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