LAD #21 Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Being one of the wealthiest men of all time, Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth talked about the gap between the rich and the poor in society. He discussed how the gap between those in poverty and those living well off was growing and his plans to fix that in order to create a middle class. Carnegie did not believe in inheriting wealth, and instead thought it was bad for the economy. His plan to equal out the wealth was first he brings up the primogeniture ideal of Europe. Even though it positively promotes money circulation, it creates numerous restrictions and limitations. Secondly he addresses that when the wealthy die, there should be death taxes placed on his wealth so that his unused money gets into the hands of many not just staying with one. His main belief was people should spend money in order to benefit society.

LAD #20: Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation states two things very clearly. First it says that  any black people currently bound by the institution of slavery in the Southern states are to be forever free in the Northern Union and that they are to be fully respected and deemed as such by military personnel. Second, it lists the states where the Proclamation applies. Despite the fact that some areas in Louisiana and Virginia, such as Nawlins, did not have to follow the contents of the legislation the list of states composed of Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. All those states had to free all there slaves, which would crush their economy, and those slaves would be forever free and to be treated equally. Lincoln claimed the slaves once indebted to the institution of slavery are now fully freed and have rights to be fully maintained in the North. 

LAD #19: President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

Lincoln's Second Inaugural Speech is short, and at its opening he declares that there is little new news to present to the nation, and that the progress of the war was as well known to the general public as it was to himself. He says how the nation was divided and therefore the war had to happen. He believes the cause of the war was also that all of the slaves were mostly in the south. But although some people wanted this war, neither side expected it to be as bad and long as it was. The North thought it would be a quick easy victory but they were wrong. He then talks about God's role in the war and how people would pray for help but he could not answer either side because they all had the same beliefs of him and it was over the issue of slavery. He sums it up by saying that the God and him want to care for the nation and let it achieve unity and peace within it.

LAD #18: Dred Scott Supreme Court Case

In the appealed case of Dred Scott vs. Sanford, the Supreme Court decision brought forth by eighty-year old Chief Justice Roger B. Taney agreed with the side of Sanford. He agreed that Scott, who was a slave, should not be allowed rights because he was not a citizen due to the fact that his parents emigrated to the United States. Taney, looking at the Constitution, made this decision on the fact that it made no clear separation between slaves and other forms of property and people. Scott was considered propety and Sanford owned him and had right over him making this case an easy decision. He was not a citizen he was property and property can not sue. Taney then concluded that the compromise was unconstitutional and this would lead to further tensions and problems as slaves would begin to demand their rights even more.

LAD #17: Sojourner Truth Speech

Sojourner Truth delivered her speech to the Ohio Women's Convention in Akron to address the two primary issues of racist and sexist prejudices which currently plagued the nation. She expressed discontent at the value of the rights given to women at this time. She said how women could work just as hard and efficient as men and that the labels men give them are degrading and inaccurate. She has been through so much in her life, battling slavery, the grief of losing her children, working as hard as she ever could so why is she not treated as any white woman would be treated like or respected as much as any man. In closing, she states that man was created by God and a woman, so women should be more respected than they are.

LAD #16: Frederick Douglass' "5th of July" Speech

"What to a slave is the 4th of July?" was the over arching question centering Frederick Douglass' "5th of July" speech. He asks what the true meaning of independence is for an African American slave. He questions independence for some people because some people are bound to slavery their whole life. While some rejoice on this special day in American history he mourns and looks at the fact that the black man did not receive the same treatment as the white man. In conclusion, Douglass claims that despite the actions taken on behalf of this nation for independence, their has also been numerous atrocities against slaves which have occurred within its borders that have not seen anywhere else throughout the world.

LAD #15: Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

He starts off his speech with the famous "fourscore and seven years ago" while recognizing and giving respect to the Americans who died fighting for our nations freedom. Finally our nation had gained independence but now there is a whole new set of problems dragging it down including civil war, tariff disputes, the obvious slavery issue, and the rise of sectionalism. And now with the South seceding from the North more issues than ever were at hand. Lincoln tells his audience that they must continue fighting so that the soldiers do not die in vain and that the people's freedoms and democracy are preserved. He closes with "shall have a new birth of freedom" saying that after all this is over our nation will come out even stronger and more patriotic. 

LAD #14

Tim Foster

Mr. DeCarlo

APUSH

18 November 2012

Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Lincoln starts off addressing slavery and the tensions between the North and the South. He does not pick a side in the argument and states that his main goal is preserving the union. He said he will not interfere with the slavery in the South and says the constitution doesn't say a slave can leave one state then be free in the next state he enters. He warns the people that dividing the nation over the topic of slavery and tries to reassure the American people that their neighbors are friends not enemies. He puts more and more emphasis on the value of National unity and Lincoln ends his short speech by saying that the men who died for this country shall not have died in vain. That they died for the United States and for freedom.

LAD #10: The Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine was a not just a document, but a statement made by America to all European powers. It banned the colonization of the New World by the Old World countries and also said they were not allowed to interfere with the fragile nation. The U.S., Russia, and Great Britain believed the time had come where they were going to end colonial domination of other countries and focus more on domestic issues in their own countries. The United States delcared that an attempt to colonize nations would be interpreted as a threat to American security and appropriate action would take place. This helped establish an early form of foreign policy for the new, young nation and also stopped the domination of European countries in the Western hemisphere and South American Nations were recognized as independent. 

LAD #9

Tim Foster

Mr. DeCarlo

APUSH

11 October 2012

Jefferson, being the founding father of the Anti-Federalist party he advocated rights to the states and the people. He felt the constitution should be interpreted strictly and throughout his speech he emphasizes the extraordinary value that it has. He talks about finding resources like wisdom and virtue and asks for encouragement to guide the nation safely. Jefferson explains that his “Jeffersonian democracy” will provide rights for all but will be set up according to the will of the majority. He urges the citizens of the United States to trust him and his Jeffersonian Democracy because it will be based on their own Constitution. Throughout the whole speech he keeps referring to the people as “fellow-citizens” showing he is modest and is putting him on the same level as the citizens. Overall he has a positive outlook for the country under his presidency and asks for strength and support from his people

Columbus Blog #8

Most people know Christopher Columbus as the man who discovered the America's but was all he ever did good? Many people also don't know the bad side to Columbus and due to his historic discoveries people often overlook what he did to the Native Americans. Columbus is both a hero and a villain but he is a hero to a greater extent. 

Columbus was very important in the discovery of the America's despite that it was by accident. This would soon lead to many people to travel and colonize the America's. He was a great explorer, overconfident and cruel, but still a hero. He helped begin the movement to the America's when Britain was in dire need and when people talk about Columbus he should be remembered as a brilliant explorer who changed the course of history as we knew it. On the villain side of Columbus, once he arrived in the America's he immediately acted like no one else was living there. He disregarded the Natives, took advantage of their land and killed them in mass numbers. Although he treated them so brutally, Columbus was only trying to do what was best for his home country and all of Europe. Columbus may have killed and mistreated natives but to no extent that other Spanish conquistadors did like Cortez and Pizzaro. Despite mistreating and killing the natives, Columbus made a groundbreaking discovery that changed the course of World History making him a Hero.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

Tim Foster
APUSH
Mr. Decarlo
27 September 2012

In Washington's farewell speech, he expresses his concerns with the American people while also thanking them for their support of his views. Washington told the people that they are one body now held together by freedom. Washington also the attitudes of the people to be an obstacle in the welfare of the country. He said people should value national union above happiness because at this time pride in ones country, religious manners, and political principles were all being trumped by self interests of the individual. The people only thinking about themselves could jeopardize the power of the government and union of the nation Washington said. Additionally he wanted to caution people about international relationships and discouraged relationships with other countries. Regardless of the financial benefits he wanted Americans to stay neutral as best as possible.

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Tim Foster
APUSH
Mr. Decarlo
27 September 2012

Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality declared the United States a neutral power in the War of First Coalition which was between France and Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and United Netherlands. Washington warned the people of America that any citizen that decides to engage in hostility of the European nations at war will lose the U.S. protection and would face persecution and punishment.

Republic Motherhood Blog

Tim Foster
APUSH
Mr. DeCarlo
26 September 2012

1. What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to republic motherhood? Before the Revolutionary War women really had no role in society and were just housewives. There only real responsibility was to God. Republican Motherhood gave them new duties and responsibilities. They were expected to nurse and educate the new generation of people and if a woman left her household she was deserting the station which God and nature assigned her (Doc A). Motherhood became more important than running the home.

2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women? It affected them positively and negatively. Negatively it limited them from being in many positions of work because their main priority was supposed to be home. Also if a child did not act as they should they blame was put on the mother (Doc D). On the positive side, They learned some geography and book keeping skills and were given knowledge on the english language to teach the next generation (Doc B).  They were expected to train the generation to be good citizens (Doc A).

3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women's socialization? Republican Motherhood was an advancement for women because they had more responsibilities than just the one with God even though that remained very important (Doc A). Additionally, the women were said to be brave Americans and always dear to America due to their service (Doc C). Another positive was the education given to this women during this time period. In document B Benjamin rush said that it was necessary for women to know the English language, how to write, how to read, geography, and even history. Lastly, women begin to think higher of themselves because they gained more responsibilities in the world and were very important in shaping the future generation (Doc C). 

1. Describe the setting
Mary and her two sons are sitting, all smiling, on a couch or chair in their house in the family room or the living room.

2. Who serves at the center of the portrait and why? How does the women look? How is she a "republican" rather than aristocratic? The mother is the center of the portrait and showing she holds the most significance. She looks very comfortable and pleasant and I can tell she is a republican because she is not dressed up for the picture she looks casual. Also she is holding her children with pride and showing their importance to her.

3. What values do her sons exhibit? They look like proper young men and look well raised. Since their mom is a republican they are most likely well educated despite their young age. \

4. Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham's arm? Her arm placement to me shows her protection and love for her children. She could also be signifying that she is holding the younger son because she does not want him to fall. 

LAD #5 The Federalist #10

Tim Foster

Mr. DeCarlo

Ap US

24 September 2012

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate? Factions are difficult to eliminate because it would have to be accomplished by either taking away liberty of the people or making sure each citizen has the same opinions. Doing either of these things is very unrealistic which makes it harder to remove factions from the political world. taking away liberty from the people would be going against what the colonists fought for so many years and it is morally wrong. People will never have the same opinion on anything because no two people think or act the same way.

2. If factions cannot be removed how can they be controlled? Factions can be controlled by instituting a republic government and its principle that majority overrules minority. This type of government would alter the way representation takes place and would eliminate an abundance of various political parties and unworthy candidates. In America a republic would work better than a democracy because a democracy is better for controlling a smaller population of people and a republic can handle a large country like ours. Also a republic allows several factions to be represented through elected representatives where in a democracy each person represents themselves. 

Blog #4 - Revolution Article

5 Things I learned while reading.....

1. For every soldier in the Continental Army 1 in 4 died. It was 1 in 5 for soldiers that fought in the Civil War. During WWII 1 in 40 U.S. soldiers died.

2. While the military leaders of the Civil War are more famous, during the Revolutionary War the civilian leaders are given more credit than the military leaders.

3. The living conditions for soldiers were not just limited to the winter conditions of Valley Forge in 1776-1777, in fact they were much worse than living conditions during the Civil War.

4. John Adams was very jealous of Ben Franklin and George Washington and believed that the great epic of revolution, which he was a part of, would have a distorted history.

5.  The American armies were desperate when it came to clothing. Many men walked through snow, rough terrain, and woods while fighting without shoes on. Frostbite and infections would happen very easily. Not only this, but soldiers were not fully clothed at times and were often considered “naked.” They were so desperate that they would steal the clothes off the back of captives, causing low probability of surviving in captivity. 

LAD Declaration of Independence

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

1. There were numerous democratic principles included in the Declaration of Independence, one of which is that all men are created equal. Also that all men were born with natural rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights would be secured by the government, which can be created and altered by the people. If there is corruption in the government, it's the people's right and duty to abolish it.

2. The colonists had many grievances against the King of Britain. Some of those were The King would not enforce some laws in the colonies and would ignore all well being of the general public. Additionally, The King would limit the trade of the colonies so it would only benefit Britain. Taxation without representation was another big grievance because the colonies thought they should have some consent on the tax process. King George also took away colonial charters and changed colonial government laws.

3. The colonists were sick and tired of living under British rule. Every time the colonists petitioned to try and address simple matters, they were answered with injury. The declaration was the final petition marking the end of Britain rule in the colonies. The Colonies declared they are free and independent with all power any normal country would have.

Peter Zenger Questions

Peter Zenger Questions

1. Who was John Peter Zenger? John Peter Zenger was a printer, publisher, and editor of the New York Gazette who spoke out to the onerous polices of colonial governor William Cosby who was newly appointed. Cosby then charged Zenger with seditious libel and was put in jail eight months awaiting his trial.

2.What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense. The controversy was all the people that hear about this case were on his side and in fact believed his accusations were not slanderous but they were true. Hamilton's defense argued that if what Zenger was saying was true that it would not be libelous because he is just saying what is what.

3.What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition? It changed the way the court looked at libel suits. After this case anything that people were saying, no matter how bad it is, was not considered libelous.

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain. This trial was the groundwork for the advancements towards freedom of the press. After this, Newspapers could print articles criticizing anything they wanted as long as they were true.

LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact? Some concepts included in the Mayflower Compact was it was a promising step towards self-government and the concept of majority rule during open-discussion town meetings was established.

2.How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds? The Mayflower Compact reflects an attachment to the "Old world" such as governmental ideas branching off of Britain "Old world" laws. The attachment to the "New world" is democratic ideas set up buy the Pilgrims' for example, forming their own local government and holding town meetings.

3.How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact in that the Mayflower Compact was not going to be permanent but just a form or government to keep the Pilgrims in line and keep them from not following the laws they set up. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was a permanent government which would involve the people, set up precedents for the future, and display what power the government and the positions in government would have.

4.What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution? What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to use a written constitution was they wanted a strong, unified government. They wanted a democratic form of government where the people chose who they want to lead them and they wanted a written set of laws. These laws also helped Connecticut become more independent from Britain.  

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? With the fear that one person would contain all the power in government the Fundamental Orders set up a democratic government so they people could choose who they want to lead them. Also the Fundamental Orders limited the powers of the leaders of the government in order for them not to control complete power. 

My first blog post!