LAD #21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Carnegie believed that there was very little difference in the lifestyles of the rich and poor in former times. However, as society has progressed, it is better for some to live in wealth than none, and it is necessary for the progress of the civilization. He found that a surplus of wealth can be disposed of in three ways: left to the family, used for public works, or administered during the lives by the wealthy. He believed the first way was unjust as it was the tradition in Europe that was not beneficial to the family to receive such a burden. He also is not supportive of the second way because the wealth may not be used as the giver intended as he has no power over it. Furthermore, he does support the taxation of a wealthy estate after death as it would encourage the rich to distribute their wealth during their lifetime rather than leaving it to the state. Carnegie believed this last point to be the best way to manage his wealth after his death. In addition, he was under the impression that it is the best solution for the unequal distribution of wealth as an evolution of a communist system. The vast wealth of the minority will be spread to the majority, and will be beneficial to the masses. In conclusion, Carnegie believed that the duty of the wealthy was to set an example of modest living to provide for his dependents and distribute the wealth to the common good.

LAD #20: Emancipation Proclamation

On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to free all the slaves in the United States, including the Confederacy. The armed forces and federal government were required to recognize and maintain the freedom of the slaves, and could not repress them. Lincoln did not actually outlaw slavery, nor make the freedmen citizens. He also declared that he would suppress the rebellion in the South as Commander in Chief. He wanted the freedmen to not engage in any violence, except self-defense.

LAD #19: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

Lincoln states his address should be short because most information regarding the situation of the Union is already known, unlike in his first address. While Lincoln was delivering his first address, southerners were seeking to dissolve and divide the Union. He believed that both parties did not want war, but the South would have rather fought than let the nation survive, and the North would rather have accepted war rather than let it fall apart. He addresses slavery as one of the causes of war, as it has sparked many debates on it's spread. Lincoln takes a religious tone regarding the different interests of the North and South- that "the prayers of both could not be answered". He also believes that God's will will be carried out in this war, and the side that is more favorable to Him will win. Lincoln ends with his wish for the nation to fix it's wounds and achieve a lasting peace.

LAD #18: Dred Scott Decision

Originally, the Court favored a moderate decision that ruled in favor of Sanford, but did not address the larger issues of black citizenship and the Missouri Compromise. Justice Nelson was chosen to write the decision, however no one agreed with his views. Therefore, Chief Justice Roger Taney was chosen to write the majority opinion of the court that included black citizenship and the constitutionality of the Missouri Compromise. President James Buchanan contacted several Supreme Court members for the decision reached by the Court to include in his inaugural address. In his speech he supported the decision of the Court. Taney presented the opinion on March 6, 1857 in the basement of the U.S. Capitol. He started with the question of black citizenship of both slaves and freemen. Taney believed that even free blacks were not citizens of the United States, and do not have the power to sue. He also believed that citizens are allowed to bring their property into a territory in the United States. He proclaimed the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional because it prevented citizens of holding property. Finally, Taney that the status of slaves who escaped to free states returned to the place in which they resided, and therefore Scott was still a slave as he had resided in Missouri.

LAD #17: Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman" speech

In 1851, Sojourner Truth spoke at the Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio concerning the status of women and blacks in society. Truth speaks about how there are men who seek to aid woman out of carriages and over ditches, but no one has ever helped her, revealing the discrimination she faces due to her skin color. She asks repeatedly throughout her speech, "Ain't I a woman?", addressing the attack of minorities. She is not seen as a woman, but rather a subordinate race. She goes on to say how she can plough, plant, and gather as much as a man, and work and eat as much as a man. She even claims she can be whipped as much as a man, all demonstrating her clear belief that she should be seen as an equal to man, if not higher because of her child-bearing and suffering. She concludes with the statement that Christ came from God and a woman, not a man. She believes that women are extremely powerful and influential and that is about time they earn some rights.

LAD #16: Frederick Douglass' "5th of July" speech

Douglass' "5th of July" speech is regarding the injustice of slavery in America, "The Home of the Free" ,especially on the 4th of July. He expresses his disbelief that a civilized nation such as the United States has committed so many crimes on such an unfair basis.

He begins with his belief that the Fourth of July is for white man, and that the holiday celebrating independence is mocking him. He addresses the issue of American slavery, and how he, "hear(s) the mournful wail of millions!" on this day. He then denounces slavery as hideous and revolting, and strongly speaks out against it.

Next, he proclaims that African Americans are equal, and that there are lawyers, doctors, ministers, etc. among them. He believes it is utterly wrong to rob men of their liberty, work them without wages, beat them with sticks, and many other things. He does not think that he should even have to prove that the institution of slavery is wrong.

To the American slave, the Fourth of July is a reminder of the injustice he faces every day. He does not partake in the celebrations because it seems to him as a cover up for the crime of slavery by the nation. Douglass remarks that there is not another nation on earth that is committing more shocking and bloody than the people of the United States are every day.

LAD #15: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863, was several months after the Union armies defeated the Confederacy's at the Battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln emphasizes the principles in the Declaration of Independence, such as, "all men are created equal". He also deems the Civil War the struggle for the preservation of the Union, which would emerge to bring equality to all citizens, ensure democracy, and where states' rights were not dominant. He mentions the men that gave their lives at Gettysburg and emphasizes that their purpose will never be forgotten. He ends with his hope for America, that the "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

In his inaugural address in 1861, Lincoln cuts right to the chase and proclaims he does not wanted to interfere with slavery in America. He then states that he has taken an oath to "preserve, protect, and defend the United States Constitution", and implies that this regards the South as well. He goes on to say that he will not use force against the South unless it is necessary for him to. However, he states that if the South took up arms against the government, they would be met with force. Furthermore, Lincoln states that the South is under the Constitution because they approved it. Lincoln states that he supports protecting slavery in the states in which it already existed, and he also will enforce the Fugitive Slave Act. Lincoln concludes with his hope for the North and South to work together for peace.

LAD #13: John Calhoun's Speech

John Calhoun addressed the Senate in 1850, regarding slavery as the issue disrupting the nation from being united. He believes that sectionalism is increasing, and that the issue of slavery will disrupt the union and create a disunion. He wanted to unite the North and the South, as well as political parties, and to strengthen the union and prevent it's collapse. There was an imbalance of power; the North seemed to be more powerful than the South. The North had a larger population and a greater number of states, and therefore had a greater number of representatives and power in the federal government. On the contrary, the South had a smaller population and less states, and had less influence in the federal government. Disputes arose when the North showed it's disapproval of slavery to the South because it had a greater voice in the government. Calhoun believed that the only way to preserve the union was to for the North to give the South their rights in the new territory, return all runaway slaves to the South, and to stop their disapproval of slavery. This would create an equal North and South, and although the North wouldn't agree, the threat of succession would decrease.

LAD #12: President Polk's War

On May 11, 1846, President Polk addressed congress regarding America's relations with Mexico. He pursued peace with Mexico to adjust the boundary to reopen diplomatic relations between the two. However, the attempt has been unavailing; the Mexican government has refused to receive the envoy, and have invaded the United States and have killed Americans on our soil.

The envoy sent was Mr. John Slidell, who was received in the city, however the government of General Herrera was overrun by those who opposed the friendly relations with the United States. The government was placed in the hands of a military leader, General Paredes. Mr. Slidell was again rejected from meeting with the government, and left Mexico. Therefore, the government of Mexico broke its pledge to receive an American envoy and the offer of peace.

Polk had ordered the military to take position "between the Nueces and the Del Norte" to counter a Mexican attack on Texas. Meanwhile, Texas having been received into the union, had declared the Rio del Norte to be the boundary of the Republic. The troops were under the instructions to abstain from aggression to Mexico and assume that relations were peaceful unless war was declared. On April 24th General Arista dispatched 63 men to the Rio del Norte, where 16 were killed and wounded and the rest were forced to surrender.

In conclusion, America tried their best to reconcile with Mexico, but after repeated offenses of invasion war has been declared.

LAD #11: Seneca Falls Declaration

The Declaration of Sentiments edits the Declaration of Independence and adds "that all men and women are created equal". It also goes on to state the grievances women have against the society in which they have been subordinate to men. It states that women have not been able to vote, have been forced to follow laws in which they have had no say in the formation of, have been withheld from rights given to degraded men such as natives and foreigners, and many more. Essentially it is the Declaration of Independence, except instead of the colonies against England, it is women against men. It also provides resolutions for these issues such as women should be educated in the laws of the country, that laws that make women inferior to men are contrary to nature and have no authority, and many more. In conclusion, women were created equal to men, and should be treated as such.

LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

On December 2, 1823, President Monroe addressed Congress with the Monroe Doctrine. He stated that he wished to negotiate with Russia to create a friendship with the Emperor. He goes on to explain the difference between America and European alliances; that in America we only take part in war when our rights are invaded, however in Europe there are complex alliances. He believes that if Europeans try to create alliances with the United States that it should be viewed as a threat to our peace and safety. He goes on to say that any governments that have declared their independence should be free from European rule.
He also believes that Europe is unstable due to the events in Spain and Portugal, and that the allied powers should have controlled the internal problems of Spain. The United States' policy towards Europe remains that same: to stay neutral, and to consider the government de facto as a legitimate government.
Finally, Monroe states that it is impossible for the allied powers to extend their political system without endangering America's peace and happiness and reaffirms America's neutrality.

LAD #9

Summarize Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural address:

Thomas Jefferson claims that he is not qualified to become the president, and that the duties of the president are extremely overwhelming. He states that he will look upon others for help and guidance. He wanted to implement his Republican vision for the nation using Jeffersonian democracy. He proclaims how storng America is and how he will continue to develop it. He promises a well trained militia, higher levels of commerce, trade, and agriculture, payback of money, and continued liberty and safety.

Columbus Blog #8

Christopher Columbus was villain in that he took credit for the accomplishments of others and treated the natives poorly, although he did initiate European exploration of the New World. Columbus, although credited with the discovery of America, was not the first to find it. The Native Americans were already living there, and the Vikings had already explored it. Columbus also took advantage of the natives by exploiting and selling them. Ferdinand and Isabella had ordered that the natives be treated kindly, but Columbus wanted to make money and went against their orders and started a slave trade. Thousands of natives died from disease or transport, or were killed. His assumption of credit for finding America and his cruel treatment of the natives lead to him being more of a villain than a hero. However, Columbus did find America, and started European interest and colonization of it. Without him, Europeans may not have settled America until much later, or not at all. Christopher Columbus, although he took credit for the discovery of others and he treated the natives cruelly, did discover America and started European colonization of it.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

In 1796, George Washington announced his retirement from office in The Independent Chronicle. He states his reasons for not running for his third term; he wants to leave the office and lead a more relaxed life. He also speaks of the importance and greatness of the federal government, praising it's stability. An extremely important point he mentions is his warning against the party system. He had the foresight to see that political parties and conflicting interests could split America apart. He also warns against the formation of permanent alliances with foreign countries. Additionally, he believes the United States should stay neutral in foreign affairs. Finally he recommends that the government does not build up their army too much, as is not necessary. George Washington set many precedents with his terms and this speech, which presidents still follow today.

Republican Motherhood Blog

1. What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?
The Revolutionary War transformed housewifery to Republican Motherhood because during the Revolution women were expected to be not only good wives, mothers and homemakers, but also convey to their children the importance of being good citizens and "train up good citizens, just, humane, and enlightened legislators" (Document A). Benjamin Rush also states that women should be educated to instruct their sons in the principles of liberty and government. Without the Revolutionary War there wouldn't have been all this talk about liberty and being good citizens, so the Revolutionary War really had a great influence over this transformation.

2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?
The consequences of Republican Motherhood on women was that although women were given educations for the purpose of educating their children (Document B), they were still restrained to the home (Document A). In Document B, Benjamin Rush supports the education of women in order for them to teach their sons. Also Jonathan F. Stearns believes that the destiny of the United States is on the women. This statement contains high expectations for womenkind, which could have inspired women to make sure they were teaching as best they could. However, In Document A Mrs. A.J. Graves states that home is a woman's appropriate sphere, and that her domestic duties are superior to all other duties. Although the women did get education and a somewhat higher status, they were still looked upon as homemakers and were under lots of pressure to teach republican ideas.

3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of woman's socialization?
The significance of Republican Motherhood on the process of woman's socialization was that women were expected to teach their children republican ideas, and this gave them a role in society other than being a housewife. Republican Motherhood inspired many women to think that "the reformation of a world is in your power" (Document C). This movement brought women together and gave them an identity and purpose.

1. Describe the setting.

This portrait is of Mary Gibson Tilghman and her sons, done by Charles Wilson Peale in 1789. The setting of this picture is in America after the American revolution. A mother holds her two young boys on her lap, and it looks as though the family is relatively upper class based on the fact they could afford to have a portrait done and the class of all their clothes.

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 is sitting in the middle of the portrait, as the focal point. She looks like a figure of authority, not just a weak woman. She is dressed nicely, but not in the overdone, showy way the aristocracy did. She is "republican" rather than aristocratic because she isn't showing off her wealth and stature, but instead demands attention because of how plain yet graceful she looks.

3. What values do her sons exhibit?

Her sons are both sitting for a portrait, which says a lot because it takes a lot of sitting still to get a portrait done, and is extremely difficult for small children to do so. Both of the children are also dressed well; not underdressed and shabby, but not overdressed and gaudy. 

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

There is a significance because her arm is placed on the lap of her child, somewhat restraining him from reaching out to his brother. She is a mother that demands that her children obey her, and does not let them misbehave. This shows that she has a role as a Republican Mother and is teaching her children how to act in society. 

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington acknowledges the war between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands against France, but proclaims that the United States has adopted a neutral policy. He also warns United States citizens to avoid acts and proceedings which may intervene with the policy of neutrality, and considers that the citizens are liable to punishment for not adhering to this policy. Finally, he states that any citizen that goes against the proclamation will not be protected by the United States, and that officers have received orders to prosecute suspected transgressors.

LAD #5: The Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?
Factions are so difficult to eliminate because they are formed by the difference of opinions. Factions are political parties of sorts, and in politics there are going to be people who have opposing opinions on issues. This leads to tension between factions, which leads to the destruction of a republic.

2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?
Factions can be controlled by removing the causes of the faction or to control its effects. By removing the faction, liberty is also being removed. By controlling its effects, a society with all the same ideas and opinions would form, which is not desirable. It is possible to control a faction in a large republic, with a great number of voters and candidates.

Blog #4- Revolution Article

Please read the article "Rethinking the Revolution" by John Ferling and list 5 things that you learned after reading it.

1. George Washington authorized Lt. Col. David Humphreys to write his biography, in which Washington revised or left out certain parts of his role in the French and Indian War that he didn't want people to know about. 
2. Before 1820, the fourth of July was celebrated by dwelling on the fallen soldiers and representing the sacrifice and suffering of the war. However, after 1820, the resistance of the colonies to Parliament such as the Boston Tea Party and the Sons of Liberty became more celebrated.
3. The paintings of the American Revolution have wartime feels, but there are none that depict a battle scene.
4. The Revolutionary War was very violent and the soldiers suffered greatly, although it has not been portrayed that way. Many soldiers were almost naked and didn't have shoes, and the American soldiers would steal the clothes off prisoners and the dead.
5. Civilians suffered greatly from the war; many died from disease spread by soldiers, their homes and food was raided by the British, and more than 100,000 Loyalists went into exile afterwards.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

Summarize the Declaration of Independence in 3 parts: 1. Democratic principles, 2. List a handful of grievances, and 3. The conclusion.

1. Democratic principles in the Declaration of Independence include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the right of the people to overthrow a corrupt government, and that all men are created equal. The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are democratic in that the government is granting these rights to all citizens. The right of people to overthrow a corrupt government is extremely democratic, because if the majority of people oppose the government, then the right is given to them to change it. Finally, stating that all men are created equal is very democratic because in a democracy all citizens are given equal rights.

2. Some of the grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence are that King George III has dissolved representative houses repeatedly for opposing his meddling with the rights of the people, bribed judges to do his bidding, has kept standing armies in times of peace, forced the colonists to quarter armed troops, and cut off the colonies from trade with the rest of the world.

3. The conclusion of the Declaration of Independence states that the colonies are, and have the right to be, free and independent states. It also states that they are absolved from allegiance to the British monarch and they dissolved political connection between the states and England. Finally it declares that the colonies are able to declare war, negotiate peace, gain allies, trade with whom they please, and do all other things that independent states do. This conclusion is extremely patriotic and informed the English that the colonists were very serious about their independence. This also brought the colonists together because they were no longer just dissatisfied with the British rule; they were actually acting on their discontent with their government.

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

1. Who was Peter Zenger?

Peter Zenger was the apprentice to William Bradford, who was a printer for the New York Gazette in 1710. The New York Weekly Journal hired him as a printer and editor, where he wrote articles critical of Governor Cosby.

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

Zenger was charged with seditious libel, and was defended by Andrew Hamilton. Hamilton conceded that Zenger had published the offending stories, but refused to admit it was libel unless it was false. Zenger was acquitted after the jury quickly found him not guilty.

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

Zenger’s case established freedom of the press in America. By being found not guilty his articles were allowed and people were free to write what they wanted as long as it was true. His case also created a precedent against judicial tyranny in libel suits.

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

The significance of this trial was the establishment of freedom of the press, now in the first amendment in our Bill of Rights. This case is so important because before people were not allowed to publish what they wanted, and were jailed if they published something someone in power didn’t like. By being free to write what they pleased, people began to speak their minds. This led to ideas being published about changing the way things were in the colonies, which definitely helped start the revolution. 

LAD #1 Mayflower Compact and Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The concepts included in the Mayflower Compact are that the settlers would form a civil Body Politick that would act for the good of the colony to maintain order, and enact and frame laws and acts.

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

The Mayflower Compact reflects and attaches to both by the colonists declaring themselves “Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James” as well as setting rules for life in the “New” world.  The colonists still identify themselves as under the rule of King James, and they also mention Great Britain, France, and Ireland, all of whom are from the “Old” world. This shows their connection to the “Old” world.  However, they claim that their rules are for the “general Good of the Colony”, which is essentially the colonists setting their own rules for themselves apart from the “Old” world.

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

The Fundamental Orders differed in that King James or even England are not mentioned anywhere. In fact, the only government mentioned is Connecticut’s. In the Mayflower Compact, King James and other European governments are mentioned several times. Also, the Mayflower Compact was essentially just stating majority rule and the government’s appeal to the common welfare, while the Fundamental Orders was a detailed set up for government.

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

The colonists were not satisfied with the pace of English reforms and wanted to form their own rules and regulations. The colonists wrote the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut as a more permanent 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?

The Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of one person or a chosen few seizing control by electing a Magistrate every year by “every person present and qualified for choice”. By holding elections every year the same person cannot stay in power for long periods of time and become a dictator. The Fundamental Orders safeguard against it by holding general elections so that many people can vote instead of a select few with corrupt views.

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