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