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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