LAD #21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Super successful businessman, Andrew Carnegie, wrote his "Gospel of Wealth" in the June of 1889.  He starts off by saying that it is a good thing that there is rich and poor because the gap between the two shows how much we have accomplished in society.  He believes that the more that's accomplished, the better off everyone gets.  He goes on to say that circumstances in society make it so only a small percentage of the population strike it rich.  The question that arises is what to do with the loads of money that these few make?  Carnegie believes he knows the answer, first saying that some of it goes to the family and education to continue the prosperity.  The surplus can go to 3 different places:

1) The next generation of family- Carnegie believed this was the most injustice because a last name should not always mean they deserve it, and therefore says that surplus should not all be passed down.
2) Having all money dispersed throughout the community when one dies- Carnegie believed this isn't the best because it would seem one would have to wait till death to help the world.
3) Spending throughout one's lifetime- Carnegie believed that this is the best option, as one can help out the community throughout their lifetime.

All in all, Carnegie never forgot his poor Irish roots, and stood firm in believing the rich should not flaunt their money, and that it was their duty to instead donate it to help improve the world.

LAD #20: The Emancipation Proclamation

On New Year's Day, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.  This monumental declaration abolished slavery in the rebelling south, except for the bumper states, officially freeing all states.  This proclamation explains that, as commander-in-chief, Lincoln would use the military to make sure these slaves were freed if necessary.  He tells the slaves not to act out in violence, unless in self-defense, and asks them to join the military if they so choose.  He ends this proclamation justifying these actions with the Constitution and the favor of God.

LAD #19: Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

President Lincoln delivered his 2nd Inaugural Address on March 4th, 1865.  He started off this speech by declaring that it was not nearly as important as his first speech, which spoke of trying to avoid war in preserving the union.  In this speech he explains why this was not accomplished.  Lincoln explains that averting war was not possible with the north's plea to abolish slavery and the south's persistence in spreading it.  This split could not possibly remain in the same country.  Therefore war was necessary and unavoidable.  Lincoln goes on to say that there are still many similarities in the south, both reading the same bible and believing in the same god.  Lincoln concludes his speech by saying that they must continue to fight until complete unity is restored.

LAD #18: The Dred Scott Decision

The Dred Scott v. Sanford court case was very influential in deciding issues surrounding slavery.  In February 1857, the Supreme Court headed by Supreme Curt Justice Roger B. Taney, reviewed whether African-American slave Dred Scott was free or not.  He had crossed into a free-state and believed that this meant he was no longer a slave to his master.  Taney decided that Dred Scott was not allowed to even bring this to court because he was not a citizen, but instead "property" of his owner.  This decision meant that all slaves were considered property, regardless of what individual states viewed them as, and they can not be defended in court.  Taney went on to say that Congress did not have the right to abolish slavery within the states.  Finally, he concluded saying that slaves could not be taken from their owners without due process.  These decisions were very influential leading many historians to believe that it was the trigger for the Panic of 1857.

LAD #17: "Ain't I a Woman?"

Sojourner Truth delivered her "Ain't I a Woman?" speech at a women's convention in Ohio, 1851.  In it, she combines elements from being both an abolitionist and a women's rights advocate.  She explains how guys are always saying how they have to treat women with respect and be chivalrous, but no one ever has treated her like that.  She says she can do anything as good as a man, but just because she's a woman people do not take her seriously.  She believes that because she is black she does not get treated like the other women, but because she is a women she is treated even worse.  All in all it shows that there are more than one inequality in America at this, with Truth feeling the effects of both the unfair treatment of blacks and of women.

LAD #16: "What to the Slave is the 4th of July?"

On the 4th of July, 1852, former slave turned abolitionist Frederick Douglass presented a speech titled "What to the Slave is the 4th of July?"  In it he describes how he can not celebrate Independence Day alongside the rest of the country because he's not included in it.  Douglass says he cannot celebrate the liberty, justice and prosperity because he does not have these things.  This day only exemplifies how much of a difference there is between blacks and whites.  Therefore, he mourns on this day.  He then goes on to declare that the nation is hypocritical and wrong for celebrating this day as millions of people in America are enslaved.  He is disgusted by this, and is blunt and to the point in saying that Americans are going against the Declaration of Independence and the Bible in not treating all equal.  He is ashamed that blacks have to prove they too are men, as they do all of the same things in expanding the nation as whites do.  Through the eyes of a slave, he describes this day as unjust and cruel, looking down on whites for rejoicing in festivities. 

LAD # 15: The Gettysburg Address

Lincoln delivered his powerful Gettysburg Address on November 19th 1863.  He began with the famous line "fourscore and seven years ago" speaking of founding the nation on the basis of liberty and that all men were created equal.  He went on to explain that the outcome of the civil war will show whether a nation based on these principles can survive.  He commemorates all the soldiers that have died in the war, fighting for trying to keep the nation together.  Lincoln declares that the words said on that day should not be remembered as much as the actions of the heroic soldiers that have died there.  He believes that it is everyone's duty to continue the work that the soldiers had started on preserving the union.  He does not want to let these men die in vain, and wants to make sure that the country remains together.

LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

On Monday March 4th, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln addressed nation in his first inaugural addressed.  He first explained how he only wanted to discuss the most important matters the country faced during that time, with the first being the issue of slavery.  Lincoln understood that many southerners were worried that he woulld end slavery.  To reassure them, he explained his firm stance on not interfering with slavery in the southern states where it was already established. He also spoke of maintaining state rights to strengthen the country.  Next he spoke of keeping the fugitive slave laws in place, where it is required to turn in slaves trying to escape freedom by traveling north.  Lincoln was most focused on keeping the nation united however. He explained the union as a sort of contract, needing more than one party to break it.  Therefore, he believed that it was unconstitutional to attempt to secede from the union.  Lincoln believed that conflicted can be avoided peacefully, but showed that he would do anything it took to keep the union together.  He felt it imperative that a civil war must be avoided. 

LAD #13: John Calhoun Speech

In 1850, John C. Calhoun realized that the Union was on its way to being torn apart.  He explained his worries to Congress through his speech which he was too sick to even read himself.  Right off the bat, he blamed slavery as one of the main reasons for the rising tensions between the north and the south.  He believed that this, along with many other issues, must be resolved if the country was to remain united. He said that much of the disunity came from the huge division in political parties between the Democrats and the Whigs.  Next he believed that there was an unfair balance of sectionalism in government, with most representatives from the north because of its dense population.  Because they were in control, they were able to use things like the BUS for their interests.  Calhoun explained that another reason the south was upset was because most of the new states being annexed were in the north, which yet again caused an unfair balance of power in the Senate, House of Representatives and in the Electoral College.  And on top of all of this Southerners hated the north's Tariff of Abominations, because it helped the north and hindered the south.  Finally Calhoun believed that slavery, more than anything else, was dividing the union.  The north believed it was unjust, while the south believed it was a necessary part of their economy which was already being hurt by the tariff.  Calhoun predicted that there could only be two end results, abolition of slavery or secession.  Calhoun told Congress that the only way to stop the South from eventually seceding would be to appease them by fixing some of these conflicts.  All in all, Calhoun predicted that if nothing was done, a civil war was on the horizon.

LAD #12: Polk's War Message, 1846

In 1846, President James Polk addressed congress with a message speaking of the relations between the U.S. and Mexico.  At the time the U.S. was fighting with Mexico despite the U.S. attempts to resolve the fighting peacefully.  These attempts had failed due to the Mexican government refusing to listen to the U.S. diplomats.  Because of the fighting with Mexico, trade which was once very good between the two countries was now suffering.  Polk then goes into detail on his attempts to resolve the fighting with Mexico peacefully.  He explains how he sent Mr. Slidell, a US diplomat over to Mexico to speak with their leader about border issues as well as the Mexican attacks on the Texans.  Although allowed into the city, the Mexican General Herrera refused to speak to Mr. Slidell.  Shortly after this General Herrera gave up power to General Paredes.  So the U.S. tried to talk to General Paredes but he too, did not listen.  Because of these failed attempts of peace, Polk asked Congress to understand his decision in taking military action, before Mexico attacked.  With U.S. General Taylor leading troops to set up Camp at Corpus Christi as well as beyond the Nueces River, Polk gave Taylor permission to use volunteer soldiers from Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky.  Polk asked Congress to understand these actions and to officially prosecute war with Mexico by sending aid to help win the war.

LAD #11: The Seneca Falls Declaration

In the July of 1849, women across the country came to Seneca Falls, New York to discuss women's rights.  As a result The Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions was written.  In it these women call for the equal treatment of men and women alike.  The Declaration starts off almost identical to the Declaration of Independence but includes that "all men and women are created equal".  The declaration goes on to list all the sentiments or grievances women have, including how they were being treated unequally.  After listing these, the women provide "Resolutions", or ways to stop all of these inequalities to provide equal treatment.

LAD # 10: The Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine is a United States Policy which was signed into effect on December 2, 1823.  It states that if the European powers try and colonize any part of the New World, then it will be seen as an aggressive action.  Americans as well as the Russians and British believed that now was the time to end imperialism in the New World.  This doctrine explained that if a country tried to colonize the New World any more than it would be met with intervening action.  This doctrine was signed at a time when many Latin American countries were close to becoming independent from Spain, and it made sure that if they became independent they would remain that way.  New countries in the New World were also officially recognized as independent countries such as Chile and Mexico.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

In his first inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson laid the foundation for his views on how the government should be run.  These ideas eventually became known as Jeffersonian democracy, which stressed a strict following of the Constitution.  Before going into these ideas however, Jefferson starts of his speech explaining how greatly honored he is to be elected to this position, and even modestly states how he believes "the task is above my talents".  He continues by saying how grateful he is to head this "rising nation".  Even in the opening he mentions the Constitution and how he will look to it for wisdom.

Next Jefferson describes how the Constitution has set government up to assure that the will of the majority will prevail.  He makes sure to mention that the minority will still be granted equal rights in all cases.  Jefferson then explains how political intolerance can be detrimental to the nation, and that it cannot be allowed.  He talks about how at the core everyone is a Federalist and a Republican because everyone wants to keep a strong united nation.  He exclaims that the U.S.'s government is truly "the strongest government on earth".

Jefferson then describes how a great government like the one of the United States restrains men from hurting each other, yet still allows enough freedom for men to regulate their own  pursuits in business, and enjoy the rewards for hard work.

Jefferson begins to wrap up his speech by listing the many rights that the Constitution gives the people, calling them "vital principles of republics".  This list includes having a "well-disciplined militia,...honest payment of our debts,...encouragement of agriculture...freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus, and trial by juries impartially selected."  All these follow the ideas of Jeffersonian democracy.

Jefferson concludes his address by warning the American people that he is no perfect man, and will surely make some mistakes along the way "through defect of judgment".  He also realizes that even when he believes he has made a right decision, there will be people with differing opinions who believe he is wrong.  He asks that the American people to be kind to others even when they have opposed views or are in the wrong.  Lastly, Jefferson says that he will now get to work and will be ready to retire when the people feel the time has come.

Christopher Columbus: Hero or Villain?

As the second Monday in October arrives every year, Americans across the country celebrate Columbus Day.  Schools, banks, post offices and government agencies are all closed as many people get the day off.  Students and adults alike are not quick to question this national holiday as it is a nice break from work.  Yet, the question of why we celebrate this day still occasionally arises.  Most people would give the same answer that their second grade teacher first told them: Columbus Day celebrates the great Spanish explorer, Christopher Columbus, and his discovery of America on October 12th, 1492.  This answer is good enough for most people, as they continue their day picking pumpkins, drinking apple cider and running through corn mazes.  But is this polished tale of Christopher Columbus the whole story?  One would be surprised after flipping over the pancake and seeing the uncensored version of Columbus' affairs.

There are many points that tarnish Columbus' patriotic image.  First off, his intentions were never to discover America.  He simply was trying to find a quicker route to the Indies.  Knowing that the world was round, Columbus assumed that if he went west then it might be shorter than going around the tip of Africa.  Yet a little continent called America just happened to get in his way.  And when Columbus did make his arrival he falsely thought that he had reached the Indies. This mistake is the origin for why Native Americans have been referred to as "Indians", even though they are thousands of miles from India. Therefore Columbus' "discovery" was far from a discovery in that he didn't even know he had discovered anything new.  And while talking about this "discovery", it should be noted that Columbus was not even the first European to run into America.  This discovery should be credited to Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer, who was truly the first European to set foot in America.


So Columbus made a few miscalculations, what's the big deal?  He was still an admirable leader, right?  Even more surprising than his misconceptions about his location is his corrupt personality.  Once aboard the ships headed to the Indies a reward was set for the first person to see land.  A crew member named Rodrigo was the first to see land, yet Columbus cheated him out of his reward by stating that he himself was the first to see land the day before.  Yet, the treatment of his crew is not what should give him a notorious view.  How he handled the natives however, truly shows what type of person Columbus was.


In his personal log of the journey, Columbus himself noted how generous the native Arawak people were after his arrival.  They offered many gifts and showed no signs of being any sort of threat to Columbus and his crew.  Yet Columbus did not care for their hospitality, and instead was in search of two things only; slaves and gold.  He quickly enslaved some Arawak people in hopes that they could show him where the "fields of gold" that filled his dreams were located.  And after realizing that these fields did not exist, Columbus turned to enslaving the remaining 250,000 Arawak people to mine for what little gold there was.  Even though gold was not nearly as plentiful as Spain had imagined, Columbus still sent reports of how amazing Hispaniola was, so that more Spanish ships were sent over. If quotas were not met, the hands of the Arawaks were cut off leaving them to bleed to death.  Also after a native resistance was defeated, many were hanged or burned to death.  This terrible treatment of the Arawaks soon led to mass suicides as the only way to escape Columbus and his wicked ways.


The problem with this story is that it is simply not what Americans want to hear about our country's supposed discoverer.  A mass genocide of a peaceful people is not what people want to celebrate and have a day off for, so these truths are often buried.  Along with this, it would most likely not fly if second grade teachers told their students how Columbus and his friends would cut off slices of the Natives to test the sharpness of their blades.  So to answer the question of whether Columbus was a hero or a villain, it hopefully should be clear that he was no hero.  Columbus should be regarded as a villain, and ideally Columbus Day should be a remembrance of the cruel things that have been done to create our country.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

In Washington's Farewell Address he announced his retirement as his second term as president was coming to an end.  Although there would be another election to decide who the next president would be, Washington told the American people to get ready for a new president, as he would not be running for another re-election.  He went on the say that he missed retirement and the low stress that came with it and had wished to retire after the first term, but felt the country was not stable or ready for his departure.  He said that he was grateful that the U.S. and the Constitution were created and that the Constitution will remain a vital part of the country for many years to come.  Washington then goes on to say how excellent the newly created government is in that it was created by the people.  Next he talks about how the country is flourishing due to the diversity of the areas.  The northern and southern states compliment each other with their distinct ways of life.  Also the eastern states are helping the settlers in the western frontier as the country continues to grow.  Washington states his firm belief that it is this union that will keep America strong.  No matter what happens, the states must not let it damage their unity.  He also asks that people abide by the laws of the Constitution because it is another important part of the inexperienced government. Another topic Washington covers is political parties.  Washington urges Americans to not form political parties as it will only divide the nation and create extremists who may rebel.  Washington also asks the American people to remain neutral in foreign affairs and only interact with other countries for trade.  Lastly, he tells Americans to preserve their honor and integrity to create a peaceful society.

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

In the Proclamation of Neutrality 1793, George Washington explained his decision on how The United States should respond to the war between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, on one side, and France on the other.  He decided that what was best for the new country was to remain neutral and impartial in the war.  He then instructs the American people to do the same, not helping out any side.  He goes on to say that if any Americans are caught aiding any side of the war, then they would not receive any protection or backing from the United States.  Lastly he says that anyone who is caught will also be punished by the United States.

LAD # 5: Federalist #10

1) Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

The difficulty in eliminating factions can be found in the means by which it was created in the first place.  For factions to arise, there needs to be a certain degree of liberty and freedom.  Therefore one way to eliminate factions are to get rid of this liberty and freedom.  Yet, this is not a reasonable option because it was the same liberty and freedom that America was built upon.  The second requirement for factions to emerge is differing opinions.  People need to have opposing views on things in order for there to be different factions.  So, one could try to get everyone to believe the same things and have the same views so that factions wouldn't exist.  Still this is also a bad option because not everyone is the same, and everyone grows up in different settings which yields differing opinions.  During these times the main cause of factions was unequal distribution of land, which caused people to have differing views.

2) If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?
Like in the ways to eliminate factions, there is more than one way to control factions.  If a faction is part of a minority then it can be controlled through democratically voting with the majority overruling the minority faction.  If the faction makes up the majority of the population, then it has to be controlled differently.  In this case, one must try to get the minority people to speak up and express any differing opinions so that there is it least a discussion as to what actions should be taken.  Factions can also be controlled through picking representatives for different areas, along with uniting the states.  This unification can help control factions because even if a faction may be strong in a specific area, other areas have differing opinions and ideas, along with their own representation.

Blog #4: Revolution Article

5 Things I learned after reading "Rethinking the Revolution" by John Ferling.

1) After the end of the Revolutionary War, the Founding Fathers realized that to some extent they would be able to create how the revolution was viewed generations into the future. An example of this can be found in George Washington's attempt to improve his legacy by correcting grammar in his early correspondence.  Also, Washington recalled the French and Indian War for his biography, yet he made sure to leave out an unflattering details.  These actions show the other side of the pancake to what most people learned; the Founding Fathers, Washington in particular, were men of "unblemished virtue".

2) Unlike many beliefs today, the Civil War may not have been the most deadly war, as far as percentages go.  In the Civil War, 1 in 5 soldiers died.  Yet, during the Revolutionary War 1 in 4 soldiers of the Continental Army died.

3) During the American Revolution, artists did not accurately illustrate the reality of war. This caused many people, even to this day, to have distorted views of what really went on.  All of the most popular paintings of the war during this time were without anyone firing a gun or any dead bodies on the battle field.  This has left people to believe that the Revolutionary War was not as bloody and violent as it actually was.

4) Life as a soldier was often composed of just trying to survive when fighting had temporarily ceased.  When invading Canada, hungry soldiers were forced to eating pet dogs, and making soup from boiled shoes to stay alive.  Along with this, harsh winters brought problems in that most soldiers did not have proper clothing, and some were even left "entirely naked".

5) Lastly I learned that the civilians during the Revolutionary War suffered much more than I previously thought.  Many towns were completely wiped out by disease, especially in the first autumn of the war, spread by traveling soldiers.  Also, Indian attacks on the frontier led to many civilian deaths.  Even within the colonies American Tories fought against the Whigs, which led to many more deaths.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

Summary of the Declaration of Independence
1) Democratic Principles:
In writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson included many democratic ideals that he believed were necesary in government.  The first to be mentioned were the unalienable rights of man.  These rights included life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Next, Jefferson wrote that another democratic principle is that people have a right to abolish their goverment and create a new one if the current government does not meet the needs of the people.  For this right, he believes that the colonies have the right to rebel against Great Britain.

2) Grievences:
Along with describing democratic principles, Jefferson listed the many grievences that justified the colonists' rebellion.  First Jefferson described how the King did not allow colonies to pass laws of immediate importance and instead made the colonists wait until he allowed the law to be passed.  Next he says the King George forced soldiers to stay in people's homes without a war going on.  Along with this he says that in many cases, colonists were not allowed trial by jury, a basic right for many years in England.  Jefferson goes on to say that the King George dissolved the House of Representatives when they did not agree with his ideas.  Lastly Jefferson says that because of King George's actions, the colonies coasts were destroyed, towns were burned and the lives of the colonists were destroyed.

3) Conclusion:
Jefferson concludes the Declaration of Independence by stating that because of all Britain's actions, the colonies rightfully declare themselves independent states, free from Great Britain.  He goes on to state that as independent and free states, they have the right to levy war, establish international commerce and make peace with other nations.

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

1) Who was John Peter Zenger?

John Peter Zenger was a German immigrant who moved to New York City to become an apprentice to the printer of the New York Gazette.  In 1733, he was hired as the printer and editor of a new newspaper, the New York Weekly Journal.  In this, Zenger criticized the New York Governor, William Cosby.  Cosby caused dispute after prosecuting the interim Governor, Rip Van Dan, as well as removing a Chief Court Justice. Zenger's critical comments of Cosby continued until he was arrested and charged with seditious libel.

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

 Controversy arose from these charges because many believed that if the comments made were true, then he could not be charged with sedition, no matter how defamatory they were.  If Zenger lost this case, then it would mean that newspapers could no longer say anything negative about a person with authority without having to fear being arrested.  Zenger's lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, argued that because Zenger's statements were not seditious libel because they were all true.  After proving this in court, the jury agreed with Hamilton finding Zenger not guilty.

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

 Zenger's case influenced American governmental tradition, in that it provided courts with a model on how to deal with cases concerning seditious libel.  After the outcome of this case, a defendant had to simply prove that their comments were true, and then they would be found not guilty.

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

The lasting significance of this trial is that it became the first major example of freedom of the press.  Now one of the fundamental laws in America, this case was the first to confirm that the press has a right to say tell the truth, no matter how critical it is.

LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut:

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

One of the main concepts included in the Mayflower Compact is the idea that the main purpose of the settlers is to advance the Christian faith.  Also, another important concept is that although they are dissatisfied with King James, they will remain loyal to him.  Lastly, the Mayflower Compact describes the settlers goal to establish a form of democratic government that will create just laws.

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

The Mayflower Compact reflects an attachment to the "Old World" by stating that the settlers want to remain loyal to their King James.  It shows how they want to create laws, ordinances, and acts, in the same way these laws were set up in the "Old World".  Along with this it shows a new attachment to the "New World" by describing how the settlers how to create a more democratic government, along with self-rule.

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

Unlike the Mayflower Compact, the Fundamental Orders established a confederation of neighboring towns.  Along with this, it was much more of a constitution in that it included written laws and explained how a new government would be set up in greater detail than the Mayflower Compact.  It described how officials would be elected as well as the extent of power that each position had.

4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach of government?

The colonists of Connecticut were prompted to take this approach of creating a new government because they were combining the towns of Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield.  In the creation of a single commonwealth, there grew needs of a stronger, more unified government along with written laws.

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? 

This fear of one or a few people seizing too much power is reflected in the many laws that were put in place to prevent this from happening.  First, the Fundamental Orders states that all officials were to be voted on and elected by the people.  Most importantly however was that no person could be chosen to be governor above once in two years, eliminating the chance of a single person building up too much control.