LAD #16- Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation begins with the promise to all slaves that as of January 1st, 1863, all slaves in the US, along with those in rebelling states, shall be free. Lincoln goes on to reassure the slaves that they will be represented in Congress and then continues on to list the names of the rebelling states in which this new law would take effect. Through the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln encourages all the current slaves to act with peacefullness, yet if nececasry, they should fight for their freedom. He concludes by stating that the army of the nation will protect the freed slaves, yet once again emphasizes the importance of the avoidance of violance.

LAD # 15- Lincoln's Second Innaugural Address

In his second innaugural address, Lincoln starts out by stating the short length of his address. He tellls his fellow Americans that he feels as though the state of the union is much more fragile now, than in any other time during his role as President. Lincoln also goes on to state that the Civil War can be attributed to two differring opinions; the opinion of the south (a war over the nations preservation) and the opinion of the north (the nations preservation over war). Furthermore, Lincoln nexts talks about the issue that many felt was the main precursor to the Civil War; slavery. He defends his administrations policy of not allowing the territory of slavery to exapnd because it does not affect any established states traditions. Finally, Lincoln closes by asking the nation to continue to work together to put an end to the Civil War once and for all, so then to be able to mend the nation's wounds as well as the wounds of so many American families.

LAD #14-Dred Scott Decision

Elected to write the majority's opinion for the Scott vs. Sanford was Roger B. Taney. In his innaugural address, President Buchanan pitched in his support for the Court. In his decision, Taney decided that the black race did not have the right to sue, given that they were property and not citizens. Finally, Taney claimed that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional becuase it restricts Blacks from the rights of citizens. Therefore, the court did not make a ruling, and the Missouri Supreme Court's ruling in favor of Sanford was upheld.

LAD # 13-Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

In Lincoln's Gettysburg address, Lincoln states that the Civil War is testing whether or not the nation can edure the ensuing war, and continue its principles of liberty. He begins by commending the the soldiers at Gettysburg. He states that although the words stated at the battle might be forgotten, the actions of those soldiers will never be. Finally, he closes by stating that under God, the US will be able to bring forth the birth of a new nation.

LAD # 12-Lincoln's First Innaugural Address

President Lincoln starts out his innaugural address by addressing some of the issues regarding slavery. He states that as President, he will not personally get involved with the matter. He later goes on to defend the states' rights, the fugitive law, and the constitution. With regards to the Constitution, Lincoln suggests that so long as the states abide by it's predetermined laws, then the union will be able to remain united. Finally, Lincoln states that anyone who intends on disrupting the unity of the nation cannot do so as bound by the constitution. To conclude, Lincoln adds that any idea of sucession is a contributing factor to anarchy.

LAD #11- John Calhoun Speech

In John Calhoun's speech, his main idea was clear. He believed that the nation was being pursued by an increasing threat of disunion. He urges compromises as a way to preserve the union and keep it together as a whole. In his speech, Calhoun stated that the cause of the widespread unhappyness was the differences in beliefs between the North and the South; issues he concluded that would only continue to grow as the North began to prosper more and more. By stating that the representation in government is unequal, Calhoun also gets his message across that the cause of this disunion is in part, the government's fault. In his compromise, Calhoun suggests that the only way to appease both divisions would be to grant the South rights to the land that has been acquired and to get rid of the idea that the south MUST chose between abolition in slavery; it simply cannot be done if the preservation of unity is the main goal. Lastly, Calhoun states that making these necessary changes and having the North accomodate for some of the Southern grievances will inevitabley decrease the threat of disunion to a certain extent.

LAD# 10- Polk's War Message

Polk begins his war message by referring back to his earlier address in 1845 regarding Mexico. He refers to the time when the American government tried to negotiate the border dispute with Mexico. This was a result of the previous governemnt of Mexico being taken over by the millitary. With a new military power in place, the Mexican government began crossing the American border and killing American men. In order to protect these men, Polk felt it was nesecary to declare war. Finally, Polk concludes his speech by asking that Congress recognize the war and start consituting a force of troops. He also claimed that this would be a short war, and it would provide a quick solution to the existing problem with Mexico.

LAD #9-Seneca Falls Declaration

The Seneca Falls Convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York in July of 1849. It was the first women's rights convention ever held in the United States and is often looked at as the birthplace of feminism. Organized by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the convention attracted some 240 supporters. At the Convention, those present constituted the declaration known today as the Seneca Falls Declaration. Starting out much like that of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, the delegates adopted a statement, as well as a series of resolutions calling for women's suffrage and the reform of marital and property laws that had previosuly kept women in an inferior status to men. Not only does the document state that BOTH men and women have the power to overthrow the government if it doesn't follow the correct principles, but it also goes into some of the ways in which men have created a supremecy of themselves over women, through certain things such as denying them the right to vote, own property or wages, or have the power to educate themselves.

LAD # 8: Monroe Doctrine

On December 2nd, 1823, President James Monroe issued what is today known as the Monroe Doctrine. In it, the overall idea was Monroe proclaiming that no longer would European powers colonize or interfere with the affairs of the newly independent nations of the Americas. Monroe also issued a claim that the United States would remain neutral in any European Wars with their colonies.
The first main point that Monroe made in his Monroe Doctrine was agian, the idea that Europeans powers can no longer colonize in the Americas, inluding not just North America, but South, Central, and some parts of the Carribbean as well. The second major point Monroe makes is that of neutrality for the United States. In this part of the doctrine, Monroe can be seen as reaffirming the belief of neutrality that Washington had affirmed in his own proclamation of neutrality some years prior. Monroe stated that in all European affairs of war and such conflict, the United States would stay out and would only enter into conflict should the rights of their nation become affected. Finally, the third major point made my Monroe in the Monroe Doctrine is that should any European colonization take place, then the United States will consider this a direct threat to its national security.

LAD #7:Jefferson's Inaugural Address

On March 4th, 1804, the third President of the United States of America, Thomas Jeffereson, delivered his inaugural address to the people of the nation. In his address, Jefferson acknowledged the imense responsibility associated with a position of such esteem. In a very humble manner, Jefferson notes that the position may be more than he is qualified for, yet he is tremendously grateful for the opportunity to lead such a aspiring country. Jefferson continues on to say that although joining together to stand behind his presidency is what he wants from the people, differences in political views are alright. The differences amongst the Federalists and the Republicans seem less trivial becuase on a broader range, both agree on common principles. Furthermore, in his address, Jefferson notes the superiority of the American government and his confidence behind it. He states that such issues as equality, justice, neutrality, and peace with all nations without alliances, are going to help set the standard for his administration. In conclusion, Jefferson assures the people of the nation that he is ready for this task ahead. Through his previous political experience, he is prepared for the task and will put for his best effort to help lead the country.

Columbus Blog

Christopher Columbus is looked at by so many as a great hero of his time. He is also looked at by some to be quite the villain. In actuality, Columbus was both, however, more so a hero. On the historic day in 1492, Columbus sailed and reached what he presumed to be Asia. Unbeknownst to him however, he had actually come across the West Indies. This unkowing act of Columbus cannot be considered villanous in the slightest.
Upon Columbus' arrival however, it became apparent what he was in hope for. According to Zinn, Columbus' hope for gold was much like that of all the other imperial countries of the time. Although what would be looked at as terrible measures today; Columbus' actions of plundering gold, and capturing slaves, back then would have been acceptable. Columbus was merely doing what was necessecary to become a profitted sailor, and bring his nation wealth. In this regard, Columbus can be looked at as more of a hero than a villain because his actions were merely a result of the society back then.

LAD #6

George Washington's Farewell Address was written as a letter in the form of a speech to the people of the United States at the end of Washington's second term as president. Overall, Washington touches on three main issues in the address; political factionalism, foreign alliances, and religion and morality.
Washington saw the potential hazards in the political factions that were ensuing, and in his address urged people to join together and unite. Washington foresaw that the great political separation between the Federalists and the Democratic- Republican parties would go on to play a significant role in the new government as the two emerging sides each tried to guide the new nation.
Also, in his address, Washington strongly urged the people to avoid any permanent alliances with another country.
Finally, Washington also addresses the fact that morality can be obtained without strict religious adherence. He goes on to state that so long as a common morality of good is established, it can be done so without the influence of religion.

LAD #5

In Washington's Neutrality Proclamation of 1793, Washington states that United States will chose to remain neutrally aligned with the nations involved in world conflict at that time. He states that the United States would not align themselves with the French, nor the French's opposing forces of Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands. Instead, the United States would chose to engage in friendly relations with all of the nations involved.
Washington also goes on to say that any citizen of the United States that does not abide by these terms of neutrality will be so forth punished accordingly.

LAD #4- Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

Factions are so difficult to eliminate because the two ways to eliminate them include; destroying the liberty which is essential to the existence of the organization, or giving every citizen the same opinions, passions, and interests. However, with each option, there are drastic side effects. With the first option, abolishing the liberty to a faction is almost as bad an idea as the faction itself. Without an alignment of liberty, a faction will instantly fail. Going along with the second option, is almost as unplausable as the first option. Giving the diversity of people today, the chance that every citizen will have the same opinions, passions and interests is so highly unlikely.

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

Factions can be controlled by removing its causes and controlling it's effects. One method the article talks about on how to manage majority factions is to have a republic, whose members represent more people than the legislatures of a small democracy. With the ability of the representation to select more qualified delegates helps to control a majority faction. Another way to control factions is by not allowing the same interesting in a majority at the same time.

Revolution Article

After reading the article, "Rethinking the Revolution," there were many pieces of information that I was able to take away with me. One thing in particular that I learned was that over 620,000 soldiers perished in the Civil War, making the number of Americna casualties in the Civil War tremendously greater than any other war.
Another piece of new information that I learned was that the founding fathers were some of the first people that realized that history could be used to manipulate how the past would be remembered. A good example of this is how in Washington's biography, he was known to have revised or omitted unflattering details so as to shape his image to the common people as just absolutely perfect.
A third thing that i learned from this article was that by the 1820's, a switch to a primary focus on colonial resistance against Parliamentary procedures began to overshadow the battles of the American Revolutionary War.
Yet another thing i learned was that during the time of the American Revolutionary War, paintings of the the Revolutionary War were occasionally depicting a rather distorted view of events.
Finally, one final thing i found out that was interesting from this article was that endless amounts of civilians ended up perishing during the War of Independence from so many different reasons; diseases, frontier Indian attacks, and coastal raids to name a few.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

1.) The democratic principles included in the Declaration of Indepence included the principles that all men are created equal, and are born with certain unalienable rights; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Along with these principles came the principle that the powers of the governemnt should be decided upon by the people being governed and at any time the ability to abolish, change, or refrom the existing government would be granted.



2.) The colonists were able to list many of their grievances in the Declaration of Independance. Along with the British obstruction of the administration of justice, and the placement of standing armies in times of peace; the colonists were also enraged with the imposing of taxes without their consent, the cutting off of their trade with other parts of the world, and in most cases, for the deprivation of trial by jury. Furthermore, the taking away of the colonists charters, abolishment of their most valuable laws and the fundemental alteration of their governments were also listed in the Declaration of Independence along with many more grievances.

3.) In the conclusion of the Decalaration of Independence, the colonial powers not only establish themselves as the representatives of the United States of America, but they also clearly state that the colonies are now free and indpendent states from Great Britain. They have discontinued any alleigance to the British crown and now hold the same power and authority as do all the other nations of the world, to declare war, establish peace, etc.

LAD #2- Zenger Trial

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

John Peter Zenger was the editor and publisher of the New York Newspaper, the New York Weekly Journal. In 1733, he was arrested, brought to jail, put on trial and charged with seditious libel. Represented by the lawyer, Alexander Hamilton, he was later found not guilty and his trial would go on to become one of the most famous of the time.

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

The controversy over his charges was that although Zenger did publish the stories, he published the truth. In Zenger's defense, Hamilton stated that it wasn't libel unless it was false. Bringing into play both the law and the facts, Hamilton succeeded in showing Zenger's innocence to the jury.

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

In regards to American governemnt tradition, the Zenger trial set a precedent for judicial tyranny in libel suits. Truth as a defense was set up as a defense against libel.

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

The lasting significance of the Zenger trial is that freedom of the press was affirmed in America. So long as a statement was true, and accurate, no matter how derogatory it was, by law, it was allowed to be published.

1. What concepts are included in the mayflower compact?-The concepts included in the mayflower compact included the furthering of the Christian faith and the continued loyaltly to King James. The combination of the settlers into a civil bodied government was also one of the main concepts of compact. The enforcement of laws, ordinances, acts, and consitutions were also included in the main concepts of the document.

2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
By continuing a loyal relationship with King James and maintaining the Chrisitan faith, the Mayflower Compact reflects the still current attatchment to the "old" world, yet in respects to the "new" world, they were still a seperate bodied society.

3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
The fundemental orders of connecticut differed from the mayflower compact in that the fundemental orders of connecticut specifically stated laws which were to be set into place and was more specific. This was a written consitution of specific laws.


4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
The colonists acted upon the word of god which stated that in order to maintain peace in a society, and orderly and decent government should be created.


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 fact that the Fundemental Orders included laws which established that governmental positions based on popular soverignty, showed that a fear of an uprising from just one person or a select few was present. From the creation of the two general assemblies to the election of the governers, the fear was shown through the need for power to not all go to one person.