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.