LAD #21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Carnegie starts off with an elaborate, humanistic view of the widening income gap. The wealthy and the poor are becoming two very different groups of people. He believes that this change is for the best. He thinks that the people who are wealthy deserve to have much more than people who aren’t because they are more beneficial to society.

Carnegie however does not really believe that power should be concentrated in the hands of the few, and thinks that the common man should strive to learn more about his government and society so that he can play a more active role. He goes into an intricate description of options pertaining to the use of surplus wealth. Either it can go to the descendents of one family, or it can be given to the public for public welfare. Carnegie disapproves of the first method, believing it un-American and monarchal. He feels that each citizen has a right to earn their own money.

For the second method, Carnegie advises people not to wait until after death to make use of their funds, because after their death, their wishes can be twisted. Even though this method is most fruitful for the people, it is littered with disadvantages.

Despite the growing income gap, Carnegie believes the United States to be ideal in terms of economy. He believes that the rich and the poor have varied opportunities to make money, and that it is a choice how much money one has. However, this comes with the provision that the wealthy man should aspire to live an honest, non-indulgent lifestyle, and that he must look out for and try to get money to the poor people within the economy through employment or otherwise. 

LAD #20: Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, and effectively freed all slaves within “any States or designated part of a State.” The government and military will be fully involved in enforcing their freedom. The Proclamation goes so far as to state that anyone who defies this order and tries to inhibit slaves from leaving will officially be in rebellion against the United States. President Lincoln and the military forces he commands will openly suppress this rebellion. This will be in full effect for the first 100 days after the Proclamation is established. The states that are affected by this are Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the City of New Orleans) Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Lincoln again states that all slaves that reside in these areas are free and that their freedom will be maintained by the military and government. He suggests that the newly freed slaves find paid work and abstain from violence. He also says that some of these freed slaves will end up in the United States military.

LAD #19: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

Lincoln acknowledges that since it is his second election, there is less reason to make a long speech. He discusses the “great contest” that the nation is facing and provides an optimistic point of view on the subject. However, he clearly gives no prediction on its outcome.

Four years ago, the nation was anxious about a civil war and Lincoln had desired to preserve the union without warfare. Neither party wanted war, but in a way it was inevitable. He talks about slavery and how it was a reason for the North to keep fighting this war. He suggests that neither party expected the war to be this close or indecisive. He appeals to humanistic and religious values, stating that both sides read the same Bible and pray to the same God. Lincoln furthers this by saying that slavery was brought by God, but continued past its appointed time by man. Above anything, Lincoln wishes for the war to end with the side of justice winning. He talks of peace at the end, extending his focus to all nations around the world despite the fact that the United States is in the midst of a civil war. 

LAD #18: Dred Scott decision

The slavery debate in the South was raging in the late 1850s. The famous Dred Scott case embodied both the pro-slavery and abolitionist movements in the North and South sections of the United States. Many intelligent Americans were informed of the Dred Scott Case, and its implications for the future of expansion and the future of slavery in the United States. It was stated that the decision belonged fully to the Supreme Court Chief Justice Taney. His decision was wildly argued over and he got a lot of personal dislike from the people. He did not expect blacks to be able to be a part of the American political community, including both slaves and free blacks in the same category. With this assumption that Scott was never a full citizen of the United States, Taney was able to declare that he should not be allowed to sue in Federal Court at all. He says that the Constitution does not differentiate between slaves and other property, and thus Dred Scott is still a slave even after being relocated to the Missouri territory. 

LAD #17: Ain't I a Woman

Truth makes detailed references to the several miniature revolutions and reform movements going on in America at the moment, and speculates on when the white men will start to react violently over all of these power usurping issues.

She then goes on to detail her own personal experiences as a Southern black women, with her children sold off into slavery and her own experiences as a slave.

She relates this back to the reform movements that she is here to support, and points out a religious relate. She relates women today to both Eve and the virgin Mary, pointing out that women are strong and just as worthy as men.  

LAD #16: Fredrick Douglas's "5th of July" Speech

Douglas begins by addressing his fellow citizens, who presumably include both slaves and free men. He questions the idea and spirit of independence, announcing his belief that independence is a right all are entitled to. He states that the day of independence, celebrated the day before on July 4^th, is important but not wholly justified with many in the nation still not free. He addresses those who may mock him, scorning and shaming them. He goes so far as to call upon religion to prove his point. He eventually gets through to the fact that he is talking about American slavery. He attempts to get all Americans to empathize with the slaves and their opinion on freedom and things. He calls slavery “hideous” and “revolting.” Douglas’s goal is to prove that black and white men are equal in every way and calls to the stand the fact that many black people are doctors, gold diggers in California, and many other things other than slaves. He calls slavery the act of robbing a man of his liberty.

In conclusion, Douglas states that the Fourth of July is only a bad occasion for enslaved black people to feel the fact that they are not free and nowhere near independence. He condemns free Americans for not doing anything about slavery and questions the values that America truly stands for. 

LAD #15: Gettysburg Address

Lincoln takes us back to the beginning of the nation, when unity was the only option and the forefathers of the United States accomplished the nearly impossible feat of uniting the new nation. The current civil war has disrupted that union, but more importantly, it has caused American men to lay down their lives, and that is consecration enough for the grounds at Gettysburg. He commands respect for the battlefield and assures that the war and all it implies will never be forgotten from here. His final line puts in his hope for freedom and peace within the nation. 

LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Lincoln introduces himself and begins his speech with a wide idea of government, the presidency, and the age-old tradition of the inaugural address. He specifically states that he will not talk about matters that are not currently pertinent. From there, he jumps directly into the sectionalism issue. The Southern States hold the belief that their rights are in danger. Lincoln assures them that this fear is unfounded and the government wishes to detract from their rights. He then quotes a prior speech of his to prove this: “I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.” He says that he will stand by this and similar declarations. He wishes to preserve the Federalist balance of power in the nation and protect states’ rights. His plans for the presidency are to preserve the union by securing the rights of states to their own institutions but having the Federal government play a role in the lives of the nation’s people.

Lincoln next starts with some more specific claims about slavery. He quotes the section of the Constitution that mentions the fleeing of slaves from state to state. He upholds that every member of Congress swears to every section of the Constitution, including even this controversial bit. He continues to talk about the particular clause, belays the question of whether the right to re-impress slaves is a Federal or Reserved power, and even goes into the will of the captured slave. He questions the human rights involved in the slavery system, with a very clear purpose  of not offending the South.

Lincoln goes on to state his mission in office. He wishes to uphold the Constitution in all its fairness, and uphold the rights and safety of United States citizens. He humbly accepts his new position as President and praises all others before him. He again states his admiration for the Constitution. He questions the unity of the United States, referring slightly to the unsuccessful government under the Articles of Confederation. He then negates its value by saying that the union was together before the Constitution even existed, and as such the union should remain together.

He states a new type of revolution that could occur, state against state. He wishes that the bond of the union could mean more to the states than simply the bond of the state government to its people. Lincoln personally believes that his main duty is to keep harmony between the states and preserve the union as it has always been. He does not wish for this process to be violent, and he promises that there will be no violence unless it’s absolutely necessary on federal authority.

The laws of the federal government will continue to be enforced inside the union as much as the Constitution dictates. Lincoln is aware that there are people within the union who wish to see it destroyed, and to them he hopes that his message is able to get through and make them see his more sensible side. He does not believe that any true constitutional right has been denied to anyone within the union, despite all of the sectional dissent. Lincoln admits that he does not know whether the Constitution would permit slavery in territories, and that this is a question among many others that must be solved. This leads Lincoln into a description of additional constitutional controversies, which must be solved by the relenting of either the majority or the minority. This is a dire threat to the stability of the government. He asks the people if there are some who believe that no perfect union can ever be achieved.

Lincoln from there enters into a commentary on the possibility of secession. He asks if secession and anarchy have common ground. He firmly states that questions of constitutionality go to the Supreme Court and that they decide what is just and fair about the current outstanding issue. He expresses that constitutionality of laws is assured by judicial review.

He quickly jumps back into the central issue of slavery, stating the main debate between the two sides of the issue. Lincoln clearly states why secession is not an option, and compares the United States to a divorcing couple.

Lincoln reinstates the fact that government gets its power from the people that it governs, which is a constitutional principle, and swears to protect their rights and happiness within the union.

Lincoln ends his speech by encouraging all citizens or whichever state, section, or political party that they may belong to, to think about the issue and see Lincoln’s points. He states that this issue is in the hands of the citizens, not the president, and bides them to wish with him that the  government and the people could remain friends and refrain from becoming enemies. 

LAD # 13: Polk's War Message

Mexico-Texas Boundary 1845-1848

Polk’s war message of 1846 is about the possibility of a war between Mexico and the United States because of their recent disagreements. Mexico has been the main aggressor in this problem. Former peacekeeping advances have failed dismally. The Texas boundary is a main cause of concern in American and Mexican relations. The attempts to create a democratic compromise by Mr. Slidell and General Ferrera were an attempt at keeping the peace between the United States and Mexico, but this attempt as well as others largely failed.

The government of Mexico has been fairly uncooperative in such matters since then, and there are still definitive problems with the border of Texas. Polk has already ordered an army to stand between the officially declared United States territory and Texas, which is yet undeclared, for protection. The United States and Mexico recognize different borders in that area, and Polk is confident that the United States, with superior military and resources, can win this war and get Texas for themselves.

In their invasion of Mexico, the American troops were ordered to stay away from being aggressive toward Mexicans or Mexican property so that their relations could still be described as peaceful. Despite Mexican hostilities, the American army led by one General Taylor was able to keep his distance, causing political harm to befall only Mexico. 16 American soldiers were killed or wounded in a Mexican attack.

This attack is only one small spot in years of shaky relations with Mexico, during which numerous wrongs have befallen the United States from them. Polk suggests that a war with Mexico is a long time in coming. Commerce with Mexico and any peaceful relations that have existed are already greatly suffering. The nation of Texas will be a mere casualty in this attempt to right the wrongs between the two major countries.

Mexico has acted aggressively toward the United States despite attempts to negotiate peace, which leaves the United States no option but war.  

LAD #12: John Calhoun's Speech

Calhoun starts by stating his interest in preserving the union despite the slavery issue. He believes that one must understand the cause of the dissolution of the Union to try to solve the problem. The main cause, in Calhoun’s opinion, is the fact that the Southern states are unhappy with the union. Going further, the discontent that exists in the South is caused by the different political parties in their political lives. The force of political parties is a powerful one and could not stop the Southern discontent from spreading. There is another, deeper cause to the discontent in the South, and that is the simple belief among people in the South that they cannot remain a part of the union.

There are many causes for this feeling, the first being the prevalent slave issue. The fact that the northerners have dominance in the Federal government greatly bothers the South as well. This has led the South to believe that they are oppressed.  

Calhoun expresses some concern about the upcoming census, and the fact that there are territories approaching statehood in the North, but not the South. The true concern in this matter is that this problem is completely caused by the government. The looming problem of a sectional majority in the legislative branch of the Federal government also contributes. The North is also claiming territory and leaving the South out of it.

The problems caused by the tariff which helped Northern merchants but indirectly hurt Southern farmers is of particular issue. This has the effect of making the North richer and more appealing to immigrants. This contributes to the population shift that has given the North the majority in Congress.

Here, Calhoun jumps back to the issue of slavery, and how against it Northerners are. The slavery issue alone creates dissonance between the two, because the North thinks of slavery as sinful and primitive. Because of this, they feel that the South is a problem that takes away from the character of the nation as a whole.

Unless something is done, the nation will fall apart under these problems. The sectional problems cannot end until slavery is ended, but even that blow will not end the disunity between sections. However, if the agitation continues at the same level, the union will fall apart.

From here, Calhoun questions how the nation can be saved. Only by destroying the root cause for the problems can peace be achieved. Only the North can accomplish this, but they must be willing to, as they are the stronger party. The aim is to improve and strengthen the South to put the nation on equal footing.

Calhoun hopes that all the Senators to whom he is speaking wish for a peaceful settlement, and begs that his ideas be considered. He believes that he has done his duty on this matter by giving this speech, and that others must actually take the steps to produce peace. 

LAD #11: Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments

The beginning of the Seneca Falls Declaration mimics the introduction to the Declaration of Independence in saying that all  men (and women) are created equal and some specific clauses and oppositions to that statement.

They go on to create a list of grievances, specifically citing things that man has done to womankind, which continues to follow the format of the Declaration of Independence. These grievances include their rights to citizenship and property, and citing the specific differences between the treatment of men and women in American society, by both the public and the government. It includes both Church and state, showing that woman is given a subordinate position in both. The last grievance is more social and general, referring to the respect that women procure.

The Declaration next says that women should immediately be given all the rights that they are owed by the government. The next paragraph even states that they understand the difficulty of this process and the ridicule that they will unrightfully earn.

The last section contains a number of resolutions that the convention hoped to achieve, or claimed to already be true. The equality of men and women is the only central theme to these resolutions, for they involve equality in church, state, and society in general. 

LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine was an address given by President Monroe to Congress on December 2nd, 1983.

It begins by stating that the Russian Imperial Government wishes to negotiate with the United States for a compromise involving territory or colonies. England has made a similar attempt as well, and the United States wishes to remain friendly and neutral. Despite this, Monroe has decided that the American continent is off-limits to future colonization by other powers.

The United States has been having problems with the way Spain and Portugal have been treating their colonies. American citizens feel some responsibility to these people because they live in the same general region. The Doctrine goes on to refresh the idea of neutrality, especially the American plan to step in only when our own rights are being denied. It acknowledges that the beliefs of the European powers are fundamentally different from those of America, and reflects on America's decisions and peace-making processes. America's relationships with these powers should be relied upon to make decisions about what kind of control we want over our hemisphere. Monroe declares that the United States will not interfere with preexisting colonies, but will defend the independence of those who declare it. Any hostility against these countries will be regarded as an act of hostility towards the United States.

The problems between European countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, are an issue, and Monroe says to this that the American policy of neutrality will not change. He confirms that the allied powers cannot spread their influence to the American continents without disturbing American peace. He intends to set America up as a role model for other countries to consider a similar course in foreign policy.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Jefferson begins his address with a humble opening in which he praises America, the Constitution, and those who have upheld it. He sounds almost astonished that America has been able to accomplish so much in such a short period of time, and that he hopes to continue the legacy.

He continues with a strong statement about the unity of the American leaders, people, and governments and acknowledges its necessity. He takes this a step further by implying that Americans need to work together to prove America’s place in the world. He acknowledges differences in opinions throughout the world and further emphasizes his idea of American unity. He plays off this by looking critically at dissenting opinions within the United States and showing his pride in their current republican government while understanding that the common man may not think the same way.

From there he goes into America’s federal and republican principles and goals. He insists that the happiness of the general population depends on a wise and fair government, which he believes they have and is determined to keep in place. He speaks earnestly about equal rights and precedents to be set for later generations.

Jefferson’s personal political beliefs are then brought up. He believes in freedom as described in the United States Constitution, social equality, and neutrality and friendship with all nations above everything else. He mentions Federalism and the rights of the states, and makes a statement about the General Government, and that civil governmental authority triumphs over military authority. He again mentions freedom, restating the First Amendment, and the preservation of commerce and agriculture. He believes that these principles guided the American people through the tumultuous years of revolution and reformation and they are the correct path to continue on.

In conclusion,  Jefferson pledges his allegiance to the American people and apologizes in advance for any mistakes he may make. He ends with his highest goal of peace and prosperity for the American people.

Columbus Blog #8

Christopher Columbus was a historically prominent figure who immensely furthered the exploration and usage of the Americas. During a trip in which he was attempting to sail to Asia from Western Europe, Columbus found instead the Americas and for quite awhile, mistook the new continents for those he was looking for, going so far as to refer to the Native Americans he encountered as "Indians." This misconception is still accepted and widely used today. His voyage resulted in newfound European involvement in North and South America, along with the Caribbean islands. Columbus had a profound, lasting impact on the Americas, which can be construed as positive or negative.

It is easy enough to portray Christopher Columbus in a positive light. His bravery attests to that. In a time of faith and old-fashioned ideas, Columbus believed firmly and correctly that the world was round, and because of this belief accepted a mission that no one had ever embarked on before. He ended up stumbling upon the Americas, which was only a side effect of his goal but had a massive impact on global perception, commerce, and culture. His "discovery" of America, the Columbian exchange, and proof that the world is indeed round are all tribute to his perseverance of personal beliefs and bravery.

Columbus's negative effects on the Native American populations are horrifying and well-documented, which throws his life and all of his achievements into question. In his search for riches, Columbus and his men slaughtered and diseased entire populations of natives, with little or no thought for their culture. Columbus's inherently bad motive and actions in the Americas towards the natives makes one wonder if he is fit to have a glorified place in history at all.

In conclusion, Columbus was both a hero and a villain to some, but despite opening the doorway for centuries of Native American oppression, his actions led the world in an entirely new direction and he is absolutely crucial to world history.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

(Summary)

 Washington opens his Farewell Address with a summary of his decision to leave office and not be in the running for the next election, citing that a new president may be a more proper representation of the public voice. He goes on to reassure the public that his own intentions in resigning from the presidential office are not at all meant as harmful or uncaring to the people, and that he is very interested in the country’s future affairs. He explains his motivations for retiring a bit more, and adds that he hopes that no one will think badly of him for this decision. He moves from this into his relationship with the American government, people, and country itself, and states that he is thankful for having such a place in that. He expresses high hopes for the future of the country and praises the system of government that they Constitution has employed.

The next section describes Washington’s plans, hopes, and above all warnings for the future of the country and freedom of the people. Before anything else, he acknowledges and praises the national identity and patriotism of the American people. He takes the unity of government and of the citizens into consideration, and suggests that the American people aim to preserve this.

He then moves on to specific warnings that have to do with various territories in the United States. He breaks down the interterritorial relationships that exist, references the maritime industry that is important to the United States as a whole, and outlines the strengths that each territory has when it comes to trading. Washington warns against disputes that could lead to civil war, which could have brought about America’s fall as a global power. He points out some specific conflicts in America’s history thus far and warns the government and the people to settle such disputes quickly. 

            Washington moves on to talking about their government on a grand scale, and warns American citizens against committing infractions for the sake of the country. He reminds the citizens that they are the basis of the government and that the government exists to defend their rights. This all emphasizes his point of national unity.
            In the next bit, Washington warns heavily against believing in factions and parties, as they tend to be a persuasive minority of the population that has the potential to upset the balance of power. He is, however, optimistic about the state of the government and through that the future of the country, praising the efforts of the government and the Constitution in preserving the people’s rights and liberty.
            Washington continues to focus on the efforts of political parties, and instructs that the government stay away from them, referring to political parties and factions as government’s worst enemy. He more specifically warns about inter-party rivalry and bitterness and the adverse effect this type of competition could have on the government and the country as a whole. Washington states several more reasons for staying away from the idea of political factions, especially in international relations. He also addresses and shuts down the opinion that parties are useful for checks and balances in government.
            Washington broadens his topic to the government as a whole, and exalts the checks and balances system with suggestions for ways to maintain it. He briefly discusses religion and morality, and cites how each can help in governing a people.  These ideas are what make a popular government. He also advises about expenses and taxation, and the use of public credit.
            In foreign affairs, Washington suggests that the United States maintain a policy of neutrality, and to serve as an example of justice and benevolence to other nations. He advises that the nation make no particular alliances and to remain on good, fair terms with all nations. Special sympathy for one nation in particular often causes animosity with another nation, which is exactly what he wishes to avoid. A policy of neutrality also helps citizens retain an idea of national identity without unnecessary outside influence. He mentions England and its controversies with other nations in particular. He believes that a policy of neutrality will garner respect for America in the long run. In emergencies, a defensive stance is his preference, and in wars temporary alliances would be acceptable if necessary. He continues to recommend a neutral, friendly foreign policy from an economic standpoint.
            Washington completes his address with a humble showcase of his own presidency and asserts that he believes that he has ruled by the principles he believes in. He reminds the people of his Proclamation of Neutrality and strongly suggests that it stay in place, and states that he believes that a policy of neutrality is the best thing for the development of the United States. A reflection on his time in office and a reminder of all he has given to this country back up his ideas once again. The last paragraph is an optimistic, proud, and patriotic look at America as a nation, praising America’s good laws and free government.  

Republican Motherhood

1. The Revolutionary War created and codified the idea of Republican Motherhood. The ideas and new national prospects and virtues that emerged during this time period had a great deal to do with it, as patriotism was a big deal within the colonies and it was only natural to see the political scene transfer to the home, and for women to run it as such. The independence granted to the American colonies after the Revolutionary War encouraged patriotism, and women stepped into the role of promoting political patriotism and values within the home.

2. The concept of Republican Motherhood was a step in a new direction for the roles of women in the colonies. However, even though the idea gives women some opportunity to play a part in the workings of America (Doc A), it may be considered a slight step backwards from the roles some patriotic women played prior to the Revolutionary War. The idea of Republican Motherhood is certainly a step above traditional housewivery, but in contrast is not in league with the actions of the Daughters of Liberty and other patriots during the period leading up to the Revolutionary War.

3. Republican Motherhood is a curious intermediate idea between modern civil equalities between men and women and the traditional idea of women’s roles. The idea of Republican Motherhood acknowledges a woman’s potential, and can even serve as an advocate for women’s education (Doc B). Republican Motherhood reflects the idea of American and patriotic virtues in the home, and it is an important role for women to play in society (Doc C). Jonathan F. Stearns goes so far as to say that such a state of living empowers women and grants them a large amount of responsibility for what goes on in the world, in a way that could be beneficial or adverse (Doc D).

1. The setting is fairly plain and the scene appears to be in a simple home.

2. The mother serves as the center of the portrait with her sons clustered around her. She appears more Republican than aristocratic by wearing a simple dress and by appearing very affectionate toward her children.

3. The children in the paintings exhibit curiosity, through the younger one’s reaching out to touch something and the older one holding a bird, serenity, and patriotism through the red, white, and blue clothing that they are wearing.

4. The mother’s hand is wrapped around her younger son in a kind, motherly way. The significance of this is that the mothers of their time were expected to care for their children as well as teach them. It also signifies her guiding her children in the right direction, which matches up with the whole idea of Republican Motherhood. 

LAD #6: Proclamation of Neutrality

In the first paragraph, Washington proclaims that remaining neutral in the war between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, the United Netherlands, and France is the best policy for the United States.

It is important to Washington to continue maintaining friendly relations with all parties involved in the war, and to make every effort to keep from taking a particular side. The document goes on to say that any American who commits any act of hostility against any of the powers involved in the war is susceptible to severe punishment by the government. In addition, the United States will not help these people should they be caught in an act of hostility by a foreign country- they will be subjected to consequences as that country sees fit.

In conclusion, Washington mentions the seal of the United States of America and his own credentials, stating that he will stand by this proclamation. 

LAD: Federalist #10

1.  Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

Federalist #10 states that they can be eliminated in two ways, which are both technically possible but implausible and difficult. The first is by destroying the liberty that makes it possible for factions to exist. This remedy is logically implausible, however, because destroying that liberty would have far-reaching consequences beyond destroying the faction. The other method suggested in the Federalist is that factions can be controlled by giving every member of the public the same ideals and opinions as the faction. This is implausible in and of itself, but it also defeats the purpose of destroying the faction.

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

Factions would have to be removed by removing their causes, but the only way to cap their influence is to control their effects. The simplest way is already in place, the policy of majority rule in the US Constitution dictates that if a faction is less than half of the general community, than they cannot have any real political effects. A fear associated with this is that the faction may sway voters their way through deceitful means and then turn on them with different ideas. Factitious leaders will be naturally less likely to be chosen to have sway in political affairs because there are too many voters to persuade that their ideas are correct when they are not. 

Blog #4: Rethinking the Revolution

1. There was a lot of controversy and conspiracy surrounding how the revolutionary War would be remembered in history, by the wealthy upper class and the Founding fathers. Many of them actively took a role in forming their own histories by publishing flattering autobiographies.

2. While military leaders from the Civil War are more historically famous than anyone else from that time, the civilian leaders in the American Revolution are given more credit than their military leaders.

3. One of the reasons the Revolutionary War and the Civil war are thought of so differently in history are by the media that we have to remember them by. The paintings of the Revolutionary War were very tame, while Civil War paintings tended to be full of carnage.

4. The living conditions of the soldiers in the Revolutionary War were much worse than history makes them out to be. It was not limited to the 1776-1777 winter in Valley Forge.

5. Civilian casualties also made an impact on the Revolutionary War, particularly through diseases spread by soldiers on both sides. 

LAD #3: The Declaration of Independence

Summarize the Declaration of Independence in 3 parts (1. democratic principles, 2.list a handful of grievances, and 3. the conclusion).

1. The democratic principles that the Declaration of Independence starts off with greatly resemble the ideas of John Locke, which is particularly reflected in the statement “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” It goes on to outline the basic principles of democracy, focusing on government drawing its power from the people it rules over. It also states that it is the peoples’ right to overthrow a corrupt government. Beyond that, it insults the government of Great Britain and serves as an introduction to the grievances. 

2. The grievances listed in this section are mostly political in nature. It discusses lawmaking, government, and British disrespect toward existing American legislative bodies. A few of the grievances also point out obstruction of justice and denial of fair trials, as well as British military measures that were unjust to the American people. Trade and taxation issues enhanced the political grievances with the economic side of affairs. At the end of this section, the Declaration of Independence points out Britain’s largest failings, going so far as to claim that Britain had, in ruling the colonies “destroyed the lives of our people.” 

 

3. In the conclusion, it is clearly outlined that the Americans have tried every other possible route to solving the grievances that are listed above. It explains why separation between the two nations is absolutely necessary in very specific terms. The conclusion also serves to explicitly state their purpose and declare the official freedom of the United States from British rule. 

LAD #2: Zenger Trial

1. Who was John Peter Zenger? John Peter Zenger was a journalist who emigrated from Germany to the colonies in 1710.  He was the printer and editor for a newspaper called the New York Weekly Journal, which published a series of articles that were offensive to Governor William Crosby. He was arrested for libel because of this, and later acquitted. His case became one of the most famous and influential in journalism’s history.       2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense. The controversy that arose over the Zenger case had to do with the feeling that the government was using their power to convict citizens who were not guilty. The main question in his trial was whether Zenger had actually committed libel or simply insulted the government in a way that was within the law. Zenger’s lawyer, Hamilton, used the argument that one could not be charged for libel if they were telling the truth. This defense was accepted and Zenger was acquitted and freed.       3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition? The Zenger case was monumental when it came to the concept of freedom of the press. It also showed the enthusiasm many colonists had for democracy and the right to question the government, which was a major part of the trial. It was very influential for journalism and freedom of the press, and also helped define American ideas of what a government should be.       4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.

The trial was closely followed by the public, and represents a milestone in government, journalism, and the idea of American personal freedoms. It played a part in establishing the public and press’s part in the checks and balances of government. The Zenger trial was instrumental in the beginning of the relationship between journalism/press and government, and helped to solidify the idea of 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 includes the concepts of colonization with respect to the concept of fealty to the king. In addition, religion is appealed to several times. It also mentions government and the idea of ruling a colony, which was the major purpose of the document.

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
There are several references to King James, who was the king of England at the time and sponsored the voyage. However, the document mentions plans for a different type of government or constitution that doesn't quite reflect that of the old world. The document is about the creation of the main political body in their colony.

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

The Mayflower Compact refers only to the colonists from the Mayflower governing themselves, but the Fundamental Orders are more about a political body ruling over a larger group of people. This is because there were many more people in the colonies when the Fundamental Orders were written. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were also significantly more detailed and organized than the Mayflower Compact because the size of the colony they were ruling required it. Courts of law were also included in the Fundamental Orders and not mentioned 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 Fundamental Orders of Connecticut have very specific outlines for a system of governments and courts that would be very helpful to colonists as the population of the colonies grew. The constitution also favored democracy, which would grow to be valued in the colonies. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were written to create a solid governing body while preserving the freedom and democracy that early Americans valued.

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?

The Fundamental Orders put a limit on the amount of time a single person can hold a particular office. In some cases, this was only one year. A democratic method of voting was another way the colonists of Connecticut ensured a balance of power. It reflects fear of a single person taking too much power by ensuring a democratic system.