LAD #21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Summary:

Life has been revolutionized in the past hundred years. Unlike former days there is a much bigger contrast between the lives of the employer and the employed, but this progress is highly beneficial. Without the great irregularities, society would relapse into old conditions. How do those who are wealthy administer their wealth? Not just the basic savings- that is only competence. There are three modes of disposal: leave it to descendants, give it for public purposes, or administer during their life. The first is what the monarchs and upper classes use, and it puts a burden on the family. For the second mode, one has to wait until he is dead to do good. States are taxing estates more, showing its contempt for hoarding. The last option is most fruitful for the rich and the poor, but is different from communism. It's better for the wealthy to distribute the wealth then for it to be given to the people in small sums. This is the duty of a wealthy man: to not live extravagantly and distribute his wealth.



photo- http://www.americaslibrary.gov/assets/aa/carnegie/aa_carnegie_phil_1_m.jpg

LAD #20: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

Summary:

(March 4, 1865)

A president's second inaugural address ought to be shorter than his first, and it should describe the course of the past four years and the hoped course for the next four. All dreaded the Civil War, but inevitably it came. The colored slaves, one eighth of the population, mostly located in the South, were a cause of this war. Neither side expected it to last this long. Both sides pray to the same God, and it is His will that this war has come when it has. Let us finish this work and make lasting peace with ourselves and all nations.

photo- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Abraham_Lincoln_second_inaugural_address.jpg

LAD #19: Emancipation Proclamation

Summary:

(January 1, 1863)

All slaves within rebellious states are free. The executive branch and its military and naval power will uphold the freedom of these people. A state is not in rebellion if it is represented in the Congress of the United States. This is a necessary war measure. The freed people should not engage in acts of violence, and they should attempt to earn legitimate wages. They are invited to join the Union army. This emancipation is an act of justice and warranted by the Constitution.

photo- http://mtviewmirror.com/wp-content/uploads/the-emancipation-proclamation-american-school.jpg

LAD #18: Dred Scott Decision

Summary:

(1857) The court decided that no black person, including a free black person, had the privilege to sue in court. Even though Scott had traveled to Illinois he was still considered property.

photo- http://figures.boundless.com/7308/full/dredscott.jpeg

LAD #17: Ain't I A Woman

Summary:

(Sojourner Truth, 1851)

Even though I'm a woman, nobody has ever treated me like a white woman. I have worked like a man and borne 13 children. It is now up to us to turn this world right side up.

photo- http://a3.files.biography.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,g_face,h_300,q_80,w_300/MTE1ODA0OTcxODA3OTY2NzMz.jpg

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

Summary:

(Frederick Douglass, 1852)

Black people have no reason to partake in the festivities of the Fourth of July because independence doesn't extend to them. The jubilee is a mockery of the suffering of millions, and American reigns in hypocrisy.

photo- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Frederick_Douglass_portrait.jpg

LAD #15: Gettysburg Address

Summary:

87 years ago, this country was founded on the principles of democracy. Now we are engaged in a civil war that will test whether that country can stand. The world will not remember what we said here, but it will remember what happened here. The living must take up the work of those who died at this battle site so the devoted will not have died in vain. This country will have a new birth of freedom for the government of the people, by the people and for the people that will not perish from this earth.

photo- http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/gettysburgaddress.htm

LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Summary:

With a Republican president, Southerners are afraid that their "peace and personal security" will be endangered. Lincoln assures them that he has no right or inclination to interfere with slavery where it exists. The state's have rights and an invasion would violate those rights. Lincoln promises to uphold the Constitution. He discusses the fugitive slave situation briefly. The union is perpetual and is older than the Constitution. If one state leaves, the union is less perfect than the Constitution. Federal laws must be followed in all states and secession is considered insurrection or revolution. On issues not explicitly solved in the Constitution, the majority and the minority have to cooperate. "The central idea of secession is the essence of anarchy." Slavery is the major issue between the sections, and the sections cannot physically separate themselves. The government belongs to the people in it, and the people have a right to amend it. The sections should not be enemies, but friends.

photo- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Abraham_lincoln_inauguration_1861.jpg

LAD #13: Calhoun's Speech

Summary:

(March, 1850) The issue of slavery has caused agitation that endangered the Union. It is caused by the long-standing and widespread discontent of the southern states. This discontent comes from the balance of power in the government, as the North has the majority of the population and more states. The imbalance was not only caused by time, but also by legislation. First, the North is trying to claim the territory recently gained from the treaty with Mexico. Second, the South is unfairly burdened with taxes. With this legislation, the government has disrupted the equilibrium between the North and South. The North also holds contempt for the issue of slavery, an institution necessary for the South. The South will have to choose between abolition and secession. In order to preserve the union, the North needs to do justice for the South, since the South doesn't have the power to fix the situation.

photo- http://www.shmoop.com/jackson-era/photo-john-c-calhoun.html

LAD #12: Polk's War Message

Summary:

(1846) The US has a strong desire to establish peace with Mexico. In October of 1845, Mr. John Slidell was sent to Mexico to settle the Texas border and negotiate peace. Then the revolutionaries who overthrew the Mexican government in December of 1845 refused to speak with Mr. Slidell. Texas at this point was under the protection of the US and part of its revenue system. In the spring of 1846, the troops at Del Norte were instructed to act peacefully until war was declared or an act of hostility was committed. The belligerence of the Mexican troops lead to a small battle near the Rio del Norte. The grievances of the US citizens are ignored and no attempt is made by the Mexicans to solve them. Commerce with Mexico is all but destroyed. As Texas is an independent republic that has chosen to annex itself into the US, and Mexico has invaded the US. The two nations are now at war.\

photo- http://fineartamerica.com/featured/5-james-k-polk-1795-1849-granger.html

LAD #11: Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments

Summary:

1. Declaration

The history of men is the history of the oppression of women. Women are not allowed to vote, are not allowed to own property, and are only allowed to hold subordinate positions within the church and society. The institution of marriage is thoroughly oppressive and constricting.

2. Resolutions

It is a woman's right to participate in religious and intellectual activities through speaking, teaching and writing. It is up to women to secure the right to vote for themselves and throw off long-standing oppression.

photo- http://interactive.wxxi.org/files/images/highlights/SenecaFalls.jpg

LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

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

It expressed the new nationalism and expansionism. It was an expression of newfound strength and confidence of a new country after the War of 1812.

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

He opposed cooperation with Great Britain because he thought it would interfere with their expansion. He hoped that the Monroe Doctrine would deter Britain from trying to colonize Latin America.

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

The American Foreign Policy is to "not interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers."


photo- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ted-carpenter/washington-chinese-monroe-doctrine_b_5716865.html

Columbus Blog

Was Columbus a hero or a villain?

He was neither. He was just an ordinary person who got to do something extraordinary. But for the purpose of this assignment, I will humor you, Mr. DeCarlo.

Columbus was a hero because

• he was the first European to make contact with the New World.
• he opened trade between the Old and New Worlds. This resulted in the Columbian Exchange, the largest exchange of goods between two peoples ever.
• he introduced Christianity to the New World.

He was a villain because

• he killed an enormous amount of Native Americans, just short of genocide.
• he introduced smallpox and other diseases to the New World.
• he enslaved Native Americans, setting a dangerous precedent.

Each of the "hero" points can be twisted. He introduced Christianity, but he forced his religion on a people who had already developed their own culture and religion. Opening trade did have benefits for both sides, but a center piece of the Columbian Exchange was disease. He was the first European, but in the end, was the European contact beneficial for the Native Americans?

He was both a hero and a villain depending on what perspective you take, but the "hero" argument doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Columbus was a villain, but you can't really blame him for what he did. If it wasn't him it would have been someone else. He was just someone with an extraordinary opportunity who was just doing what he thought was best for himself and his country.

photo- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Portrait_of_a_Man,_Said_to_be_Christopher_Columbus.jpg

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Jefferson's First Inaugural Address Summary

Jefferson is grateful that he was elected and humbled by the "magnitude of the undertaking." The people of America are unified against tyranny, and the differences between Federalists and Republicans are matters of opinion, not of principle. America has the resources needed for an enlightened happiness. Jefferson then defines the government, as briefly as he can, to clarify his views. He asks the public to collaborate with him, admitting that he wasn't as good as Washington, but promising that he will do his best.


photo- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

Washington wrote his farewell address near the end of his presidency when it was clear he would not be running again.

He warned the people against disunity. Unity is the "main pillar in the edifice of your independence." The American people should think of themselves as Americans above members of their states. The US should not have an "overgrown military" and shouldn't get involved in foreign wars. The Constitution is better than the old Articles, and even though it is based on the people's right to change their government, they must wait and oblige the Constitution until it is changed. The people shouldn't form political parties because that would be divisive. The parties may bring liberty in a monarchy, but they only distract in a republic. Religion is the moral basis of public prosperity. The government should achieve a balanced budget and avoid taking on debt. He defends his Proclamation of Neutrality, wanting the US to stay isolated and avoid foreign entanglements.

Through the opening and closing Washington is humble, saying that any accomplishments during his presidency were due to the people's support. He approaches his farewell address as "the counsels of an old friend," and he did not mean to make a strong impression.


photo- http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel06.html

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Summary:

1793: The United States declares itself neutral in the war happening in Europe. US citizens should avoid any act that contradicts this declaration.








photo- http://mikesapamericanblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/washingtons-proclamation-of-neutrality.html

LAD #5: Federalist #10

Why are factions so difficult to eliminate? Factions are "sown into the nature of man." They are hard to eliminate because every mind is different and has different opinions. People will collect into groups with people who think the same way they do. The government can't control this natural organization without taking away the liberties of the people. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?

In a democracy with a smaller body of citizens, it's easier for a faction to get a majority. In a wider-reaching republic, the opinions and movements will be more varied. It is more difficult for an idea to take hold with a majority unless it is really in the best interest of all of the people. A larger republic is one way to control factions.

photo- http://theconstitutionandbillofrights.weebly.com/the-federalist-papers.html

Republican Motherhood Blog

What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?

The Revolution accompanied the spread of Enlightenment ideas to America. This included the idea that a stable democracy requires its people to be virtuous. It then falls in the hands of the mothers of America to educate their children to be good, virtuous citizens. "The solidity and stability of the liberties of your country rests with you; since Liberty is never sure, 'till Virtue reigns triumphant…" (Doc C)

The Revolution also allowed women to take part in public life through boycotts, petitions, and protests. This created a louder, more assertive class of women.

What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?

The standards of education for women were raised. Women were expected to be learned so they were capable of educating their children. They were more respected and valued as keepers of the nations conscience.

What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women’s socialization?

It was a step above the servitude pre-Revolution. It didn't introduce women to the public sphere but the ideology gave value to work in the domestic sphere.

Describe the setting.

A sofa, a plain background with the golden edge of a mirror or circular painting in the upper corner.

Who serves as the center of the portrait and why? How does the woman look? How is she "republican" rather than aristocratic?

The woman is the center of the portrait, because she is the center of home life. She appears content, and put-together. Her hair resembles the wigs of the aristocracy, but she doesn't wear jewelry and a she is wearing a simple, elegant, gray dress, typical of the time period.

What values do her sons exhibit?

They are postured and polite, but the portrait captures the restlessness of the son on the woman's lap. They appear to be content, well-behaved children.

Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham's arm?

She appears to be restraining or protecting her child. It represents the woman's role as an educator of good behavior, and it represents her responsibility to care for the children.

photos- https://sites.google.com/site/womenssrightss/republican-motherhood

http://apush-by-e-pers.blogspot.com/2011/09/republican-motherhood-mary-gibson.html

Blog #4: Revolution Article

"Rethinking the Revolution"

1. People can use history to manipulate how the past is remembered.

2. It is thought that the Civil War was bloodier than the Revolutionary War, but this is not true. It is only remembered as such because the Civil War is primarily a war, secondly a revolution, where the Revolutionary War is primarily a revolution, secondly a war.

3. The Revolutionary War was honored by the first generation as a military victory, but after the War of 1812 the viewpoint shifted to focus on the political victory of the Revolution.

4. Battles of the Revolutionary War were fought at a close distance: home plate to 2nd base on a baseball field. The battles included bayonet charges and hand-to-hand combat.

5. In the Revolutionary War soldiers had a 10% chance of dying on the battlefield and a staggering 50% chance of dying in captivity.

photo- http://www.cr-cath.pvt.k12.ia.us/lasalle/Resources/Rev%20War%20Websites/courtney%20allison%20marisa%20rev.%20war/Marisa%20B.%20Rev%20War/Images/war%20pics.jpg

LAD #3: The Declaration of Indepence

The Declaration of Independence, summarized in three parts:

1. Democratic principles
     -all men are created equal
     -all men have rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
     -the power of the government comes from the governed
     -if the government doesn't protect these rights, it is the right of the people to change or get rid of it, and put a new government in place
     -the King of Great Britain (George III) has attempted to establish tyranny in the colonies

2. List of some of the grievances
     -prevented people from migrating west
     -"he has…subject[ed] us to a jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution and unacknowledged by our laws"
     -"quartering large bodies of armed troops among us"
     -"cutting off our trade with all parts of the world"
     -"imposing taxes on us without our consent"
     -"He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people"

3. The conclusion
     -"Our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury"
     -King George III, "a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."
     -therefore, the colonies are "free and independent states" and have full power to "levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do."

photo: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Declaration_independence.jpg/1280px-Declaration_independence.jpg

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

Who was John Peter Zenger?

He was the printer of the New York Weekly Journal. He criticized Governor William Cosby.

What was the controversy over his charges?

He was charged with seditious libel. The judge, among others, wanted to imprison Zenger because he published the article even though they were true. Alexander Hamilton, Zenger's lawyer, appealed to the jury, asking them to change the question. It was obvious that Zenger had published the articles. Hamilton asked them to answer the question (basically) of "Are these statements false or true?" If the articles criticizing the governor contained false information then Zenger should have been found guilty of seditious libel. However, the facts were true, so Zenger hadn't committed seditious libel, he had simply stated the facts. He was therefore found not guilty.

What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?

Hamilton changed the definition of libel from "any statement against the government, true or false" to "a false discrediting statement". Sedition, and being imprisoned for it, from this point forward, was not a part of American governmental tradition.

What is the lasting significance?

His case set the precedent for later freedom of the press (included in the First Amendment), a necessary component of a democratic government.

Photo- http://peerie.adaptive.net/faces/full/2/37948-582636.jpg

LAD #1: Mayflower Compact and Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

A reproduction of the Mayflower Compact, and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact includes the basic ideas of a democracy, the idea of a political body and that people can govern themselves. It states that the "Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices" are for the "general Good of the Colony". This is part of the idea that the power of a government comes from the people themselves, and not from God or King James in this case. The Mayflower Compact also makes reference multiple times to the Christian Faith ("Glory of God", "Advancement of Christian Faith", "in the presence of God") showing how these people were devout Christians.

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

The Mayflower Compact reflects the attachment to the Old World because the signers refer to themselves as "loyal subjects" that have undertaken a voyage for the "Honour of King and Country". Even though they are in the New World they see themselves as subjects of King James. The Mayflower Compact reflects the attachment to the New World by the "civil body Politick": a commitment to democracy, not absolutism.

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

The Mayflower Compact is a general agreement, a general promise. It doesn't say specifically how the government would run, and it wasn't meant to be used as a constitution. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut describes in detail the workings of a government. The Fundamental Orders is closer to the current US Constitution because it gives exact instructions for a government where the Mayflower Compact is only a promise of a future government.

What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach (a written constitution) to government? 

This was the time of Absolutism and Divine Right Monarchy in Europe, governments that were run without a constitution. Without a written constitution, it was easier for one person to take control, and the colonists didn't want that. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut followed the model of previous colonial charters, specifically the Massachusetts charter.

In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut reflect a fear of and a safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut provides for a General Court and an election of a Governor by a body of voters. The General Court has all legislative, executive, judiciary and administrative powers. It orders "no person be chosen Governor above once in two years" (4th Order). This makes sure that no one person can have control of the government for an extended period of time. "None of these courts shall be adjourned or dissolved without the consent of the major part of the court" (10th Order). This is reminiscent of the Stuart Kings who would dissolve Parliament if they didn't get what they wanted. This order, in combination with the others, makes sure that no one person can have too much power.

photos-

http://www.indianamayflower.com/uploads/documents/Mayflower%20Compact%20Reproduction.pdf

http://connecticuthistory.org/the-fundamental-orders-of-connecticut/

All right, new year, new subject: AP US.