LAD #21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

In "The Gospel of Wealth," Andrew Carnegie shares his thoughts on the benefits of the perceived unbalance of the capitalistic style of Big Business. Some may say that powerful businessmen such as himself were robber barons of the economy, Carnegie still believed that it is better for the economy to have gaps between rich and poor than to be full of universal squalor. Then, Carnegie proposes ideas that would promote distribution of wealth and improve the administration of the wealthy. He says that it their duty to better the human race with their money, through philanthropy. Carnegie invested his capital in enterprises that would benefit all people, even the poor. This is seen today in the Carnegie Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University, as well as the many libraries he supported. 

LAD #20: Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation makes two things certain. First, it states that any black people held as slaves in the Southern states in rebellion to the Union are now declared free in the Union. They are to be respected. Second, the Proclamation declares a list of states to which it applies. According to the document, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia are all states in rebellion. Lincoln declared the slaves within these territories to be regarded as free with fully maintained rights. 

LAD #19: Lincoln's Second Inaugural

In his Second Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln takes about the Civil War that had befallen the Union. He says that neither Unionists nor Secessionists wanted war. There were diplomatic negotiations that could divide the nation with no bloodshed, but extremism from both sides led to the war that eventually was accepted by both sides. But, both factions expected a short, easy war, but quickly realized how long and intense the war turned out to be. Lincoln says that God has his own agenda for the war, implying that he is unsure of how the war would end. The purpose of this speck was to portray America's destiny as one Union. Also, it urged the people of the North to keep fighting so that America remains a coherent Union. 

LAD #18: Dred Scott Case

This appealed Supreme Court case was Dred Scott v. Sanford, and the aging Chief Justice Roger Taney ruled with Stanford that Scott, as a slave, and the child of parents who were not citizens of the United States, was therefore not a citizen and not allowed any of the rights provided in the Constitution. Taney claimed that the Constitution made no distinction between slaves and other forms of property. So, as property, Scott was not in the position to claim his rights and was not entitled to sue. Scott's owner, Sanford, was a citizen of the country, and he was granted these unalienable rights, which included property rights. Since Scott was a slave and therefore property, the court had to ensure Sanford's ownership. This challenged the Missouri Compromise because although Scott lived in Illinois, a free state, that did not change his status as a slave. As a result, Taney found the Missouri Compromise to be unconstitutional. 

LAD #17: Ain't I a Woman?

Summary: 

• At the Akron, Ohio Women's Convention, Sojourner Truth gave her iconic "Ain't I a Woman" speech. In it, she highlights two major injustices of her day--racism and sexism and the prejudices that go along with them. Truth mentions how men help women across ditches and out of carriages, but no one ever helped Sojourner, so these conventionalist racists don't deem her to be a true "lady." Already they regard her race as inferior; the fact that she is also a woman worsened the issue. Sojourner goes on to say that she is just as strong as a man--she could farm and work hard all while bearing thirteen children and enduring the grief when they were sold into slavery. In that sense she makes the argument that she is even stronger than a man is. She disproves the idea that women are less intelligent than men, and says that intelligence should not even be a factor, as respect should be universal and unconditional. 

LAD #16: 5th of July Speech

Summary:

• Frederick Douglass introduced the question, "what to a slave is the 4th of July?" in his "5th of July" speech. Speaking for his enfranchised brethren suffering from the practices of slavery down South, Douglass expresses his disdain for how Americans continue to celebrate independence and the supposed abolition of tyranny. All the while, slaves continued to be forgotten, and these people were the ones facing great injustice. Americans created a world where slaves were regarded as less than their fellow men-- by beating them, whipping them, burning them, tearing their families apart, starving them, and other terrible things. They solidified the idea that African Americans are not as valuable as white men. In the speech, Douglass reminds America that this prejudice is invalid and ridiculous, since blacks have had the same level of success as their white counterparts in many occupations. No other nation in history had made such noble claims for independence the way the United States did, so by continuing to treat slaves so unjustly, America has also committed the most hypocrisy. No other country allowed so much injustice as the freest and most independent America. 

LAD #15: Gettysburg Address

Summary:

• Chiefly, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was written to commemorate the soldiers of the Civil War, who sacrificed their lives for the preservation of the Union. Additionally, Lincoln stresses how important and grave the cause that these soldiers were fighting for was. These soldiers paid the ultimate price, and Lincoln says he understands that his words do not add any value of worth to their sacrifices. So, the living can honor the dead in another way--possessing the will to continue the devotion of these soldiers that cost them their lives, and the cause that these martyrs protected. The cause was a free government by the people for the people, that will continue to protect the rights of citizens, as intended by the nation's Founding Fathers "four score and seven years ago." 

LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural

Summary:

• In his First Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln focuses on the issue of slavery, that was a strong divisive factor between Northern and Southern states. Lincoln says his only goal is to preserve the Union, and therefore does not take a stance on the issue itself. He even refuses to interfere with the matter, resting ultimate authority on the Constitution. According to the Constitution, a person held to service in one state not is freed from this labor by entering another, which applied to fugitive slaves seeking the free North. It was a principle of the North to not return all fugitive slaves, but this action was countered by the South engaging in illegal international slave trade. Above all, Lincoln stresses the importance of maintaining the Union that has been together since before the Constitution was even created. He says the states must work together to achieve benefits, since secession had the potential for anarchy or even despotism. Lincoln reiterates in his conclusion, "we must not be enemies."Although the North and South are split over issues like slavery, to preserve the union, states must be friendly to one another. 

LAD #13: John Calhoun's Speech

Summary: 

• John Calhoun addressed the senate to concentrate on the issue of slavery that plagued the union at that time. At first, the 3/5 compromise in the Constitution was suitable for balancing the representation of Northern and Southern states. However, as time went on, Calhoun realized that the North had gained more power and more representation. Thereby, it was in a position to take control of the government. Calhoun makes the assertion that all it takes for a political party to take over the country is a majority in the population and a majority in the Senate. When Calhoun made this speech, the Union was about to admit five new Northern states as the country had just acquired territories in Oregon, Minnesota, and land ceded from Mexico. There were no new Southern states to counterbalance this. Additionally, the revenue-collecting tariffs contributed to the North's wealthy while it undermined Southern farmers. It made the North more prosperous, and more likely to attract immigrants, which would intensify the growing gap of power between the North and South. Also, differing views on slavery were straining the Union. While Northern abolitionists seek to see slavery's end, Calhoun argues that slavery was a fundamental institution to the social and economic ways of the South. If slavery were to end, it would be devastating. Calhoun says that the only way to preserve the Union was if the North, the stronger part, gave the South the rights to represent newly acquired territory, return runaway slaves, and stop the discussion about the morality of slavery. Then, the political equilibrium would be brought back to balance and decrease the threats of secession. 

LAD #12: Polk's War Message

Summary:

• In this address, Polk names the causes of the United States waging a war against Mexico. Polk originally sought a diplomatic solution to the problems that had to do with border disputes. Additionally, the Mexican government was not just to the United States settlers who lived in the southern regions of the country. So, President Polk send an envoy to try and negotiate peaceful solutions with General Herrera, the head of the Mexican government. However, revolution in Mexico led the Mexican government to not accept or delegate with the American envoy, John Slidell. Mexico made no effort to promote peace and even engaged U.S. troops in hostilities. Polk saw these hostilities as a justification of war against Mexico, a nation that had been hostile towards the United States for a long time. 

LAD #11: Declaration of Sentiments

• Claims to civil liberties and rights to public respect are exemplified in the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. It is modeled on America's most prized document, the Declaration of Independence. It reiterates the principles outlined in the Decalaration of Independence--the inalienable rights of citizens who were all created equal, and the government is responsible for maintaining these rights. However, the Declaration of Sentiments says that not only the government, but also society had failed to protect women's rights, and these women are vital parts of political and social life. Like the original Declaration, the Declaration of Sentiments provides a list of grievances, but this time, the list expresses the sexist acts towards women, like denying their right to vote, to own property, regarding them as morally irresponsible, denying them a high level education, among other things. The Declaration concludes with a list of resolutions, which assert women's rights to the liberties that men have, but deny to women. 

LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

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

• It showed that America was a strong, independent nation that the European countries were no longer able to manipulate. Since it proclaimed that the Americas were off limits to further European colonization, and America would intervene if a country tried to colonize, it showed that America was now a force to be reckoned with. 

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

• Adams hoped that European countries would leave the American continent alone and stop trying to colonize it. 

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

• "....the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers." This is the key phrase that is most central to American foreign policy.

Columbus Blog #8

Should Christopher Columbus be considered a hero or villain?

• When children first learn about Christopher Columbus, often times they are taught a handy rhyme, "Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492." From then on, Columbus is presented as a hero, the discoverer of the Americas, and without him, we might not be here. Kids then learn about the three ships--the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. I did not even learn the dark side of Columbus until middle school, because all along he had been celebrated and praised for his discovery. Perhaps that was such a great accomplishment that it overshadows the severity of the inhumane things Columbus actually did in the Americas. The holiday of Columbus Day celebrates Columbus as an explorer, and disregards his less praiseworthy deeds. It is easier to think of Columbus as a hero rather than a cruel, man who plundered the Native American's wealth, forced them into slavery, and ultimately destroyed their culture. I think that Columbus should not be defined as solely a hero or solely a villain, because in reality, he is a bit of both. America sat waiting to be discovered across the ominous Atlantic Ocean, and Columbus was one of the first, most courageous explorers to make the treacherous journey into uncharted territory. So, Columbus could be considered heroic. On the other hand, we should not forget how brutally he treated the Native Americans. While Columbus is both a hero and a villain in my opinion, clearly he is more of a hero, because our country continually chooses to take a day off to remember his remarkable discovery. 

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Summary of Jefferson's First Inaugural Address:

• Jefferson presents a modest acceptance of a great task, but he assures the people that he will find wisdom and zeal so that he could resolve the problems the new nation faced. These included the commercial, physical, and industrial expansion of the United States. Then, Jefferson continues by saying that the people must unite for the common good. He makes it known that since the country is a tolerant republic, people may have differing opinions, the people will generally have the same idealistic principles. Jefferson supports even the dissenters of Republicanism because of his belief in rights to freedom of opinions. The nation was left to develop its own views of Federalism and Republicanism, unhindered by Europe, now an ocean away. Separated from this destructive influence, America developed its own political religion, which included civic virtue, honesty, gratitude, temperance, and truth. Jefferson expresses his own political priorities, which included equality of all men regardless of their background or views. Also, he advocated support for States' rights for domestic policy and support for the Federal Government for foreign policy. He also believed in a maintenance of a well trained militia, superior agriculture, free speech, free press, trial by jury, and other things. Jefferson concludes his address by saying he will uphold these priorities to the best of his ability, so that he might uphold the happiness and liberty of the people. 

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

Summary of Washington's Farewell Address:

• Although Washington proclaimed he was taking himself out of the running for the next Presidency, he hoped that the public would elect another man capable for the job. He had wanted to retire early, but he stayed in his post due to the advice of his advisors and the instability of foreign affairs. He was looking forward to his retirement, but he was profoundly grateful for the country that had bestowed so many honors upon him. In his address, he articulates some parting advice.
• If the public is ever in a situation that might lead them to separate or degrade the government, Washington reminds them that a unified government is vitally important for the people's protection, prosperity, and liberty.
• A unified country that works together, can achieve greater growth and success. For example, the Northern seafaring and Southern agriculture together generate prosperous trade and strength at sea.
• The Union should prevent wars between neighboring states like the wars that some neighboring countries have, because wars are dangerous and put republican liberty at risk.
• Beware of attempts by a minority to take control of the government, as this will undermine the importance of laws.
• Competing political parties could lead to the oppression of one group by the other.
• For the continuation of political prosperity, religion and morality are necessary guidelines.
• Credit and popular opinion of a great source of strength, but it should be used sparingly.
• Although alliances with particular foreign powers are discouraged, cultivate peace and friendship with all foreign powers.

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Summary of Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality:

• This document, signed on April 22, 1793, was designed to keep the United States impartial to war in Europe in the 1790s--Austria, Sardinia, Prussia, the Netherlands, and Britain, versus France. Washington, the president at the time, was trying to hold the nation together, so adopted a policy of neutrality. He proclaimed that citizens who did not follow his policy would not receive protection from the United States and would be prosecuted in court.Washington believed that America should stay out of the affairs of other nations, so he continued to follow this policy throughout his presidency.

LAD #5: Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate? 

• Factions are an inevitable part of civilization. It is natural that people with similar needs and desires will connect with others who share their same perceptions and ideals. They connect in empathy, and since each man has different circumstances, multiple parties are formed. Any means of common interest may create these factions, like between the rich and poor, mercantilists, etc. They are so difficult to eliminate because the only way to do so would be to rescind their liberties, which would go against everything the American Revolution was fought for and what the federal government stood for. Or, everyone could be given the same treatment, but this is impossible since each person had their own experiences that led them to form their own unique opinions which they have the right to express. 

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

• People are biased in favor of their beliefs, so they are never fair judges of the actions that are connected to their ideals. A representative democracy would ensure that the candidate representing its faction is separate from the faction so that he will do things rationally and that will benefit the state. Also, in America, it is more or less impossible for one faction to dominate completely over the others. This is because the United States is made up of many factions, each represented without the fear that one will gain power and impede on their liberties. 

Republican Motherhood

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

• The Revolutionary War elevated the enthusiasm for independence, patriotism, and republicanism. It was the responsibility of the mother to instill these values into her sons and their "young, inquiring minds." Being the "nurse and educator" of the future by passing on these values to her sons was the way "she can best serve her country, by training up good citizens" (Document A). 

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

• Because women were needed to instill republican ideals into her sons, some believed women needed an education to accomplish this duty. Women should be qualified to instruct their sons the principles of liberty and government, and to do this, they need a knowledge of English, how to write it, a knowledge of math, and a knowledge of history (Document B). 

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

• The Republican Motherhood gave women a cherished role in society. The destiny of America, according to Jonathan F. Stearns, "depends in most important degree" on women (Document D). Furthermore, Mary Morris wrote to Catharine Livingston that "the reformation of a world [was] in [their] power (Document C). Women were given a higher regard in society and were more highly respected. 

Mary Gibson Tilghman and her sons, Charles Willson Peale (1789)

1. Describe the setting.

• The setting shows a young woman sitting on a pink sofa with her two young sons. It is quaint, and there is a strong bond between mother and her children. 

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

• Mary Gibson Tilghman serves as the center of the portrait, as she is the mother. Her more plain dress shows and lack of Old-world aristocratic excessiveness indicates she is republican, and representing the new and important role mothers had on passing on republican ideals to their sons. 

3. What values do her sons exhibit?

• The sons appear to be fond of their mother, symbolically representing the growing importance of women in society and family life, thanks to the Republican motherhood.

4. Is their a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilghman's arm?

• Her arm, placed over the lap of one of her sons, shows the power and influence she now holds over her sons. It represents her new responsibility to instill republican values into the minds of her sons.

Blog #4: Rethinking the Revolution

1. The invention of the camera before the Civil War rendered it the first modern war. With a camera, historians could actually capture the human drama on film for the first time ever.

2. America's longest declared war was in fact the Revolutionary War, lasting over 8 years and killing 1 man for every 4 who served in the Continental Army as opposed to 1 for every 5 perishing in the Civil War. 

3. While we remember military leaders from the Civil War such as Generals Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Ulysses S. Grant, the leaders we remember from the American Revolution are all civilians, like Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry.

4. Popular paintings like Emanuel Leutze's Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851) gave distorted, glorified views of the events. Unlike the Civil War, there are no images of the mangled bodies or gaunt soldiers. 

5. Vietnam was America's first war that was shown on television, which showed the harsh realities of war while at the same time cast war as an everyday occurrence, as people could simply switch on and off their TV.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

1. Democratic Principles

• The Declaration of Independence expresses the idea that the power of government is derived from the people. These people have unalienable rights, which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration goes on to say that if the government violates these rights, the people have the right to change it or institute a whole new government. 

2. Grievances:

• Many grievances are listed in the Declaration, all of which are directed to the King of England. He imposed taxes on the colonies without their consent. He deprived the colonists trial by jury. He cut off the colonies' trade with other parts of the world. He took away the colonies' original charters, and fundamentally altered their governments. He passed laws that prevented migration to the Colonies and thus prevented the population of the states. He quartered large amounts of armed soldiers among the colonists. 

3. Conclusion:

• Signers from all 13 colonies came together as a congress to sign the Declaration. They stated that the colonies are free and independent states, completely removed from all allegiance to the British throne. Thus, they have the full power to declare war or peace, make alliances, and do other things that independent states do. No longer are they under the jurisdiction and control of Britain.

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

• John Peter Zenger was a German immigrant, also the printer and editor of the New York Weekly Journal. He was arrested for “Seditious Libel” after he angered the Governor, William Cosby, by criticizing him for corruption in government—specifically, the removal of Lewis Morris, a Chief Court Justice, and the prosecution of Rip Van Dam. 

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

• The controversy was caused by the fact that people thought his criticisms were not slander if they were truthful. Hamilton backed this up, speaking directly to the jury and incited them to agree that if a statement is true, it cannot be slanderous, since it is simply stating the facts. In the end, Hamilton’s defense led to Zenger’s acquittal.

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

• After the trial, judges saw libel cases in a new way. Also, following Hamilton’s precedent, lawyers started to argue that if a statement is true, it is not libelous. As a result, libel cases resulted in different outcomes.

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

• Freedom of the press was considerably advanced after the Zenger trial. Newspapers were now allowed to run critical articles, as long as they were true. And, with more judges seeing libel cases in this new light, newspapers no longer worries about going to court over their articles. Freedom of the press became a quintessential American freedom that is advocated in the Bill of Rights. 

LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

• The beginning traces of self-rule and government based on consent of the governed are prominent concepts included in this document. This laid down the foundation for democracy to grow as the colonies expanded, and eventually other documents in US history, like the Constitution, model themselves after the Mayflower Compact. Despite this democratic aspect of the document, it still pledges loyalty to the English throne. Lastly, the concept of faith in God is clearly displayed. 

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

• Remnants from Old World mentality are still clearly visible in both the colonists' undying faith in God and their steadfast loyalty to the crown of England. However, the colonists moved away from the Old World autocratic government style and towards a new government whose power is derived from the people.

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

• The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were written with the intent of creating a more permanent form of government, while the Mayflower Compact was written to keep the settlers in order, or prevent any reckless activity. The Fundamental Orders created a strong local government, and the Mayflower Compact was more of a makeshift government to retain order among colonists. 

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

• Since several towns were to be made into one unified body, this required a stronger government. In addition, colonists wanted a more permanent and united form of government. A written constitution would ultimately lead to a strong and lasting government.

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?

• Officials were to be elected by people in elections, according to the Fundamental Orders. Also, the powers of government were limited, so that it would be impossible for one person or a select few to seize all power. 

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