LAD #21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

         Andrew Carnegie was one of the first big businessmen to flourish in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. He amassed a fortune in iron and steel, valuable materials with the spread of railroads. Carnegie believes that the socioeconomic change that has occurred over the past few centuries is highly beneficial to men of all realms of life, and ultimately necessary for the advancement of the human race. It is natural that wealth ends up in the hands of only a few, however there are several ways by which this wealth may be distributed:
     - It can be left to the families of the decedents
     - it can be bequeathed for public purposes
     - it can be administered during their lives by its possessors
The first option described is not very effective as it only goes to a few, and goes to spoil them. The second is slightly more plausible, but still improbable. Finally, it seems the third mode is the only that should work. Although wealth in the hands of a few may seem only to benefit them, it ultimately proves to be a greater force than if the money was evenly distributed among many, as the wealthy will invest into public projects such as schools that will ultimately benefit the lower classes. And so, the duty of the wealthy man is to serve as an example, living modestly, and distributing their excess wealth for the benefit of the masses as the wealthy can help them more than they can help themselves.  

LAD #20: Emancipation Prclamation

Background:         
          The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Lincoln after the Battle of Fredericksburg, the victory there an excuse to finally do it. The proclamation was created with the intent of worsening conditions in the south, while still preserving the allegiance of the border states, as it freed slaves in enemy occupied territory only.

         As of the first of January, 1863, all slaves in areas still in rebellion shall be be forevermore free. Lincoln justifies this as fit and necessary. The territories included in this act are: Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, with exceptions applying to certain counties and parishes. Lincoln states that this proclamation will be enforced by the Military, but also urges freed slaves to abstain from violence.

LAD #19: Lincolns second innaugural

          Lincoln begins his second inaugural address by basically stating that he is going to keep it short and sweet, unlike his first. The reason for this is that many of the issues he would discuss are already well known enough, and are largely linked to the war. Both sides sought to avoid this conflict, but in the end, war was really inevitable. Slavery was an interest that was a main contributor to tension, and ultimately war. Both sides thought the war would render a quick victory, but unfortunately this was not true. Lincoln ends with the statement that what they are doing is ascertained by god, and looks forward to peace as a unified nation.

LAD #18: Dred Scott Decision

          Initially, the first time the supreme court met on the matter they slightly favored Sanford and decided to make a moderate ruling based on this. However, they neglected larger issues of negro citizenship and the constitutionality of the Missouri Compromise. As a result, the SC's first decision written by Justice Nelson did not fit the opinion of the majority, and was thrown out, assigning the next decision to be written by Justice Rodger B Taney. The decision ruled that:
          - Blacks, even free blacks, were not considered citizens of the united states and therefore could not sue in court.
          - The Missouri compromise is unconstitutional as it deprived peoples in those territories of slaves, who were considered in the case to be property.
          - No decision was actually made as Taney believed the case should lie with the state from which a slave escaped, therefore he threw it back to the Missouri courts.

LAD #17: Aint I a Woman

          Truth begins by commenting on the current fights for rights by both slaves and white women, and suggests white men will be in a fix soon. She then makes a very good point that men view women as weak and defenseless, and must be treated such as the fragile creatures they are, helped into carriages, walked across puddles and such. But Truth fires back to this thought that no man has done that for her, and she is a woman. She can work and eat like a man, and she is a woman. Men argue that women cannot have rights because of inferior intellect, but this is not fair. Men say women can have rights because Christ was not a woman. However, Christ was born from god and woman... man had nothing to do with it. Although the first woman god created had the strenghth to flip the earth upside down, women today had the strength to flip it back.

LAD #16: Douglass' 5th of July Speech

          Douglass begins his speech with a series of questions; Why am I here to speak today? What have I to do with the nation's independence? Are those liberties and freedoms written in the declaration of independence and constitution extended to us (African Americans)? If god were to decide the answer to these questions, the outcome would be favorable to his cause, and would lighten the work of his job significantly. Unfortunately this s not the case. He is in fact not included in this honoring of American Independence as he and all other blacks do not share the rights and liberties had by their white counterparts. Slavery is an issue that has caused the nation to look black. The United States government is false and hypocritical as not all men are equal under its laws.

LAD #15: Gettysburg Adress

          The address begins with the famous line "Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." - a principal that had now come into play, taking center stage as the catalyst of the civil war, manifesting itself in the form of the debate on slavery. Lincoln states that although they have made part of the battleground a memorial, they cannot consecrate it. That is done by the individuals who fought and died on the field. They shall not die in vain, as tremendous effort will be made to ensure "the birth of a new freedom" and the preservation of the union.

LAD #14: Lincoln's first inaugural

          Lincoln begins by stating that he will not be discussing any aspects of his administration that do not involve immediate anxiety. He then immediately addresses the apprehension felt by many in the southern section, and states there is no need for it- He does not oppose slavery, and feels he has no right, nor inclination to interfere with the institution of slavery. He also addresses states rights, acknowledging that it is the right of states to regulate their own domestic affairs, and denounces lawless invasion of any state or territory. Lincoln assures that no single section will be endangered by the new administration, and in addition they will cheerfully provide to protection to any state that should request it regardless of section. A main point is made that the laws of the constitution will be enforced in all states of the union, and the Union is to be preserved.

LAD #13: Calhoun speech

          Calhoun's speech deals mainly with the issue of slavery. He poses a series of questions and answers that all interconnect; the issue of slavery is rooted in sectionalism, sectionalism is a result of the varying policies and sentiments of peoples in different regions, including the south, experiencing much discontent over the issue; the discontent is a result of the continuous issues over slavery, and the North, and its attempt to hamper state's rights. In addition, a large contribution to discontent in the south was the fact that the equilibrium in the distribution of power between the north and south had been destroyed and the south had been left out of contemporary actions of government. Calhoun questions whether or not the Union can be saved, stating that it would be relatively easy out of context, but complete compliance with both parties would be difficult.

LAD #12: Polk's War Message

           With war looming between the countries of America and Mexico, largely due to border and territorial disputes, the US sought to peacefully resolve the matter through diplomacy. However, Mexico at first did not receive the American ambassador, and refused peaceful adjustment. Texas had become part of the US and a force had been sent to protect its borders from an invasion from mexico, which seemed likely. Ultimately, the US had sought diplomacy, but mexico refused to cooperate, and as a result, war had become imminent.

LAD #11: Declaration of sentiments

          The declaration begins with the statement that sometimes it is necessary for a group to change their role in society, but this change should be supported by reasoning, which will be given. The declaration is very much alike the Declaration of Independence, and in the beginning of the second paragraph, exactly the same, with the addition of "Women" in the phrase "all men and women are created equal. Also akin to the Declaration of Independence, the declaration of sentiments contains a list of grievances including the lack of the right to vote, and minimal property rights. 

LAD #10

          While Monroe was in office, discussions were had with the leader of Russia regarding land rights in the American Pacific Northwest. The Monroe doctrine establishes that the American continents (the western hemisphere) are no longer to be colonized by European nations. The doctrine also reiterates the United States' claim to neutrality in affairs between Spain and its colonies and their fights for independence in the western hemisphere. Monroe states that the US will not meddle in foreign Affairs with Europe, continuing the policies followed by previous presidents, and will also not interfere with colonies already established in the Americas. The bottom line is that the doctrine closes off the western hemisphere to further colonization by European powers... if this is violated, America will regard it as an aggressive act, and defend itself as such.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Speech

          Much like Washington concluded his presidency in his farewell speech, Jefferson began his first term with his inaugural speech which began with his thanking of the American people for doing him the honor of electing him president. He proceeds to mention several principles of the constitution, including "that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression" He encourages the American people to unite under the new policy of religious freedom and tolerance. Jefferson regards America as having the strongest government in the world, and trusts the will of the American people. In his final two paragraphs, he again reiterates his understanding of the principles of the constitution, and asks for the people's confidence in his future actions as well as apologizing for any wrong he may do.

Columbus Blog #8

          When children in first grade learn about Columbus they are taught a rhyme to remember what he did; "Columbus sailed the ocean blue, in 1492.". They are taught about the three ships he took; the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. They are taught that he was a hero, discoverer of the great Americas, without him we would not be here, in the US. The teachers obviously must know of the dark side of Columbus, the one disguised by popular belief and good will. I wounder if they think about that as they listen to the children recite the rhyme they had been taught. Columbus Day is not a holiday that shows both sides of the pancake, and really when its thought of, perhaps should not even be celebrated. Yes Columbus was the first European to set foot in the Americas (other than Leif Erickson and the Norse, of course), but this one accomplishment skews all other knowledge of the expedition and its overall impression. In reality, if Columbus hadn't "discovered" America, surely someone else would have, and Columbus would no longer be considered a hero, but a villain, charged with cruelty and brutality paralleling that of Hitler and the Nazi party; the plundering of resources; the forcing of natives into slavery; and ultimately, the extinction of a people and their culture.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

          Washington thanks the people for previously electing him twice but states that he will not be running for president again. He has aspired to retire for some time, but decided to take the responsibility of governing the natin as long as he had. He has done the best he could to better the nation for the benefit of the people. He commends the people as well as each region of the country, North, South, East and West, for their contribution to the growth of the nation. Washington includes insight as to how to preserve the union and the government. He warns against the development of political parties. He highlights the need for checks of power within government. The natural rights of people should be protected. Avoid debt by "cultivating peace" i.e. remaining neutral and avoiding alliances.  

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

          As several european countries are warring, America shall take a position "friendly and impartial" toward each of the nations. American citizens are encouraged to act in neutral ways as well. If a citizen should go against this and aid or show contempt towards any nations to which america has claimed itself neutral will not be protected by the US, and will be prosecuted.

LAD #5: Federalist #10

1.  Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

          The answer to this lies within the definition of a faction as described: "a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community." This unity under a common cause is what makes factions difficult to eliminate.

2.  If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?

          Factions can be manipulated by either removing its causes or controlling its effects. Causes can be removed by either revoking the liberty that allows its existence, or making the public uniform; having the same opinions, passions and interests. This is however, illogical, as this would be the taking of liberty. In addition, people will almost always develop their own opinions. Also, a uniform society would only lead to larger factions.

Blog #4 - Revolution Article

Five Things I learned:

1. The Founding Fathers edited how they would be remembered in history. Both Adams and Franklin created memoirs, and Washington allowed the creation of a biography.

2. The forth of July has lost its original significance. Initially, it was a memorial day, focusing on the American men who fell in battle,  and the suffering of the war years. Now we just blow stuff up...

3. Paintings of the Revolutionary war fall short of proving accurate to actual events. A good example of this, mentioned both by the article and The American Pageant was Emanuel Leutze's Washington Crossing the Delaware. Shortcomings in historical accuracy in this piece include the featuring of a black soldier, when blacks were not allowed in the continental army, as well as being set in the day, when the actual event happened at night.

4. The horrifying details of the actual fighting are downplayed. History focuses primarily on the revolution and events leading up to it. Gruesome realities of the fighting, including a near fifty percent death rate among POW's, and pummeling conditions like cold and hunger are often left out.

5. American civilians suffered a great deal. They faced disease spread by both armies, as well as murder by British soldiers in several instances.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

1. Democratic Principles
          The American Declaration of Independence, through its writing, gives several democratic principles and ideals, appropriately, the one of the first of these being that people have the right to abolish or alter  government and establish a new one if the reasoning is readily justifiable. Perhaps the most famous of the principles listed in the declaration are those stating that all men are created equal, and the unalienable rights of man to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

2. List a handful of grievances
          In the declaration, a list of grievances is included to support the justness of the Americans' actions. Among these are legislative, military and judiciary wrongs. These include: the revoking of charters, suspending of American legislatures, limiting trade with all parts of the world, taxation without consent, refusal of trial by jury, biasing  of judges, occupation of a standing army in a time of peace, and the quartering of said forces.

3. Conclusion
          In response to these wrongs, Americans had peacefully petitioned for redress to the British monarchy, without results, thus, separation was necessary and justified. For the good of the people, the united colonies establish themselves as free and independent states, exempt from authority of the British crown.

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

          John Peter Zenger was born of German descent in 1697, and came to the colony of New York in 1710. He was an apprentice to William Bradford, the printer of the New York Gazette, and in 1733 began printing the New York Weely Journal, an opposition newspaper aimed at the arbitrary use of power by royal colonial governor, William Cosby.

2. What was the controversy over his charges?

          In 1734, Cosby had Zenger arrested and jailed for ten months, and in 1735 he was put on trial, charged with seditios libel. Zenger's defense was represented by Andrew Hamilton of Philidelphia. The prosecution argued that the publishing of Zenger's reports was enough for conviction, however, Hamilton argued that althoough Zenger was responsible for publishing the articles, it was only libel if the accusations made in said articles were false. 

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

           Zenger was found not guilty by the jury and was acquitted of the charges against him. This was due in part to Hamilton's presenting of his case directly to the jury and asking them to consider the law as well as the facts. It also influenced a decrease in the use of arbitrary judicial power in libel cases.

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

           In addition to setting the aforementioned example involving the decrease of judicial tyranny in libel cases, the Zenger trial reflected several other judiciary precedents. For instance, Hamilton's legal victory established the idea that the truth is an absolute defense against libel. In addition, the success of the case demonstrated that if a statement can be proven fact, it its not libelous, therefore supporting freedom of the press.   

LAD #1: Mayflower Compact and Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
          The Mayflower compact demonstrates several political and ideological concepts that would later become prominent in American government and culture. The compact established the first self governing body in the British North American colonies. In addition,  in the phrase "...for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all do submission and obedience" the republican philosophy of putting the good of the whole before those selfish needs of the individual.   


2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
           In a way, the document creates promises to both the society and government of the old world as well as to the inhabitants of the would-be colony that was to be established in the New World and its people. In the opening of the document its creators reference themselves as "loyal subjects" in addition to citing the founding of the new colony as an undertaking for god, king and country. On the other side of the spectrum, the compact shows a dedication of the group to create a governing political body, for better order and preservation, that shows interest in the good of its people.  


3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
          An obvious difference between the Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut is the specificity of the document. Both show an obligation to establish some form of colonial government, but the Fundamental Orders establish a concrete framework for a central government whereas the Compact is more of a promise to do so. The Fundamental Orders also include set processes for the election of officials by democratic vote of the people along with civil duties of the people to participate in courts. Also notable in the Fundamental orders is the demonstrated loyalty to god, however lacking a statement in support of the king as found in the Mayflower Compact.


4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
          The colonies of New England, including Connecticut, have been historically noted for the significance of religion in society. In the preamble for the Fundamental Orders in which, as aforementioned, there is a strong presence of a sentiment of loyalty to god, but no such statement affirming loyalty to the British crown. In addition, much of Connecticut's demographic consisted of puritans who had come from  Massachusetts. The group originally immigrated to the New World in search of religious tolerance and aversion of persecution by the monarchy. This suggests the possibility of the desire to stray from a form of government such as monarchy in which one has absolute power and strive to found a more democratic government, quite the inverse of that which had persecuted the group in the Old World. 


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?
          Once again, the obvious stress on democratic ideology and civil involvement suggests the desire to avoid a form of government that places power in the hands of a few. This is reflected in the democratic processes of election of officials by the people to represent them, as well as strong citizen involvement in courts and government in general.

APUSH

Hello Mr. Decarlo!