LAD/Blog #26: William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech

In this speech, William Jennings Bryan supports free silver and compares the employers who only get wealthy because of their workers to the actual workers. He goes on to talk about how even though cities want to keep the value of gold the same, it is hurting farmers, who are a main reason communities, cities, and towns run they way they do. He argues that it is simply not fair. If Americans are basing their opinion off of the fact that England has a gold standard, Bryan debates, then England should adopt the bimetallism because America has it. Being so passionate about this topic, Bryan's even threatens to fight anyone who opposes this mentality. With a unforgettable quote to wrap up his speech he says: "You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold" in hopes of showing the level of severity this issue presents.

LAD/Blog #25: The Dawes Act

Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 was an act where Native American reservation/tribal land was redistributed to individual Native Americans. basically, the U.S. government wanted to assimilate the Native Americans into the American lifestyle and culture. They planned to do this by making them farmers, and to do so they needed land to farm. Thus, the government offered 160 acres of land to the head of a family, and then 80 acres to single men. if these natives took the offer from the U.S. government, they were able to live and cultivate the land at the same time as becoming subject to both laws locally and federally. The U.S. wanted this to pass in order to improve the lives of the natives, but the transition was very difficult and painful. Native American lives only worsened.

LAD/Blog #24: Populist (People's) Party Platform

1.  The Preamble:

In the preamble the Populist party talks about how they firmly believe that the government is corrupt, is controlled by big businesses, and also unfairly distributes wealth among the communities. They mention that the little the government does is to help the wealthy. Nothing is being done to help the poor.

2.  The Platform:

In the Platform, it talks about how a union should be created where the founder of the union gets the wealth. Since the government is supposed to be for the people, they believe the government should have control of some of the big business industries like railroads and communication devices. Silver and gold money should both be coined, and that they should be more circulated, an income tax should be created, and the government should only make as much money as is necessary.

3.  The Resolutions that made up the Expression of Sentiments:

In the Expression of Sentiments, The Party demands that the ballots are free-so everyone eligible can vote, and that each are counted fairly. Additionally, working conditions and hours should be altered, the vice president and president should only be able to serve one term, and the government should not financially support any big corporations.

Donald Trump was an outsider-a businessman who was involved in politics. this made him appeal to many people. he was more of a "common man" than the other candidates. People have been getting upset with the scandals and corruptness in government so having an outsider gave some people hope of a change and a new point of view. 

LAD/Blog #23: McKinley's War Message

In this message, President McKinley talks about how he wants conflicts with Cuba to end. At this time, America was involved in investments with Cuba, which most of which were lost, leaving the american economy and trade in shambles.  Additionally, McKinley disagrees with former President Grant and believes Cuba should be independent, and there are other ways to resolve problems other than war. McKinley supports this by saying that the U.S. has to focus on human right issues, should be aiding legal and financial protection to Cuba, intervening would help boost trade back in America, and that militarily, there is a lot of tension between the two. Thus, this message is made out to congress to carefully consider whether or not the U.S. should intervene in Cuba. 

LAD/Blog #22: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Social Darwinism is, to be summed up, survival of the fittest. An ideal that talks about natural selection and how whoever or whatever can best adapt to its environment will survive and be able to pass along its genes to its offspring. In this article, a form of Social Darwinism exists which is much 'softer'. Instead of adapting to environment, the people need to adapt to their economy. Carnegie stresses that the distribution of wealth is so unbalanced, that the gap between the rich and the poor is a spectrum into two different worlds. Carnegie believes that this is a privilege that the few wealthy are able to have. However, he states three different ways that the wealth should be distributed: give money to family when the person has died, give money to state once the person has died, or while the person is still alive, give money around to different places. The first two have flaws: the first, leaving the remaining wealth to the family, has been seen as a burden to the family. The 2nd causes the money to be reused, but wasted at the same time because it is not put into the correct places. However, the 3rd is the smartest because the "owner" get to choose where to put it and this often creates a better community and economy. Carnegie continues on that spending money on very expensive and unnecessary items only hurts the economy, and those with the wealth should be spending it n a way that promotes capitalism and a better stimulated economy. Basically, instead of putting the job of stimulating the economy into the governments hands, Carnegie suggests a laissez-faire policy in which it is the job of the wealthy to keep the economy going.  

                                                                                                                    Bill Gates

LAD/Blog #21: Emancipation Proclamation

On September 22 of 1862 Abraham Lincoln issued what is called the Emancipation Proclamation. The most significant part of this proclamation is stating that any slave engaged in the rebellion is free, and the government and army will fight to ensure that they remain free. A second major prospect mentioned is that if a state is part of a rebellion and they peacefully send an official to congress, they will no longer be in a rebellion. Lincoln then states which states are in rebellion: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. However, he pardons parts of Louisiana and Virginia saying that they are not in rebellion. This part of his proclamation was powerful because it put the power of decision making into the states hands urging them to choose peace. he encourages that all freed slaves be peaceful and cautious. he urges that all people show kindness to everyone in hopes of changing the future of the nation. 

LAD/Blog #20: Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

In this Inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln starts off by saying how since America is in the midst of civil war and he has been sharing speech after speech, there really is not a whole lot more he has to say which has not been said. He is hopeful for the future of America, but does not firmly say what he thinks will be of the end of the civil war. He does not know when the war will finally be over, but mentions that it will not be done until justice is done. He recognizes that the nation is so split but is hopeful for peace and an end to the war soon.

LAD/Blog #19: The Dred Scott Decision

The Missouri Compromise stated that Maine would be a free state, but that Missouri would be a slave state. it also set up the idea that no territory west of the line 36 30 excluding Missouri would become slave territories. This relates to Dred Scott's case because he lived in territory beyond 36 30, never filed for freedom, but then decided to and was denied his freedom regardless of the fact that he lived in free states. Taney made Dred Scott as object and possession saying that he was property and property could not sue, thus he had no right to sue let alone sue for freedom. This case was a major cause of the Civil War. It showed just how little respect Slaves had from Whites.

LAD/Blog #18: Sojouner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman" speech

In this moving speech, Truth exposes the reality of how she is treated and lives her life. she starts by saying how there are so many activist movements going on everywhere. So many people who want change.   She goes on to talk about Man's view on how women should be treated. That they "need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere." She does not get helped into carriages. hse does not get lifted over ditches. She does not have the best place everywhere. but "Ain't [she] a woman? why does she not get treated like a woman based on the color of her skin. She mentions how intellect has nothing to do with it, and dives in to the religious aspect of it. Stating how Christ came from a woman, she reinforces that women were given the power to turn the world upside down so women have the power to turn it right side up again and change it. Regardless of the color of their skin. 

LAD/Blog #17: Frederick Douglass' "5th of July" speech

This speech was ironically given on America's Independence Day- the 4th of July. A day to celebrate our freedom, our rights, our independent nation. However, Frederick Douglass makes this speech because he does not have anything to celebrate. He talks about slaves and blacks and how rights that white American have the luxury of having, exclude African Americans. He does not come out and just say this however. He asks the audience if the rights extend to African Americans. He says he would be so happy and would have something to celebrate on the 4th of July if so. He asks why he was invited to speak. He asks if he was called in so that the White people could mock him. He knows how terrible African Americans are treated. He knows how little respect, worth, and rights, if any, they are given. He intends to use his power in his speeches to bring about the realization of these truths, and to ultimately make a change.

LAD/Blog #16: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

This is probably one of the most iconic speeches throughout history. Among Martin Luther Kings "I had a dream" everyone always remembers that this Gettysburg address starts with "Fourscore and seven years ago." This speech takes place on a battle field. Such a significant action. Lincoln is addressing the people about how the Nation is being so strongly tested right now, and he's talking while standing on ground where, earlier, men lost their lives. He dedicates the land to the fallen soldiers, and speaks of the great importance this land and the memory of those who died have. "That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." This speech was Lincoln's eulogy for everyone who died, and a way to show that they will never be forgotten. 

LAD/Blog #15: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

In his first address, Lincoln starts by immediately addressing the obvious tensions between the North and the South. He had previously stated he will not get involved in the issue of slavery, for even more problems could arise and the South would have no reason not to secede, but focuses on a balance of power in each state compared to federal power. Lincoln firmly believes in the constitution and reiterates that he will uphold the values in the constitution, and also uses the constitution in his speech reading straight from it. Lincoln has arguably entered office at the most difficult time. Some states are threatening to secede, but he addresses this issue with talking about how regardless of whether or not a few states wish to leave the union, unless every state leaves the union the union still exists. This was a way to bring bout hope with all the chaos going on at this time. He stresses that no violence or blood should be shed or necessary. It is his job to preserve the union, and his job to make sure laws are enforced making sure the union remains preserved. He expects people to respect the Supreme Court, but that they maintain control over it so ‘democracy does not disappear.’ On the topic of slaves, he recognizes that America is completely split, but addresses the issue by saying that men should think long and hard about their beliefs, what is wrong, what is right, and also to think about if secession and civil war is the right choice.

Blog #14: Calhoun's Speech on the Compromise of 1850

Calhoun begins with addressing the fact that slavery can lead to disunion and states "how can the Union be preserved." He goes on to say that the Union will be preserved if politicians do not try to hide the "agitation" and if both the Whigs and democrats are understood. Not only does he see the blatant division in views between Northerners and Southerners, but he also recognizes the difference in equality between the two following the ratification of the constitution. The South thought the North held more power giving them more say in the government. he explains that this is because of the legislature an laws passed such as tariffs that are left for the South to Pay. since they have to export their cotton, they have to pay to export it. Whereas, the North imports, so they profit from trade. Since the North is more wealthy, ore immigrants are drawn to the North and make lives there creating a greater population.  Additionally, the South has had barely any expansion or chance to expand. Calhoun takes the stand that he will address all the 'threatening to equilibrium' conflicts to try and preserve the union. Furthermore, Calhoun realizes the urgency for something to be done, or else the Union will crumble. He sees that it will not be easy whatsoever, but if there is to be a bright future for the United States, there needs to be changes made. 

LAD/Blog #13: Polk's War Message

Polk's war message starts with talking about how the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico has been tense, but the U.S. wants a peaceful relationship so Polk reopened the affair with Mexico in hopes of coming to a peaceful agreement. This ending up failing. Mexico refused peace and invaded the U.S. During this time, in Mexico, the government was changing. The former president left office leaving the head military leader in charge. This new leader did not share the same views as American Diplomats or previous leaders of mexico. Polk still believed that he and the Mexican leader could come to peaceful terms on the topic of Texas, so he integrated Texas into the Union. Later on, Mexico stormed Texas and the Americans had to surrender to the military. Because of this, any sort of peaceful relationship with mexico was out of the picture, and Polk declared the relationship as war. 

Lincolns Spot Resolution

LAD/Blog #12 Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments

This Document focuses on Women's rights. The author theorizes that God and nature have called Women for a different role in society, one more equal to the role men have. The Declaration of Independence is contradicted where the line " All men are created equal" is wrong, because he sees that all men AND women are created equal, and women are entitled to the same inalienable rights that men have. One major concept mentioned is that if the government is not protecting the rights of the governed and not implementing laws to benefit the people, then the governed are to change the government. The author goes on to say that the government has been abusing the rights of women forever, and because of this there has to be a change. 

1.  All men are created equal, everyone has own inalienable rights given from God himself and entitled to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, if government isn't protecting rights of people, then the people have to change it      2.  List 5 grievances

• Women have never been given the right to vote
• Men have taken Women's rights to property and their money
• Men take all of the better-off jobs which are avaliable
• Women are prohibited from entering college
• Women are not allowed to be a part of the law-making process

3.  The Final resolution is Men and Women are recognized as equal, everything expected of women should also be expected from men, it is a woman's job to protect her right to vote

4. Women who signed: Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Margaret Pryor, Amy Post, Anne PorterMen who signed: Frederick Douglas, Jacob Chamberlain, Thomas Dell, Issac Van Tassel, S.E. Woodworth Women who did not sign: Amelia Bloomer

 

LAD/Blog #11: Monroe Doctrine

In the Monroe Doctrine, the general theme being portrayed was an increase in nationalism. It talked about new foreign policies and ideas in America post War of 1812. Even though neither Britain or America gained anything from the War, America still held its ground against a global power-house. This doctrine was chance for America to show its new-found assertiveness and let foreign countries know that they will not be messed with. Additionally, this was the American's way of letting the world know that no other countries will be taking land in North America because it belongs to the U.S. To go on, this was Monroe’s and Americas way of putting their foot down and finally standing up for themselves. America would no longer be pushed around or looked down at, but be an aggressive, powerful Nation with a strong military.

While Truman was the president, he had to deal with aggression from both Russia and the Middle East. His doctrine was also a way to put his foot down and show that America was here to fight. 

Blog #10: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

In Jefferson's Inaugural Address, he focuses a lot on how he plans to unite the country, but also different ways to make America become a strong, successful, and productive country. He repeats the importance of the constitution and how it acts as a guide for all, 
and something the people can turn to for guidance. He goes on to talk about how the government will change into something the people can count on to protect their rights. Furthermore,he states that he plans to increase agriculture and trade whether it be with other countries, interstate, or intrastate. All in all, he wants to reassure the people that life will get better, government will change in a good way, and the United States of America will be united and powerful.

"Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever persuasion, religious or political." : reminds of "all men are created equal"
he refers to new and improved government as "wise and frugal" which is used a lot when talking about businesses, leaders, and efficiency. 

Washington and Jefferson's Inaugural Addresses: both reassure people of changes that will be made and how the nation will come together

Blog #9: Columbus

Although Christopher Columbus was both villainous and heroic, he was without a doubt villainous to a much greater extent. You see this rude, egotistic European personality as soon as he steps off the boat and interacts with the Natives. He immediately objectifies them looking and only seeing that “they would make fine servants.” He is not in awe about people being on this undiscovered land. He is not ecstatic to see what they have and to trade goods and ideas with them. He looks down upon them in his superior fashion. In fact, he even states in his log that “as soon as [he] arrived in the Indies… [he] took some of the natives by force.”

Furthermore, at each land he arrived at it was written that he was greeted by natives excitedly and hospitability. He states how they lacked horse and work animals, and that because of this he felt it necessary to punish them and take some as prisoners.

He was treated with the greatest respect and admiration from the Indians. He was never said no to, gifts were always being put into his hands, and all he had to offer back in gratitude was enslavement. In 1495, he went on a “Great Slave Raid” where he enslaved 1500 Indians. Men, women, and even children. He chose his “best specimens” as the “lucky” ones to board ships to Spain as slaves. Most of which died. He offered the people an early death.

To go on, it can be greatly argued that Christopher Columbus created a genocide of the Indian people. He worked men and women both to death, and the children stood no chance. In the time span of 3 months 7000 Native children died, and this doesn’t even include the deaths of adults.

In summary, Columbus is credited with so many achievements. The great explorer, among so many other titles. His dedication and determination pushed him to great discoveries, but at what cost? A whole population of people wiped from existence, women raped, families separated, enslavement, dehumanization, just to name a few.

 Before reading this article, I really did not know bad things about Columbus. I was only ever taught that he was a great guy, a determined, devoted Christian. I knew that he treated Natives poorly, but I had no clue to what extent.

A true hero looks out for the greater good of everyone. Not just himself. So, with all of this said, Christopher was not a hero. He can be called successful, but not heroic. He did not save anyone, but instead ruined and slaughtered natives.

Pizzaro and CortezColumbus

 

LAD/Blog #7: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

The Proclamation of Neutrality made by George Washington was stating that the U.S. would remain neutral between the conflicts going on with other overseas powers. Additionally, it talked about how if an American was caught aiding one of the sides, their actions are seen as a crime, and they are to be punished.

presidentsLAD/Blog #8: Washington's Farewell Address

 George Washington announces his leaving, but assures the people that they will be left in great hands. He insists that the people remain firm in what they belief, and keep careful watch over fraudulent future politics, but more importantly a divide in the country. He goes on to talk about the future of America and how it rests in the hands of the people. They have to fight for justice, maintain the constitution, and keep society, but also the government in check.
three warnings:

1. get well educated, and continue to educate yourself
2. stay neutral when it comes to conflicts among other countries
3. try as hard as possible to stay out of debt or the country will completely fail

Part of Eisenhower's farewell address 

LAD/Blog #6: Federalist Paper #10

1.) A faction is a group of citizens brought together by a common belief that deals with the community and the way people are treated.

2.) Factions are both good and bad, but bad to a greater extent. People are demonstrating passion for a cause, which is good, but they are willing to do anything necessary to be successful. Especially if it includes violence.

3.) Factions are difficult to eliminate because the people in the factors have the mentality of “liberty or death” (in a sense.) Thus said, they want liberty and are willing to put up a fight for it. They are extremely passionate about their cause, and trying to get a whole group of people to disassociate themselves with a cause they feel so strongly about is impossible. 

Even though factions cannot be removed, they can be controlled. In this way, Madison purposes the idea of a republic. This way, the people will have a say in their government and feel powerful, and not feel the need to be violent. The whole republic is based on majority vote, so making the republic large, there are many different people with different ideas, so majority of the people have to agree for something to be passed. This controls factions in general, but also decreases the chances of a faction being created. 

Republican Motherhood Blog

       1.)What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood? 

           After the war, the most important thing for  woman to receive was education. People believed that once the women were educated they could in turn educated their children and raise them with values and beliefs similar to the patriotism beliefs and American values (Doc B). Additionally, Women were also viewed as people everyone should aim to be like. virtuous, passionate, kind, courageous (Doc C). In Doc D, it talks about how although women do not have jobs outside the home, their job inside the home is the most important of them all. That the mothers are the ones who shape the destiny of the country.                           

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

                 Because of Republican Motherhood, so much pressure was put on mothers and females. The standard of which their behavior and role in the society was to be was kept very high. This could cause a lot of stress, as well as little room for failure, and when failure occurred punishment and shame.

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

        Through Republican Motherhood, Women were getting more education, and better education. They were starting to be noticed for the crucial part in society that they play, and they were the role-models that everyone looked to. This really set the stage for when the would fight for Women's Rights, and be able to work in jobs that were usually men, it set the stage for them being vocal in their opinions giving them the confidence to inspire everyone in their communities and country.

              

  1.)     Describe the setting:

            The setting looks to be at a home on a couch, during the 1700s.

  2.)Who serves at the center of the portrait and why?    How does the woman look?   How is she “republican” rather than aristocratic? The Mother Mary Gibson is the focus point of the painting. She is the focus point because mothers were seen as the role-models of the family. They kept it all together and were put into the spotlight. She looks graceful, kind, loving, proud, and patient. To decipher the difference between her and a aristocrat, one can look to her clothing and the tone of the picture. Everything is very modest: the clothing, the colors, the poses. The family is not wearing the fanciest of clothes with hats and aren't sitting in posh positions with straight faces. Everything is casual.

        3.)What values do her sons exhibit?

              Both sons look calm and well behaved. They are both wearing clothes that are nicer, but not too fancy. The child on the right seems to be more shy, while the one sitting on Mary's lap looks to be a little more playful. 

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

                  Mrs. Tilgham's arm is resting on one of her sons legs. It is almost as if she is trying to keep him still. This makes sense because mothers had the job of keeping the whole family in 'check' and well mannered. 

Rethinking the Revolution

1.) People always juxtapose the Civil War and the Revolutionary war and most people believe that the Civil war has the greatest significance, and even though that is true, there might not have been a chance at a civil war had it not been for the revolutionary war.

2.) After the revolutionary war Americans tried to down play the significance of it and tame down the magnitude of involvement that the people of Boston had. They wanted to change the way history would be viewed.

3.) Because of the quartering act, the British actually were “welcomed” into Americans home, given food, and shelter, but a lot of them went into the houses and killed civilians

4.) So much literature came out of the revolutionary war which helped to start shaping the new American culture.

5.) The Revolutionary War was fought with both armies were close together. It was all fairly organized and planned. Whereas in the civil war everything was spread out.

The French Revolution was inspired by the American Revolution