LAD #37: Brown vs. Board of Education

The education system in the US was segregated until the 1950s.

Linda Brown’s father protested the system because her black school was farther away than the nearest white school.

The case decided against segregation in schools.

It became a major civil rights issue and it was a difficult decision for the court.

In the end, they said that segregation was a detriment to children.

This went against the precedent established by Plessy vs. Fergusen.

The Supreme Court combined this case with similar cases from other states.

The Court finally decided that students had equal rights under the Fourteenth Amendment regarding schooling. This only abolished segregation in schools but set an important precedent for civil rights.

LAD #36: Truman Doctrine

The Truman Doctrine is made up of Truman expressing concern about relations with Greece and Turkey.

There is a possibility that Greece will be taken over by communism because of their low socioeconomic status, proximity to the USSR, and other factors such as other invasions that have occurred.

The current state of political chaos in Greece is a reason for thinking this.

There has also been a disadvantageous economic downturn in Greece since World War II.

The Greek Government has also asked for the assistance of experienced American administrators, economists and technicians to help out their economy and political situation.

The United States must provide this assistance to Greece because, no other nation is willing and able to provide the necessary support for a democratic Greek government.

Truman discusses democracy and the necessary things that are needed to create a true democracy in a country such as Greece.

Greece is having trouble because of their political and economic problems, and also things like terrorists. Greece's neighbor, Turkey, also deserves our attention. The future of Turkey as an independent and economically sound state is clearly no less important than that of Greece.

The United States must be willing to supply needed attention to both Greece and Turkey.

This is one of the prime goals of the foreign policy that the United States has employed to serve as an example for other democratic world powers.

They are trying to create democracy and free people from oppression.

Truman believes in ideals such as that our help should be primarily through economic and financial aid which is essential to economic stability and orderly political processes.

The situation in Greece may never resolve itself without the United States’ help.

We must take immediate and resolute action.

Truman asks Congress for $400,000,000 for the period ending June 30, 1948 for aid in Greece and Turkey. He also wants civilian and military personal also be provided for the instruction and training of selected Greek and Turkish personnel.

The American and world governments need to work together to solve such problems and provide aid. America must be looked to for maintenance of freedom. 

LAD #35: Executive Order 9066

Roosevelt states this as an act against espionage and references several past acts that have led to it. He places the Secretary of War and the Military Commander in charge of the operation, and lists specific things that each is allowed to do. The next few paragraphs state some necessary humanitarian provisions, such as access to medical care. He specifically states that this will not go against Executive Order 8972 and will not impede the work of the FBI. Roosevelt ends by signing it and indicating the date and place of its issue. He doesn’t specifically mention Japanese people residing in the United States or internment camps in so many words, but his intent is clear. 

LAD 34: Roosevelt's War Declaration

He addresses the audience and states what has occurred (Pearl Harbor bombings).

The United States had tried to keep peace with Japan, but Japan had cut off diplomatic negotiations.

The attack on Hawaii was obviously planned days or weeks ago, so the Japanese have definitely been planning hostilities against the United States for some time.

The bombings killed many Americans and made a dent in their military power.

He goes on to list all of the other places that the Japanese has bombed in order to control the Pacific.

So far, he has only ordered defensive measures to be taken.

He summarizes his reasons for doing so, and then directly declares war against Japan.

LAD #33: FDR's First Inaugural

Roosevelt begins his first inaugural address by discussing truth and other important American values, stressing that they are important in such difficult times.

He then describes all of the problems with society and the economy.

He acknowledges that these are bad, but is able to look to the future with hope.

He faults the generation of self-seekers for America’s problems and insists that America needs to band together to combat the Depression.

He draws a clear line between social values and monetary profit, encouraging people to rekindle the spirit of America.

He applies the same philosophy to government as well.

Next he begins to target specific problems in the nation, particularly unemployment. He says that unemployment is a solvable problem, and hints at the future availability of conservatory government-sponsored jobs.

The government does have a place in the economy, and they can help out.

He then goes into the idea that all business shall hereafter be regulated by the government, not just foreign trade.

He has the idea that America will recover its national pride. He talks about the good neighbor policy in foreign politics. From here, he pledges that he will always represent the will of the American people in trying to address common problems. He is prepared to combat the Depression, and admits that the likes of it haven’t been seen before.

He warns that the nation faces a lot of challenges ahead and hopes that America can become prosperous again.

LAD #32: Kellog-Briand Peace Pact

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
A PROCLAMATION.

The opening paragraph lists the countries that the treaty involves. The second paragraph lists it as it is listed in French languages.

The  purpose of this is to protect the welfare of mankind. If one country breaks international laws, the other nations in the group will hold it accountable.

They hope that other nations will follow their example.

All of the leaders of the nations sign it.

ARTICLE I

            All other treaties and alliances involving treaty nations are dropped.

ARTICLE II

They will seek a solution for every type of conflict.

ARTICLE III

The treaty has no expiration date.

It is the US’s duty to enforce this or call it into effect.

The treaty is available and has equal force in English and French.

The treaty will take effect once there are things in Washington that make it possible.

The treaty is to be made public.

The treaty finishes with a formal statement of the date and Hoover’s signature.

LAD #31: Fourteen Points

Wilson believes in treating the losing side fairly.

He wants to use the Treaty of Versailles to further democracy.

Everyone has different opinions on what to do about Germans and German allies.

They entered the war because of democracy and they plan to finish with it.

I. No secret treaties.  

II. Freedom of the seas.

III. No trade barriers

IV. Everyone have less weapons.

V. Settle colonial disputes

VI. Evacuation of troops from Russia.

VII. Belgium restored.

VIII. French territory returned

IX. Change borders of Italy according to nationality of people.

X. Austria-Hungary autonomous.  

XI. Occupied territories restored.  

XII. Ottoman Empire restored.  

XIII. Independent Poland created.  

XIV. League of Nations.

Wilson believes that his plan will succeed and hopefully stop such wars from occurring in the future.