Tuesday, December 20, 2016

LAD #25 Dawes Severalty Act














The Dawes Severalty Act was created to break up reservations and make the Natives independent, as well as assimilate to white culture. It also gave them land so they would be sufficient farmers and take away their culture and way they were used to gathering crops. The act also allowed Native Americans to be granted citizenship if they cooperated, but there were some groups that were denied this opportunity.

Pictures: I chose a picture of the Act and and a picture of a ghetto where Jewish people were forced to move to. This is similar to the Act because it forced a minority group to a certain area of land and they were forced to change the way they lived. Many Native Americans were killed in their fight and resistance against foreign influence as were the Jews during the Holocaust and fight for their basic human rights. The Holocaust is related to American history because many people fled Germany to come to America for safety and were also a minority in the States, similar to the Natives.
LAD #24 Bryan’s Cross of Gold Speech















William Jennings Bryan who was a Democrat from Nebraska, gave the speech called “Cross of Gold.” In the speech he addresses that he thinks the question about money is the most prominent issue in America and the election. He believes that the settlers who farm out west are just as important as the business man’s work. He also praises Jackson for removing power from the wealthy and returning in to the common man. He supported ideals of the Populist Party including bimetallism, the idea that the U.S. Mint should coin silver and gold. He then goes on to defend the graduated income tax law and was a large influence in the debate about gold and silver.

Pictures: I chose a picture of Bryan and a picture of Thomas Jefferson because they had similar ideals. Bryan referenced the Declaration of Independence and Jefferson's idea that all men are created equal. They were both important figures that reached a large audience and wanted the common man to have more power and create reforms in the economy, politics and labor.
LAD #23 Populist Party Platform


















The Populist Party emerged in the late 1800s and were at their peak in the late 1890s when they were regarded as a third party. The Populist Party Platform included the Preamble, Platform and Expression of Sentiments. The Preamble talked about how they felt that the abuse by the big businesses needed to end and that labor was harmful, with bad conditions. They believed the rich should not get richer and they also referenced the lack of silver in the monetary system. They wanted an expansion in government and wanted equal rights. In the Platform, they talked about how they wanted protection of the working class and government control of the railroad companies. In the Expression of Sentiments, the Populists demanded secret ballot elections that were fair and wanted pensions to soldiers. The party rejected government aid to business and wanted more limits on immigration because they felt they were taking away American jobs.

Pictures: I chose a picture of the Populist Party at the nominations convention and a picture of the Justice Party which was formed in 2011. They are a group of political activists who stand for progressivism and want change like the people of the Populist Party. They also want to restore fairness to the political system, end corruption and return the power to the people.
LAD #22 McKinley’s War Message















In 1865, the Cubans had rebelled against their Spanish rulers. This action started a war and the United States decided to remain neutral for three years. He created the message for Congress so they would discuss the Cuban War with Spain. In his message, he talks about how the war affected the people and trade. He proposed the idea that the United States should either intervene as an active ally, or as a mediator. He mentions the Maine Crisis and implies that Spain is to blame for it. Lastly, he asks for Congress to help by asking them for their permission to intervene and the access to the military to use force if necessary.

Pictures: I chose a picture of Mckinley and a picture of Woodrow Wilson because he gave a war message also. He also asked the U.S. Congress for permission to go to war, he wanted to wage war against Germany because of the sinking of the Lusitania. Both presidents felt that it was in the country's best interest to go to war and wanted to protect their nation.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

LAD #21 Carnegie’s Gospel of Wealth
















Andrew Carnegie was successful in the iron and steel business. In the Gospel of Wealth, he teaches how someone should handle money and how to protect it. He also talked about how wealthy people are needed in society to keep it balanced and they are helpful in distributing money and helping those who are less fortunate. Carnegie followed the guidelines he created and funded many libraries, as well as the University, Carnegie Mellon.

Pictures: I chose a picture of Andrew Carnegie and a picture of John Purdue who was a wealthy industrialist who also funded a college, Purdue University that would be named after him. Carnegie and Purdue were both successful men that used their money to fund a school for education that would continue to run and be attended for many years to come.

Friday, November 25, 2016

LAD #20 Emancipation Proclamation
















The Emancipation Proclamation identifies two new things. First it states that any black people that were held as slaves in the Southern states in rebellion to the Union would now be declared free. This made sure they would be respected and treated better than they had been. It also declares a list of states where this will apply. Lastly, Lincoln declared the slaves in those states will be regarded as free with full rights. This proclamation would help change the way blacks were treated and would help lead to the abolition of slavery and new rights and freedoms guaranteed to them.

Pictures: I chose a picture of the Emancipation Proclamation and a picture of women protesting them being denied the right to vote. This lead to the 19th amendment that stated no one can be denied the right to vote based on their sex. Both of these documents, or changes gave blacks and women more rights and the basic freedoms of humans. They both lead to change and would greatly impact many people.
LAD #19 Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address
















Lincoln starts off by saying his address doesn’t need to be as long as his first because no new information needs to be presented, as most of it is well known. He talks about how he does not know how the war will end and when it will be over. He also talks about how in his first Inaugural Address he stated that he wanted to avoid war to preserve the Union and how the South wanted to destroy it, while the North wanted to preserve it. He continues to talk about how he will try to fix the segregated Union and repair it from the secession and division among the people that has created conflict and disunity.

Pictures: I chose a picture of Abraham Lincoln and a picture of George Washington because he was the first President and the first to run two terms. Many other Presidents ran for a second term, as well and gave a second Inaugural Address like both of these Presidents did. They would address similar topics on how they would continue to better the Union and the changes they would make and the things they would keep the same.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

LAD #18 Dred Scott Decision 














In the case of Dred Scott vs. Sanford in 1857, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Sanford. The issue brought up in the case was about slavery arriving in free states. The decision that was made was since Scott was black and not a U.S. citizen, Scott didn’t even have the right to bring his case to court in the first place. The Supreme Court also ruled that slaves were considered property, but he argued that he was a free slave because he was above the Compromise Line and was forced back to the state he came from and to his old master master. The Court declared that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional and therefore, Scott would remain a slave.

Pictures: I chose a picture of Dred Scott and a picture of the Marbury v. Madison case because the case established judicial review that would be evident in Dred Scott's case. This allowed the court to declare the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional and it was also another court case that was very important in history and had to do with the appointment of people to the Supreme Court.
LAD #17 Ain’t I a Woman Speech














Sojourner Truth delivered her speech in 1851 at a women’s convention in Akron, Ohio where she addressed the difference in treatment between black and white women. She begins by talking about all the movements regarding women and abolition and how she wants change. She then goes on to say that she saw a woman being helped into a carriage and she doesn’t and won’t get that same treatment because she is black. She realizes that women aren’t treated as equals and asks the question “Ain’t I a Woman?” which shows her frustration because of the way she is treated because she is a black woman. Lastly, she says that Jesus came from a woman, not a man which shows that they are important and the world has been turned upside down and change needs to occur.

Pictures: I chose a picture of Sojourner Truth and a picture of Harriet Tubman because they were both black women who wanted to advocate for black right's and tried to create change through their lifetimes. They both played important roles in fighting for equality and would be remembered as very inspirational women that changed America for the better.
LAD #16 5th of July Speech
















In the 5th of July Speech, given by Frederick Douglas he expresses his resentment towards slavery and says that even though the white Americans are celebrating because they have their independence, the blacks are still denied that privilege. Blacks are still not being treated equally even though they are a big part of the nation and work just as hard as everyone else. He also talks about the morality of the country and goes on to address the unfair wages and liberties that dehumanize the blacks. Lastly, he explains that even though Independence day is important and a special day for the white Americans, it is a reminder for the blacks and injustice they faced and he does not want to take part in the celebrations.

Pictures: I chose a picture of Frederick Douglas and a picture of Rosa Parks because they are both very strong advocators for black rights. They both worked to create awareness for blacks and promote equality. They also dealt with hardships throughout their lives and were very important in history and helped to create change that would greatly affect many people.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

LAD #15 Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
















Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was given after the Battle of Gettysburg and he talked about the ideas of equality and freedom. He admires the courage of the people who died and fought in the battle and believed their ideas and morals that they fought for were their greatest accomplishments. Lincoln also says that he doesn’t believe a united country should be fighting in a civil war and instead the nation should be working together. Lastly, he says that the U.S. will move on and become bigger and stronger and he hopes the nation can provide equality and freedom to all, once again.

Pictures: I chose a picture of Lincoln giving his address to the people and I also chose a picture of Martin Luther King Jr. because his "I have a dream speech" is similar to Lincoln's. In King's speech he talks about how he wants equality and freedoms for all people and they both talk about how they want America to move on from their hardships and progress into something bigger and better. They both address similar points and talk about how they want change and that they admire the courage of those who stand up and fight for what they believe in and want to make a difference in history.
LAD #14 Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address







In Lincoln’s inaugural address given in 1861, he mostly talks about slavery and how he does not want to interfere with it. He goes on to say that he has taken an oath to “preserve, protect, and defend the United States Constitution” and says that he will not use force against the south unless it is necessary. Lincoln also states that he supports protecting slavery in the states and will enforce the Fugitive Slave Act. His primary goal is to keep the Union together and believes this can be achieved through diplomacy.

Pictures: I chose a picture of Abe Lincoln and a picture of George Washington because he referenced similar points in his inaugural address. For example, he talked about how he would be following the Constitution and that it outlined all the rules and laws he would be following and that the people need to abide by. He also wanted unity in America, like Lincoln and believed that it could and would be achieved. Both are very important presidents that impacted history and wanted the best for America.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

LAD #13 John Calhoun’s Speech

















In 1850, John Calhoun addressed the Senate about slavery and the issue it created. He believed slavery was causing the nation to not be united and he wanted that to change. He wanted the North and the South to unite, as well as political parties, to bring people together and create the desired unity. At the time, the North had a larger population and seemed to have more power than the South. The North also had a greater number of representatives and more power in the federal government, while the South had a smaller population, resulting in less influence in the government. The North did not promote slavery and wanted to abolish it, which caused problems because the South still had slaves. Calhoun’s solution was to reestablish equal justice in both the North and South by persuading the North to give up some of its power. Calhoun believed that this needed to happen to create unity and would therefore preserve the nation.

Pictures: I chose a picture of John Calhoun and a picture of Abraham Lincoln because he was against slavery too. Lincoln issued the emancipation proclamation which freed many slaves. He issued this because it was not fair to treat a group of people worse than others and he wanted to try to create more unity among the nation, as well.
LAD #12 Polk’s War Message


















James Polk’s speech was given in 1846 about the relationship between Mexico and The United States. He told the people that he had sent an envoy to Mexico, but they refused to listen to his proposals. John Slidell was sent to discuss the problems, most of them stemming from the Texas border issue. After this, a military revolution was enacted in Mexico and the President gave his power to a military dictator. He also talked about how America should and wanted to protect their territorial rights and not engage in war with Mexico to support a peaceful relationship. He then goes on to say that Mexico has begun to invade and informs the people that Mexico has broken their agreement to receive an envoy and an offer of peace. As a result, the tensions began to grow, creating a war because they had entered U.S. territory and posed as a threat to the nation and its people.

Pictures: I chose a picture of James Polk and a picture of the XYZ Affair because this affair was where American diplomats were sent to France to try to create peace. Both of these events are very similar in that envoys were both sent to foreign countries as an attempt to create peace and solve problems, but were both turned away, both resulting in growing tensions and war.
LAD #11 Seneca Falls Declaration














The meeting held in Seneca Falls was where women and men met to discuss issues regarding women’s rights and freedoms. The Declaration of Sentiments lists 11 resolutions on women’s rights, including the right to vote. The Declaration outlines all of the things women have been denied of and then go on to giving resolutions for each of the problems. It also references that all men are created to be equal, but they argue that women should too. These people who met in Seneca Falls were advocating for change and wanted to make a difference.

Pictures: I chose a picture of the list of names of people who attended the convention for women's rights and I chose a picture of Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. They are two very important and big supporters for women's rights that are very evident in today's society and have constantly fought for changes and greater equality for women.

Monday, October 31, 2016

LAD #10 Monroe Doctrine














1.  What did the issuing of the Monroe Doctrine express from an American perspective post War of 1812?

The Monroe Doctrine expressed strength as an international power. The United States was a recently new nation and other countries, especially Europe underestimated it. The doctrine helped establish that the United States was powerful and it prevented Europe from further colonization of America. It also showed America’s desire to keep and maintain peace and its form of government.

2.  What was Secretary of State Adams' hope when he wrote the Monroe Doctrine?

He hoped to keep the U.S. safe from wars and foreign affairs with Europe. He wanted to eliminate any further European influence that would pose as a threat to America, as well as keep peace and neutrality. Lastly, he hoped to establish the U.S. as a strong and powerful nation that would be influential and successful.

3.  What is the key phrase in the entire document that you need to remember as the cornerstone or American Foreign Policy?


“As a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European power…” This phrase serves as the cornerstone because it says that the U.S. is not allowing European nations to colonize in America. It states that in order to maintain freedom and protect their government, along with their way of life they need to keep European influence to a minimum.

Pictures: I chose a picture of a cartoon about the Monroe Doctrine and a picture of Jay's Treaty because it was also used to remove foreign influence and set boundaries so France and Great Britain would not have vast amounts of land or control in America. The treaty was used to limit their control and control trading rights and power, similar to the Monroe Doctrine.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address LAD #9
















Jefferson was the founding father of the Anti-Federalist party, so in his address he advocated for the rights of the states and the people. He also supported strict interpretations of the Constitution and therefore mentions specific principles from the Constitution, such as popular sovereignty. He also enforces the concept of national unity and wants to make sure that Americans have an opportunity to create their own lives and have freedoms. He states that the people should trust the new Federal Government because it is run for the people, by the people and is stronger than ever. Lastly, he acknowledges that not everyone will always agree with him and the policies he implements, but will do his best to provide for the nation.

Pictures: I chose a picture of Thomas Jefferson as well as a picture of Barack Obama because he gave an inaugural address, too. Obama talked about national unity in his speech, like Jefferson and wanted to provide for the people of America and give them opportunities to succeed. They both wanted to make changes and further improve the nation and addressed similar topics in their speeches.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Columbus Blog















Should Christopher Columbus be considered a hero or a villain?

He should be considered as both to differing extents, but overall he seems to be more of a villain than a hero. I believe this because he never actually did discover America, he arrived at the Bahamas and millions of people had already been living in North America at the time. Also, when he arrived there, he enslaved many native people and used them for labor and whatever else he needed. He did not treat them well even though he had arrived on their land, instead he manipulated them to benefit himself. He was later arrested by the Spanish Government for his mistreatment of the Natives and he was stripped of his title as Governor which brought down his reputation. Although he did a lot of bad things and is known as a villain, he did help create a bridge between the old and new world in what became known as the Columbian Exchange. This was the exchange of plants, animals, culture and helped develop a new modern age that would transform the world.


Pictures: I chose a picture of Christopher Columbus and a picture of O.J. Simpson because it was debated whether he was a hero or a villain, as well. He was a football player and convicted felon who ended up going to jail and is still there. It was a very big debate whether he was guilty or not and people seemed to be split, either believing he was innocent, or guilty of the crime for killing people. This lead to controversy because he was loved by many football fans and is similar to Columbus because people seem to have opinions on both of them regarding whether they are considered heroes or villains.