoons. The government should regulate the railroads, the telegraph and telephone companies.
The Populist party wants a stable national currenty, with unlimited sivler and gold. They support a graduated income tax, the income from which should be used to lower other taxes on industry. Government revenues should not be more than absolutely necessary to run the institution honestly.
Land should be held by citizens, and aliens should be banned from ownership. All land held by aliens and companies (except what they are using) should be reclaimed by the government and redistributed to settlers.
They support fair and secret elections without federal interference.
They support liberal pensions to soldiers and sailors. They oppose immigration.
They support the work of unions, including shortening work days and oposing the Pinkerton system.
They support an amendment that would limit the President to one term and the direct election of Senators.
They oppose government financial involvemnt in private corporations.

LAD #21: William McKinley's War Message

2009-01-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

Summary:

Cuba revolted against Spain in 1895. After three years, the US finally entered the war bydemanding that Spain stop fighting. The American minister in Spain said that Spain had agreed, and McKinley instructed Congress to help him end the war. He allowed as that Spain had already agreeded to peace, but America was ready for war nevertheless.

McKinley advises Congress about the crisis in Cuba and its effects on the US. The Cubans have revolted against Spain, after Spain held them as a colony for 50 years., during which time Cuba has revolted many times. These revolutions are costly because the US must enforce neutrality laws, and the violences have caused disturbance among Americans because of cruel wartime practices. The revolutions have caused a loss of American trade. Such revolutions and wars are likely to continue. Independence for Cuba would therefore be in the best interest of the US.

In order to end the war, the US could either act as a neutral third party or take the side of one or another. The first option has already been tried, and now the US must come out in favor of Cuba.

Reasons for supporting the Cubans include: humanitarian aid to stop atrocities, helping American citizens in Cuba, end the injury to trade that the war has created, and end a menace to our peace in the US.

The destruction of the USS Maine in Havana and the deaths that occured provides an example of how dangerous this war is to the US and provides another justification for entering the war (although the Maine may have actually been blow up by the Spanish or not).

Congress must allow the President to take whateer measures are necessary in order to end the war.

LAD #20: The Gospel of Wealth

2008-12-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

Summary:
Today there is a more drastic difference between the rich and poor than ever before. This is not a bad thing because it is essential for the progress of humanity: if there were no rich, no one would be able to be a patron to the arts or an intellect. In olden times, no one was well off; now, at least a minority is. Carnigie then asks - how should wealth be distributed to civilization, since some are very wealthy while the majority are not? (He is not discussing "competence" - that is, the money that an average person after many years of hard work and which all should be able to have - but true wealth.) There are three ways of doing this: leaving wealth to decedents, leaving it to public purposes, or used by the possessor during his life. Inheritance is unfair, as illustrated by the royal families in Europe. Wealth often does harm when left to children; they should instead only leave enough for comfortable living. Carnigie says that leaving money for public use after death is just a way to get rid of the money, and the bequether's goals are often thwarted. Taxing estates at death is good because it punishes those who have hoarded money without putting it to any use and would encourage them to use it during their life, hopefully for society. The third way - using the money during the possessor's life - is the only way to truly fix the unequal wealth distribution (this is different from Communism because it does not call for overthrow of the current system but rather a continuation of it). One person having much wealth and administering it throughout society on public purposes is much more useful for the advancement of humanity than many people having smaller amounts of wealth. The wealthy have a duty to live modestly, to provide for the modest wants of his family or friends, and to use the rest of his wealth for public purposes to better his community.

LAD #19: Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?"

2008-12-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

Summary:
Soujourner Truth rebutts several arguments against women's rights. First, she replies to a man who believes that women must be cared for and helped that, as a former slave, she has never in her life been treated that way, although she is a women. Truth says that intelligence has nothing to do with freedom: even if women aren't as smart, they should still have the same rights. She answers a Bibilical argument against women's rights that Jesus was born to a woman, and that man had nothing to do with his birth. If Eve, a woman, was able to lose rights for women, then all the women in the world should be able to gain them back. Women are ready to change the world, and the men have no choice but to let them do it.

LAD #18: Douglass' "What To the Slave is the Fourth of July?"

2008-12-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

Summary:
Douglass sees no reason to celebrate the Declaration of Independence because its promises of freedom are not extended to the enslaved blacks (or even free ones such as himself) of America. If only freedom truly applied to all, then Douglass would celebrate the 4th of July. European-American's celebration and happiness on the 4th of July only show the disparity between them and African-Americans, and emphasize the hypocrisy of a republic founded on liberty that allows slavery. To slaves and free blacks, Independence Day is a reminder of the rights that whites have which they lack; it is a holiday only for European-Americans. Douglass condems racism and slavery, saying that blacks are clearly able to do everything that whites do (they hold all of the same professions), and yet are denied their humanity.

LAD #17: Emancipation Proclamation

2008-11-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

Summary:

On September 22 1862, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that on January 1 1863, all slaves in parts of the United States that were in rebellion are forever free. This freedom will be recognized and enforced by the US Government. If states send delegates to Congress elected by a majority of the people on January 1, then those states will be deemed not in rebellion. He calls on freed slaves to avoid violence and work hard for wages. He says that freed slaves will be allowed into the armed services. Lincoln believes that this act is allowed by the Constitution, is necessary, and he hopes it will be well-received both by men and God.

LAD #16: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

2008-11-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

Summary:

Lincoln says that his second inaugural address is less important than the first because the events of the past four years have meant that there have been many speeches and that the public is well aware of the problems facing the nation. The success of the military in the Civil War is of the greatest importance right then, and Lincoln hopes for a good future but does not dare to make any predictions. In his first inaugural address Lincoln had hoped to avoid war; however, union was so important to him that he was willing to go to war in order to preserve it. He says that slavery was the cause of the war, although the problems have escalated. He reminds his audience of the similarities between the North and the South - they both hope that the same God is on each of their respective sides - and that God has not yet allowed either side to win. Lincoln says that maybe God wants slavery to end, and that that is the purpose of this war - that maybe it is punishment for years of slaveholding. He calls on the nation to continue in the war effort.

LAD #15: Dred Scott Case

2008-11-16T08:14:00.000-08:00

Summary:

The first Supreme Court decision in the Scott v. Sandford case ignored the larger issue of the Missouri Compromise and did not represent the beliefs of the majority of the court. Chief Justice Taney was chosen to write the new decision, which would include the issues of the Missouri Compromise and African-American citizenship. President-elect Buchanan recognized that this would be an important issue and wanted to know the decision before his inaugural address. In Taney's two-hour long, he declared that blacks were not citizens and therefore Scott could not sue in a federal court. He declared that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional because it deprived a citizen of property; he effectively ruled that slaves were property. The case was dismissed.

LAD #14: Gettysburg Address

2008-11-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

Summary:

87 years ago the United States was founded on ideals of equality and liberty. The civil war tests whether this nation can survive. Although they are gathered at Gettysburg to dedicate a cemetary, it is more important for Americans to continue to fight to uphold the Union and, in doing so, the ideals that the United States stands for.

LAD #13: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

2008-11-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

Summary:

Lincoln accepts that Southerners are worried that his presidency will be detrimental for them, although he thinks there is no reasonable reason for this. He says that he has no intention to changing slavery, believing that he does not have the right or desire to do so. Those who elected Lincoln knew this. Lincoln is a supporter of states' rights and he does not believe that the army should not be used to invade states. All states will receive all of the protection that the Constitution provides. Lincoln quotes the Constitution to show that he does not believe fugitive slaves should receive freedom. He says that whether this should be enforced by state or federal government is irrelevant. Lincoln does not want to specify exactly what he will do in office now, but he does promise that he will uphold the Constitution and will not be a hypocrite. Lincoln says that despite seventy-two years of precedent in running the United States, the country now faces unique problems because disunity is more of a real threat now than ever before. He defends the importance of unity, which is older even than the Constitution. Any act of violence against the federal government would be revolutionary and Lincoln would not hesitate to use force. Lincoln says that he does not think Constitutional rights have been violated, and this would be the only justification for rebellion. The only major problem facing the nation is slavery; these issues are already dealt with and enforced by the Constitution. The nation must always be together; even now that states have left the union, they are still neighbors with the United States. We must learn to get along because the Union can work better as friends than enemies. It is up to the people of the United States to preserve the Union. The people must unite and not forget the importance of the Union.

LAD #12: John Calhoun's Speech

2008-11-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

Summary:

Calhoun believes that slavery was a serious issue that could threaten the union. Southern states were unhappy, and this unhappiness began with the issue of slavery and has grown into a broader issue. Along with this discontent, many Southerners that they can not be successful if they remain in the Union. Although the South was politically divided into Whigs and Democrats, this was not the cause of the discontent. This is because the federal government was dominated by Northerners, because the North has a majority of population and states. Therefore, the North is able to take advantage of the South and that the South had no way to protect itself. New territories being added to the Northern non-slave section through expansion increase this problem. The fact that this inequality exists because of government actions only increases Southern anger. The North has gained more land through expansion than the South, and its population was also increasing more rapidly. The South is given an unduly heavy tax burden, especially since there is a heavy tax (tariff) on imports, which the South consumes more of than the industrial North. Government revenue is also disbursed mostly in the North. And finally, the government itself has changed from its Constitutional beginnings. The South blamed the government for all of these problems and the inequality. Southerns felt that if slavery was ended, it would bring economic ruin to the South and trouble between blacks and whites. Calhoun feels that the nation is heading for abolition and that if that were to happen it would be very likely that the South would secede. Calhoun emphasizes that slavery is not the only problem, and that by itself it has not caused this threat to disunity; however, it is a major contributor to the problem. It is necessary to satisfy the Southern States so that they feel it is for their own good to remain in the Union, and to do this the above problems must be ended. A settlement is needed. The South is too weak to do this; the North must take the initiative. This is in the North's best interest if the North wants to preserve the Union.

LAD #11: Polk's War Message

2008-11-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

Summary:

Polk is addressing Congress. In March 1845 diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico were ended because the Mexican government had wronged the American people. The United States reopened relations in Septemeber because Polk hoped for peace between the two nations. However,the Mexican government refused to see the diplomats and in fact invaded United States soil. Mexico had refused to honor treaties it had made or make new ones in order to ensure peace. American merchants have stopped all commerce with Mexico because of difficulties with authorities. Mexico has started a war, and the United States needs to protects itself. General Taylor of Texas was authorized to create a militia of Americans from Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi if it became necessary in August, and now is the time to act on this. Polk asks Congress to declare war so that he can have all the powers he needs to protect the United States. However, Polk wants this war to be speedy and hopes to reopen negotiations as soon as Mexico allows it.

LAD #10: The Seneca Falls Declaration

2008-11-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

Summary:
It begins by imitating the Declaration of Independence, with the obvious adition of "women" to "all men are created equal". Women have suffered under the government, and therefore have the right to rebell against it. Men have throughout history oppressed women, by denying them a voice in government, by limiting their property rights, denying them education, by limiting her religion, and making her feel inferior. Half of the population of United States was being oppressed, and so women are intent to change it. It declares that women and men are equal, and that laws which limit women have no authority. Women should be taught about their rights and should exercise them.

LAD #9: Monroe Doctrine

2008-10-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Summary:

It is now time to close off the Americas to any more colonization by European powers. Although Spain and Portugal promised to work towards improving conditions in American countries, this has not happened. The United States has never become a part of European affairs, but will only go to war if attacked or threatened. The United States was neutral during Spain's colonies' wars for independence; however, any European action which tries to oppress American countries which have declared independence will be considered a danger to the United States from now on. Nonetheless, the United States still wishes to remain a neutral nation, uninvolved in European affairs.

Columbus Blog #8

2008-10-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Should Cristopher Columbus be considered a hero or a villan?

If one acknowledges common definitions of the words hero and villan, it becomes obvious that Columbus could only be considered the latter and in no way the former. A hero is someone who's motives are pure and self-less; a villan works only for his own self-interest. Columbus' voyage to the new world was motivated by the desire for gold and fame. His aim was to take what belonged to others (gold) and bring it back to Spain, in the hopes of earning a large reward. Cleary, Columbus' motives were more vilaneous than heroic. However, pure motives alone do not make a hero. A hero is often someone who helps those who are weaker or less able than them, as in the quintessental fire-fighter rescuing the young child or elderly lady from a burning house. Columbus' actions were the complete opposite of this. He exploited the less-able Arawak Indians and their culture of generosity. He took advantage of the superior technology which he possessed to turn the Arawaks into slaves or murder them. If heroic actions can be epitomized by the fire-fighter, then perhaps the bully stealing lunch money from the smaller children on the play ground might be an appropriate comparison for Columbus' actions. Columbus' bravery or intellegence do not excuse his cruelty.

LAD #7: Jefferson First Inaugural Address

2008-10-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

Summary:
Jefferson begins with a declaration of humility, admitting that he is nervous about holding such a powerful office. He looks to the Constiution and the legislators for guidance. Although the United States is committed to majority rule, the rights of the minority are still equally important. The country must unite now, laying aside factions and finding common ground. Jefferson states his personal beliefs for government, which include: equality and civil rights for all men; isolation and freedom from entangling alliances; and the supremacy of the constitution. He ends by saying that he will serve in office until the people find a better replacement.

LAD #6: Washington's Farewell Address

2008-09-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

Summary of Washington's Farewell Address:
Washington has decided not to run for re-election, not because he wants to retire (although he has looked forward to it for a while) but because he feels it is best for the nation. He is thankful for the people for having twice elected him, and for the confidence in him they demonstrated. He encourages the people to remain patriotic and proud of America, and to carefully preserve the union. He reminds them that union is beneficial to all parts of the United States, and urges them to disregard geographical differences. Washington says that a federal government is necessary in order to preserve the ever-important union; the constitution must be respected and obeyed. He encourages education in order to ensure that democracy works, and also neutrality in foreign affairs.

LAD #5: The Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793

2008-09-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

Summary of The Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793:
Washington acknowledges that hostility exsists between many of the major world powers, and he states that it is in the best interest of the United States to avoid becoming part of these conflicts. He declares the United States to be officially neutral in regards to any conflicts between the major world powers, and says that any US citizen who takes sides (by helping one nation or harming another) will not be given US protection.

LAD: The Federalist

2008-09-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?
There are only two ways to eliminate them: to either restrict liberties, or to make everyone think the same way. Restricting liberties is even worse than factions, and in the end will only create more problems, and making everyone think the same is impossible and, in reality, bad for society (new ideas allow society to grow).

2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?
By providing for majority rule, which will override minority factions, and by having representatives make decisions (in a republican form of government). A republic is more effective than a democracy, because a representative form of government will be less swayed by factions.

Revolution Article

2008-09-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Five Things I Learned:
1. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and others were very concious of the way the events of the American Revolution would be viewed by history, and even at times attempted to alter the way they would be portrayed.
2. Because photography had been invented by the time of the Civil War, we are able to know about the carnage and bloodshed. However, the only visual dipictions of the Revolutionary War are idealistic and heroic paintings which gloss over the nastier parts of war. This contributes to the common impression that the Civil War was bloodier than the Revolutionary War.
3. During the Revolutionary War, soldiers would often take all of the possesions of the defeated (including clothes).
4. The mortality rate of prisionors of war was staggeringly high - 47% of American soldiers from the Continental Army who were taken prisoner died.
5. The number of civillian casualties was also very high, some from direct attack by soldiers, disease, and murder among civillians.

LAD #3: The Declaration of Independence

2008-09-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

1. Democratic principles:
People are born with certain rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and the purpose of government is to protect these rights and ensure that all people are allowed them. The people create their own government in order to protect their rights; therefore, the power of the government is given by the people. If a government fails to protect the rights of the people, then it is the people's right and duty to rebel against it and establish a new government.

2. Grievances against the crown include: taxation without representation; kept standing armies in the colonies during peacetime; influenced judges by controlling their tenure and salary; dissolved legislatures elected by the people; disallowing trial by jury.

3. Conclusion: In the name of the people of the United States, the writers declare their independence from Britain. They declare that the United States is a separate and sovereign nation without any obligations or ties to Britain which has all the rights of nations such as such as wage war and form alliances.

LAD #2

2008-09-06T13:32:00.001-07:00

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?
John Peter Zenger was a German immigrant and a newspaper publisher who lived in New York. He published articles in his newspaper, the New York Weekly Journal, that criticized the governor for demanding a higher salary, removing a judge from the court because of disagreement, and prosecuting the interim governor who had preceded him. Zenger was arrested for libel and put on trial.

2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
The prosecution against Zenger argued that because Zenger can be proven to have published the articles, he was guilty. Hamilton argued that he would only be guilty of libel if the statements he published, however inflammatory, could be shown to be false.

3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
This case affirmed the freedom of the press and the first amendment rights, upholding the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, even if it ruled against the government and for the people. It reminded the government that the American people are allowed to speak out against it and to criticize it, without having to fear persecution.

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
This trial was a landmark case for freedom of the press. It was a major trial in which the validity of the Bill of Rights was tested. It also set the precedent that if a inflammatory statement is published, it is only libelous and therefore illegal if it cannot be proven to be true.

LAD #1

2008-09-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
The colonists undertook this expedition to the New World for the glory of God and King.
They agree to form a governmental organization for the purpose of ensuring the perseverance and orderliness of their society which is able to create laws , and they also promise to submit to these laws and obey them.

2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" Worlds?
It refers to the King and promises loyalty to him; however, it also says that laws will be made for the general good of the colony, and the compact itself - written by the people for the people - hints at democracy.

3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
They spell out exactly how the government will run, including specifics. The Mayflower Compact is a vague agreement to form a governmental body and to honor its actions; the Fundamental Orders are a plan for the exact way this government will work and exactly what powers it will have.

4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e., a written constitution?
They wanted to set out an exact way of running the government in order to protect their liberties from a powerful ruler or legislature.

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?
By listing out exactly what the powers of the government will be, they ensure that the governor or any other governmental official can not gain too much power. It places a term limit on the governor so that one person can not become too powerful by holding office for a long period of time. It also ensures that the governor is approved by the people (and will not take liberties away from the people) by providing for democratic elections.

Hello !

2008-09-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

First post ...