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.