LAD #17

Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth:
Being at one point the worlds richest man, Andrew Carnegie understood the importance of finance and administering to your wealth. In the beginning of this piece he starts by noting that one of the problems of this time period is how wealth is looked upon and used in our society. He questions why it is possible for only a few select members of society to feel the rewards of these riches. However Carnegie understands the drive and competitive nature that creates this idea. This process he laments is actually just a part of life; what can be changed in reality is how wealth is used. Carnegie then notes the three manners in which wealth can be disposed; these three being: leaving it for inheritance, spending during your lifetime, and lastly delivering it to the public for its uses. In Carnegie's opinion, the first creates a type of aristocratic society, which is not the most benificial society. Instead one should leave enough wealth for the family to get by, but not to be spoiled, so they too can achieve their wealth in a substantial way. The second spoils the wealthy and forces a materialistic life without any real meaning on those who achieve this level of wealth. Lastly the method he emphasizes as the most effective way to dispose wealth would be to give to the community. This way one is using your own profits to benifits those around you and through this means and this means only, is an entire community benifited by the wealth that is accumulated by one person.

LAD # 16

The Emancipation Proclamation:
On January 1, 1863, Lincoln issued the emancipation proclamation. This was a document that now allowed all slaves to be freed. Not only slaves in the free states but also slaves residing in slave states. The entire nation no longer could coexist with the extreme repression of people found in slavery. Also as a direct result, this document made the slave owners accountable. If anyone, from this point on conducted the practice of slavery then they would be considered treasonous to the nation. In this address, Lincoln made a bold assertion that forever changed the nation. From this point on our nation could no longer be characterized by supreme oppression of people, that was entirely outdated and unnecessary to begin with. Obviously as an immediate result, the southern states would rear extreme opposition, claiming their entire economic system relied on this process to survive.

LAD #15

Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address:
When Lincoln addressed the nation for a second time, he recognized his audience was a changed audience. He was addressing a torn nation. Upon his first address was the impending feeling of war. Lincoln summarized this as neither partying wanting the war, but one willing to accept it so that the union will not dissolve and one willing to accept it so that they may get their wishes. Following this lamentation, Lincoln addresses the main issue of the war- in his eyes- slavery. Since one eighth of the nation was colored slaves, this portion of the population was bound to have an influence on our nation. While issues have not been fully resolved, they are currently in the process and as such they will continue to move forward. Overall it appears that Lincoln's main goal is to try and fix the torn nation, holding together the remaining uniting threads. Lincoln recognizes that after this war, it will take time to return to the unified state it was once upon a time.

LAD #15

The Dred- Scott case was important to American history because it embodied the major issue of this time. Southern slave holding states had no problem with the morality of holding slaves because of their larger use for their economic system. While north held larger opposition on a moral level, said to be convient morality. When the case of Dred Scott was tried, it portrayed national oppinion of the situation. Robert Taney was the chief justice, and his court called the Taney court, held responsibility for this case. The case involved a slave moving from a slave state to a free state, if he is then allowed to be freed. In the end the decision was made that slaves were considered less than property, so this case could not even be tried, considering property could not go to court.

LAD #14

The Emancipation Proclaimation is one of the US's most influential documents of history. It depicts a time of complete desperation and a war that would change the attitudes of the United States. In this document, Lincoln freed all slaves in the Union. However none of the slaves that were in the surrounding borders of in states that had already left were freed. While this document was attacked, it made the war an internal conflict. Forever ending the idea of outside influence in the civil war.

LAD #13

When Abraham Lincoln assumed office, he recognized the main issue of divide was regarding slavery. Whether it be slavery in the new territories or the return of slaves. A majority of his Inaugural Address covered this. Most of his platforms in the inaugural address were used as concilatory tools for Southerners. In retrospect, we can see that Lincoln had a deep care for the preservation of the union. This was reflected in his inaugural address. He claimed to strongly support the Fugitive Slave Law. He repeated that his platform held no position about slavery, he had no reason to interfer with it and was in support of the keeping the slave states as slave states. However he constantly went back to the fact that the Union was the most important idea, not slavery. He claimed the the Constitution was drafted in order to enable a great government, but it was just a contract itself. And as a contract, it can not be meddled with, before receiving the approval of all the party members of the United States.

LAD #12

John C. Calhoun depicts the union's disunion in one word- slavery. Through this speech, Calhoun was able to break down our country to its core. In the beginning of this speech, he illustrated that although he may not agree with everyone in the union, his overall goal is that the union remains one. Basically he started off the speech saying that he did not want the union to dissolve. However, he does not blame the slavery problems on the South were slavery has the greatest extents of effects, instead he looks to the North and the West for a source of confliction. Through claiming these were actaully the main sources of problems, he himself is illustrating the immense sectionalism that is taking place at this time. After this he begins to illustrate one of his most important concerns. This is that the south is actually losing power. He fears that since migration to the West is so strong, the South no longer is holding the place that it once held within the union. Calhoun overall decides that the best way to raise affluence for the south would be to increase states rights and then increase slavery in the western territories. Throughout this entire speech he was advocating for southern rights.

LAD #11

This is a summary of Polk's message to the House of Representatives and to the Senate. He begins by dictating his issues that are causing alarm. While he has tried to maintain peaceful relations, it is proving quite difficult. Most of the issues with Mexico revolved around territorial disputes. With our borders touching, there would clearly be some issues. Nations so close in proximity are bound to run into conflict in the future. After many failed attempts at diplomacy, Polk decided that a confrontation was inevitable. And in truth this affair was hurting the United States, whether through commerce or expansion wise. Therefore with no other choice in site, drastic measures may be necessary.

LAD#10

This document is set up to resemble the Declaration of Independence. It first restated the beginning of this document, to appeal to their audience. It claims that our nation has a responsibility to hold women as equals to men. Next they list off their grievances which overlooked all of the injustices they faced. These ranged from property discriminations to not being able to hold authority in churches. Overall it advocated for equal rights, more specifically sufrage. Another big idea was the concept of a thorough education for women- including college level degree. Following these grievances they list off the reasons why and how they should be resolved. Each grievance comes with a clean cut solution- providing little room for inquiry. The women of the Seneca Falls Convention held their beliefs highly that they should be equals with men in ever oppurtunity that is presented. Through logic and clear motives, they were able to depict these injustices within the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.

LAD # 9

The Monroe Doctrine focused on America's foreign relations. At this time, America was experiencing pressure from many different fronts. In one way America was being pulled into Europe either through self-interest or economic pursuits. On the other America recognized its need to centralize its energy inward towards domestic disputes. The Monroe Doctrine addresses these issues, portraying a view with no tangling alliances. Monroe depicted the necessity for America to keep North America for Americans.This document was put into place to ensure the most prosperity for America. As a result, the Monroe Doctrine suggests that only when attacked should America choose war as an option. The doctrine in part is a continuation of the Neutrality Proclamation, through its emphasis on deterring away from entangling relations. Monroe suggests we suppress our temptation to interfere with these European events in almost all cases. However the added necessity to keep these relations friendly always complicates the situation. Like George Washington, Monroe saw the importance of steering away from entangling alliances which could hinder the progress of the United States.

LAD#9

When Thomas Jefferson made his first inaugural address to the people, he made his views about America very clear. First of all he showed his gratitude to the people for ellecting him, and he showed his faith in the nation. Next Jefferson depicted the need to ensure that the minority areas of the United States were being cared for. He detailed his views that the preservation of the union was essential and this can only be executed by cattering to all the needs of the people whether it is majority or minority. Jefferson also continues Washington's precedent of obtaining a neutrality status, intervening in foreign affairs as little as possible. Following this Jefferson ensured the people that they would always have their basic rights, Lastly he gave himself credit because he had been in positions of authority before and clearly deemed himself worth. Jefferson's inaugural address was written to inform and ensure the people that Jefferson could hold a strong leadership position while watching out for the interests of people.

LAD#8

Christopher Columbus should be considered a villian. While Christopher Columbus is seen overwhelmingly as a hero in our society, if you take a closer look at the aftermath of his discoveries he can be considered quite the villian. Columbus began exploration for selfish reasons as most explorers did in that day, looking for more land. When Columbus stumbled upon the America's he set the precedent for having a poor relationship with Native Americans. Columbus could have been friendly with the Native Americans, instead he tricked them into thinking that he was a god and therefore beginning the process of ruining many of these Indian lives with complete disregard. While Columbus does deserve to be credited with his discovery, someone else could have made the same discovery and handled the situation with more humility as to regard the Indians as the first settlers of America.

LAD #7

The main point of this article is for George Washington to inform the people of him leaving the role of presidency and to urge the continuation of preserving the Union. In the beginning he explains that it is time for him to go into retirement and that the nation has served him well, and he hopes he has served the nation well. Next he entrusts in the people the ability to preserve the Union. Washington feels that the Union is one of the greatest "experiments" in history. This union guarantees human liberties to all its citizens and should therefore be preserved. Washington suggests that the main object which could destroy the union is the geographical differences and attitudes of the citizens. He ventures that parties are one of the main causes of destruction of a free type of government such as this. So, he guesses that the parties which could destroy the union would be the parties that consist over geographical differences. To fix this problem, he hopes that each of the areas of the union realizes the greater good they are working toward by being interdependent and not to get caught up on petty thoughts of revenge and competition. Finally, Washington discusses that it is important to remain neutral in regard to his foreign policy. He hopes that the Union can be interdependent with foreign nations when it comes to economic needs, but seperate any political alliances from those nations. He apologizes for the liklihood of error within his presidential campaign and then reaffirms his faith in the Union.

LAD#6

George Washington wrote the Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793. This was a document which was necessary because of the constant European warfare at this current juncture in time. Washington claimed that the United States would remain impartial to any of the European powers enganged in warfare ( Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands). Furthermore he enforces that people who disobey this neutrality of the nation are susceptible to punishment. This document influenced our nation greatly.

LAD #5

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?
Factions prove difficult to eliminate because of the nature of a faction. A faction consists of a group of people who share the same passions and interests and therefore create a majority or minority party that is differentiated from the entire governmental party. Henceforth factions can only really be eliminated if we eliminate rights that directly allow us to have these factions. One way would be to eliminate the power to essemble these factions and the other is to elicit conformity of ideas amongst citizens. Neither of these ways would be appropiate because they tug at what is fundamental of the United States government. While factions can create problems within the government, the problem that would be caused by overturning these factions would be far greater. The United States does not allow for liberties as primal as the ability to create factions to be taken away.
2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?
While there is no way to entirely remove a faction, there are methods of maintaining them so they do not get out of hand. First of all if a faction is just consisted of a minority of people then that faction will be overrun by the majority anyway. These minority factions are accounted for by the majority vote rule. However when a faction encompasses a majority of citizens then the solution is more difficult. While the democratic system can combat the minority factions, it takes a republic system to counter the majority factions. The system of a republic creates spheres of government which can divide a faction. A republic creates a national arena for problems that are effecting the ciitzines in general, while a local or state government is able to combat the problems that effect those citizens in particular. This system also creates representatives that give a wider perspective to a group of people, rather than direct control by the factions. Factions impede on the government, but through careful maintaince they are able to be controlled.

LAD #4

1. Firstly I learned the manipulative ways which men such as Adams and Washington made themselves a vital part of history. Washington encouraged praising biographies about himself to be published. While Adams depicted himself in a appealing autobiography.
2. Next I did not realize that the war was already underway when Thomas Paine published the pamphlet Common Sense. I had thought that it was propaganda to provoke war, on the contrary the war had been going on for eight months already. In addition I had not considered that his objective would be to ensure that reconciliation with Great Britain would be a lasting project.
3. Also I did not realize to the extent with which Loyalists were being attacked in the South. I figured that the Loyalists would be left alone for the most part. However the article states that the violence in the South against the Loyalists actually had never been greater. Furthermore the Continental Army went out of their way to destroy any property of the Loyalists and even take their land when the War was over.
4. I was not aware the amount of death that occcured in captivity. The article states that 47% of all Continental Army solidiers taken into captivity died. This is a huge amount of people that died after they were captured, that just never get talked about in most history classes.
5. Finally I learned the role the civilians were subjected to during the War of Independence. I was not aware that there were raids of civilian houses and frequent Indian attacks. It seems that most lessons on the American Revolution barely talk about the effect that this war had on the civilians and more generally the actual war itself.

LAD #3

The Declaration of Independence is an important document in American history because it creates the foundations of the belief system in America. Overall the document acts as a notification to King George III. It first tells why the colonists feel they have the right to do this, then transitions into the wrongdoings of the king and then finally it adresses the emancipation of the colonies. The first section is characterized by democratic principles that the United States wishes to install in later years of government. These principles started by outlining the basic human rights, which all citizens should be guaranteed to benifit from." LIfe, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," said Thomas Jefferson are the main human rights that we should automatically obtain. In addition it states that if any of these human rights are being violated, the people have the right to overthrow the government. Following this section, came the list of wrongdoings done by the kings. This ranged from taxing to refusal to pass needed laws. The list of grievances could be chalked up to the fact that King George III was essentially acting as a dictator. The main issues the colonists had was that he was not enforcing necessary laws and enforcing many unnecessary laws. The king was potentially causing harm to their economic system, through him shutting off their ports. But more over was impeding on their system of self-government which they had basked in for many years. The conclusion of this document ends by requesting the colonies be completly free and independent states. It restates how the British has been misguiding and misusing the colonies and just states a clean break, giving the people of the colonies the power to make governmental decisions. The Declaration of Independence illustrates what it is to be American, which is why this document is so vital and eternal.

LAD #2

1. John Peter Zenger was a controversial journalist who was not afraid to speak his voice about the injustices in his time. Particullarly during the year of 1733, Zenger spoke out against the recently appointed governor William Cosby. Zenger illustrated Cosby's injust practices within the judicial system, and while these articles revealed truth, they also were highly offensive. As a result of these articles Cosby arrested Zenger and one of the most influential trials was soon to be established.
2. Alexander Hamilton was the attorney appointed to Zenger's trial. The case itself had controversial origins because Zenger had been arrested for basically offending Cosby, not for violating any real law. Hamilton illustrated that the only way Zenger could actually be charged was that his articles were false, which they were not. Zenger was merely profiting from his right to freedom of speech and press that came along with being a human being. This trial marked the official recognition and protection of basic human rights.
3.This case illustrated much of what it is to be American. With a revolution on the rise, the colonists recognized that defending their basic rights was a must in setting up any new form of government. The American government has clearly made mistakes in regard to its sovereign but one thing that America can be characterized as is the land of freedom. Also this trial sought to end the judicial prejudices that can sway results in favor of powerful and rich men. While equal oppurtunity may never fully exist, basic rights such as freedom of press ensure that the pursuit of happiness and success can always be available.
4. This trial has a lasting effect on society in regards to the subject of debate within this trial. Basic human rights have been denied or only half-heartidly given during many centuries and even this even can hold true today. This case proved that the subject of freedom of speech and press would be given to Americans, if they were ever able to break away from their mother country. In addition to its foundation for the freedom of press it also called out against a unjust judicial system. This influence would never be forgotten, that this journalist could inform the public of the truth of the judicial tyranny this country was facing, in a way it was a precedent to the system of checks and balances. While it instituted no new laws, it established America as having the potential to grow as a just and prosperous nation.

LAD #1

1. There are various crucial concepts embodied in the Mayflower Compact which began to develop the American nation. The fundamental concepts started with the actual reason for a departure from England; the stated reason was to advance the Christian faith and respect the king. However, the most important concept is the mention of democratic assemblies. Perhaps without even knowing it, these colonists gave America a chance at a democratic future by engraining free speech into their roots.
2. The Mayflower Compact can be seen as a stepping stone from the "Oldd" world and toward a brighter "New" world. The premise of the voyage dips into ideas of religious advancement and an attachment to the king. The passage clearly emphassizes the adoration of the king and identifies it as a crucial reason for even embarking on the journey. Further in the passage, it talks about " Body Politick" as a loosely democratic concept, aslo recognizing the need for seperate governmental meetings for the colonists. While this article reiterates there compliance with the British government, it also begins the "New" world idea of seperate governmental features.
3. The Fundamental Order differentiates from the Mayflower Compact through its emphasis on a seperation from the body of English government and foundation of colonial sovereign. The Fundamental Order is fundamentally an appeal for heightened power in the hands of the colonists. The attitude of the Mayflower Compact appears to have a deeper adoration and respect for the king, and while that is still illustrated inthe Fundamental Order, it recognizes a need for seperation and greater independence.
4. The colonists were motivated to take this approach through a variety of factors. Initially the colonists feared a chaotic uprising and watned to be able to manage their fellow colonists in a judicial manner. As time progressed the colonists recognized their want for a democratic foundation. While this was not the original motivating factor it clearly resulted in heightened democractic practices.
5. Through the laws that were implemented within the Fundamental Order, there are key signs that the colonists strongly were trying to protect themselves of a dictator type of governmental system. Many inferences of checks and balances have been identified in the rules established. The emphasis on election of Governor is large, also the emphasis with being able to report corrupt leaders is one way this document identifies the colonists fears. The democratic princibles that were initally luminated through this document recognize the abundant fear of a single leader.

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