LAD #17: Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

In Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth, Carnegie talks about how wealthy people are necessary for America and the American government to survive. He states that wealth is “essential for the progress of the race,” and that “Without wealth there can be no Maecenas.” He then proceeds to talk about although wealth and the three modes that an individual should deal with their surplus amount of wealth. The first mode of disposing wealth is by giving it to one’s descendents. Andrew Carnegie does not support this mode. The second mode is to give it to public use. This is Carnegie’s favorite mode, and we can see this through his generous donations. The third mode is that the money can be used during the possessor’s lifetime. This mode is not supported by Carnegie. In the article, it is clear that Carnegie supports philanthropy and that he is a great person.

LAD #16: The Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation was written by Abraham Lincoln. It was a declaration saying in which states slaves were free. Lincoln stated that the “Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons.” This meant that the government recognized the freedom of these slaves and that they would not do anything to repress this freedom. He stated that “Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the City of New Orleans) Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth[)], and which excepted parts, are for the present, left precisely as if this proclamation were not issued.” He then goes on to say that slaves should not use violence unless it is self-defense. Finally, he states that the act is an act of justice and states that this act will finally affix the country.

LAD #15: Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

On Saturday, March 4, 1865 Abraham Lincoln made his Second Inaugural Speech for his second term as president. He states that the speech would not be as detailed as his first one since, at the time there was not much he could talk about. Although it was almost the end of the civil war, and although slavery had almost ended, Lincoln stated that it was not a time for celebration but a time for remorse. He states that it was a horrible war in that brothers fought brothers, and countrymen fought countrymen. He also says that we should all be taking care of each other. He closes out his speech saying “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” This meant that he was going to do his best to end the war, with no hard feelings, and that he was going to repair all that was damaged during the war, physically and mentally.

LAD #14: Dred Scott vs. Sanford Supreme Count case

The Dred Scott Court case had lasting impacts on American history. Dred Scott was a slave that traveled from Missouri to Illinois after the Missouri Compromise. He believed that once in Illinois he was a free man. In April 1846, he sued for his freedom, arguing that since he had been in both a free state and a free territory he had become legally free, and could not have afterwards reverted to being a slave. The case was brought to the Supreme Court and Roger Taney made the decision. Roger Taney decided in the case of Scott vs. Stanford that African Americans could not be granted citizenship to the United States and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories. Taney also stated that Scott not a citizen of the United States did not even have the privilege of being able to sue in a federal court. It was also decided that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. Taney ruled in favor of Stanford and sent the case to a lower court.

LAD #13: Gettysburg Address

This was one of Lincoln’s most famous speeches delivered four and a half months after the Battle of Gettysburg. He first dedicates the battleground to the brave men, living and dead, that fought in the war, and helped the nation in a time of desperation. He then says that the Civil war was a “new birth of freedom” for the country. He also says that the American democratic tradition will never perish stating the “government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

LAD #12: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Lincoln delivered his first inaugural address on Monday, March 4, 1861. He starts of by saying that he has no reason to discuss those matters of administration because he needs to discuss the matters dealing with the Southern states. His whole inaugural address was basically all directed to the south in which he discussed about mainly the issue of secession and slavery. He states that he has no purpose or inclination to rid the southern states of slavery. He says that it is up to the states to decide about slavery, not him and the federal government. He then goes on to say that he is a strong supporter of the Fugitive Slave Law which stated that No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence of any law or regulation therein be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. This meant that all runaway slaves must be returned to their owners. He says that he will do anything "to preserve, protect, and defend the United States Constitution.” He then states that he had no objection to the Crowin amendment to the Constitution. Then he states that mails will be continued throughout his presidency. He then goes on to talk about secession and how it is basically impossible. He states that physically the country could not separate. He states “We can not remove our respective sections from each other nor build an impassable wall between them.” He ends by saying that no matter what we are all country men and that “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.”

LAD #11: John Calhoun's Speech

Since Calhoun was too ill to read this speech another senator with Calhoun present in the Senate Chamber proceeded to read it. He commenced by asking the question of how the union shall be preserved? He then says that the one cause of the sectionalism between the North and the South is slavery. He then says the reason for this division is because of the different political influences. He then states that another reason for the split between the North and the South was the growing size of the North. This meant that the North would take over Congress. He then talks about the tariff and how it is only beneficial for the North. Calhoun’s point is that the union will be able to be preserved only if the North, the bigger and more powerful faction helps the South.

LAD #10: Polk's War Message

On May 11, 1846 President Polk made a message to the Senate and House of Representatives about America’s relations with Mexico. He said that for the last few years America has been nothing but peaceful with Mexico. Polk had sent John Slidell of Louisiana to Mexico on a mission. This mission had nothing to do with violence, but only to purchase the territory of California and New Mexico. The Mexicans realized that Slidell was not only in their country for that and they sent him back home. Polk built up an army in Del Norte just in case the Mexicans attacked. They did and a few American soldiers were killed. Polk was extremely angry with this and this caused him to develop even more hatred for Mexico. The commerce between the two nations was horrible and there was no reason for peace. Polk suggested that Mexico be terminated through war.

LAD #9: Declaration of Sentiments

In 1840 a group of American women met, in Seneca Falls. These women believed in equality, for both men and women. In the Seneca Falls Convention these ladies wrote the Declaration of Sentiments. The Declaration of Sentiments has three major parts. The first restates the Declaration of Independence, except it includes women. For example it states "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal." The next part of the document lists all the inequalities between men and women. It talks about how ignorant Natives and foreigners are given more privileges than they were. In addition they state about unequal education, the rejection of the right to vote, and many more unfair practices. The Declaration of Sentiments then finally goes on to stating how these problems will be fixed. For example it states, that women should be treated as god intended her to be an equal. It also states that women should be given the same knowledge that men do, so they can be an important part of society. The Seneca Falls Convention was a major milestone, not only for women's rights, but also for abolitionism.

LAD# 8: Monroe Doctrine

On December 2, 1823 James Monroe made his Monroe Doctrine. This document basically stated that the United States, along with other European nations would no longer colonize or interfere with the affairs of the newly independent nations of the Americas. James Monroe did not want to interfere with quarrelling nations, and get into a mess; therefore he thought if he made this document he would not have to worry about that. Monroe also stated that America would try to stay out of all European affairs. Although the European nations were supposed to abide to this, they did not. In the end Monroe says "It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in hope that other powers will pursue the same course." This basically meant that the Europeans should follow the practices the Americans are doing.

LAD #7: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

In Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address, he first states that he is extremely excited that the American people choose and looked towards him for guidance as a president. He stated that the task of leading the country was extremely overwhelming and that he would frequently look towards the constitution for guidance in his actions. He states “I shall find resources of wisdom, of virtue, and of zeal on which to rely under all difficulties.” He then goes on to talk about minorities and majorities, and how the American people have to unite with “one heart, and one mind.” He talks a lot about how the country is not a division between groups of people, but that it is one united country. He then goes on to talk about the principles of the United States government. He then talks about the preservation of the General Government, and the “encouragement of agriculture,” which he greatly supported. He then closes, by saying he is ready for the job, though he is ready to retire from it when time comes.

Colombus Blog

I would consider Christopher Columbus both a villian and a hero. Although he was definitely not the first person to discover the Americas, he introduced it to the Europeans. If not for Columbus the Europeans would not have discovered America, and the Puritans and Quakers would not have been able to seek religious freedom here. We might have, at some point been discovered by someone else, but life just would not be the same. Although Christopher Columbus has many flaws, for example, he thought that he was in the East Indies, overall he was a hero. Although this may be true, I believe that Columbus was more a villian than a hero. He came to America and basically killed Native Americans. He was extremely harsh, and mean to these Native Americans which made me think that he was more a villian than a hero.

LAD #6: Washington's Farewell Address

Although Washington's Farewell address was not a speech, in that it was a written document, it still had a lasting impact on American history. After Washington's second term in office, he wanted to retire, therefore creating a precedent for later presidents. In his long, Farewell Address he talks about many aspects of American Society. He first warns the society about forming party systems. He says that they are distractions, and unnecessary. He also talks about religion. He states that religion is extremely important in society, and is necessary to make America succeed. Thirdly he talks about taxes, and how the country needs to have taxes in order to pay of debts. He says that if the country wants revenue, it must have taxes. He also talks about foreign relations. He states in the document that he is against permanent alliances, because they can sometimes get you into trouble. He finally talks about how having a over-powerful military is unimportant and America should not have one. George Washington set many precedents throughout his presidency, and was extremely important in creating our nation.

LAD #5: The Proclamation of Neutrality 1793

The Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793 was in response to the war between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands against France. In the Proclamation George Washington declares neutrality, without actually mentioning the word. The reason for this was so that the United States could continue its great economic relations with Great Britain. He also states that anyone who aids any of the powers will be punished. This document was signed on April 22, 1793

LAD #4: The Federalist 10

1. Factions are groups of people who have a common belief between them. Although many factions are noteworthy, some are not and need to be controlled. The reason factions are so hard to eliminate is because when you get rid of a faction you are getting rid of someone’s rights. Madison compares these factions to what air is to fire. “Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency.”

3. Since, most factions cannot be removed; there are ways in which they can be controlled. James Madison states that there are two ways to “cure the mischiefs of the faction.” One, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects. This means to remove the cause of the disharmony and to fix the problem

Revolution Article

Five interesting facts I learned were that

1. The Civil war was an extremely horrible war, in that many of thousands of people died. More than 620,000 soldiers perished during the war which is greater than any other war, most being American lives.

2. Although the Civil War was an extremely important war in American history, so was the Revolutionary war. One of the reasons in which this war was forgotten over the other wars was that the Revolutionary generation died within a decade including the original 13 Continental Army generals appointed by Congress in 1775. Therefore, the Revolutionary War was left to the memories of those who had not lived through the events.

3. In the Civil War the weapons were capable of producing greater casualties. Though still, in the Revolutionary war the combat was much more hand-to-hand. The soldiers used bayonet charges unlike the Civil War where soldiers used rifles, muskets, and powerful cannons.

4. The Civil War was considered the first "modern" war because it was the first war in which the camera was available (1861). People got to see actual footage in illustrated newspapers such as Harper's Weekly and Frank Leslie's. In addition to Americans saw ten minute films about the war which increased the patriotism.

5. In the Revolutionary War, the civilians suffered heavily. They lost their lives due to factors such as disease from soldiers. In the tiny town of Braintree, Massachusetts more than 100 residents lost their lives.

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 and then publish it on your blog as LAD #3.

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776 and was written by Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration of Independence was made up of democratic principles and a list of grievances to the king. There were many democratic principles in the Declaration of Independence, because this was what made America. Firstly, the document says that “all men are created equal” and that all people are entitled to “certain unalienable rights” such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” It also states that “governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government.” This meant that the government is not ruled by one person, but by the public. If the opposite happens then that person should be taken out of power.

Another major part of the Declaration of Independence was the colonial grievances to the king. Firstly it states that in England there was a tyranny. The king refused to agree to the laws. He also basically got rid of the power from the governors and has ruled without any help. If someone made a decision he did not like he would get rid of it. He kept standing armies in peace without consent from anybody else. He cut of trade from the world. He imposed taxes on the colonists without their consent. He deprived the colonist’s trial by jury, and basically controlled the lives of the colonists unwillingly.

The Declaration of Independence was in part a letter to the king and in part a constitution that still governs our democratic principles today. The Declaration called for the right for the colonies to be free and independent. If not for the founding fathers of our nation, and the men who wrote the Declaration of Independence, America would be so much different today.

LAD #2: Zenger Trial

1) Who was John Peter Zenger?

Peter Zenger was a journalist who voiced his opinions freely in the New York Weekly Journal, about the onerous policies of the newly appointed governor William Cosby. For example Crosby prosecuted the interim Governor, Rip Van Dam, and removed Chief Justice Lewis Morris from the courts. He was put through a trial in which he was charged with seditious libel. In the end he was found not guilty.

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

Peter Zenger was charged with seditious libel. Though this means making up lies about something. Though, Zenger was telling the truth about Crosby. The controversy was in that the governor could not condemn Zenger for telling the truth. Hamilton was able to sway the jury with this fact and Zenger was found not guilty.

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

The Zenger trial influenced our government in many ways. It set a precedent for many later cases. It developed one of our biggest laws, freedom of the press. People were now, not afraid to say what they believed in. It also ended all judicial tyranny in libel suits.

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

The lasting significance of Zenger’s trial was again the establishment of freedom of the press. It was a part of our first amendment and will be treasured forever, in America. It allowed people to speak of their own opinions.

LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower compact was basically a guideline for the Pilgrims to live by. It included concepts such as democracy, rules, regulations, and loyalty.

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?

The Mayflower Compact included ideas about both the New and Old Worlds. It included New World Ideas in that the Pilgrims were breaking away from the autocracy found in England under the King. Though, it still had concepts of the Old World such as loyalty. One can clearly see this because the document swears to not only god but to the king of Ireland, France and Great Britain.

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

The difference between the Mayflower Compact and The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut is that the Mayflower Compact just states that a constitution should be made, while the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut actually is a written constitution and can be considered the basis of many events that later followed.

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

The reason for why the colonists of Connecticut used this approach to setting up their government was because the colonists wanted to be successful in creating a civilization. They knew that previous trips to the New World were unsuccessful, so they felt that order would solve this problems. By developing basically a written constitution they knew that their civiliation would do well.

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 of Connecticut can greatly be considered a safeguard against an autocracy or oligarchy. It places restrictions on how long one can run and how they can run. It states “that no person be chosen Governor above once in two years” which shows how controlling this constitution is. The constitution was a safeguard and was important.

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