LAD/Blog #21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

 

 Carnegie's ideas regarding the nature of wealth are expounded upon in his "gospel" He believed that people who inherited money could accomplish nothing more with it than merely living off of it, where people who nurtured and grew their fortunes were the ones who truly prospered. One of the smartest options with money, in Carnegie's opinion, was to try to grow it and always make more. He divided wealth into three categories, those being inheritance, for public purposes, and sums left to the jurisdiction of the one who possessed it. The most realistic option, he said, was the third. Carnegie also believed that the circulation of money was a vital part of social Darwinism, for it separated the rich from the poor and civilization needed to be ruled by the wealthy, in his opinion, for they made the foundations of society. But despite that, the wealthy had to be cautious and set a financial example by not being extravagent with their spending, but modest and smart, cautious investors. And in the end, a duty of the wealthy man was the duty to help his government and fellow man.

LAD/Blog #20: Emancipation Proclamation

 Lincoln's controversial Emancipation Proclamation was made possible because of the victory at Antietam and abolished slavery within the Union, establishing that "all persons held as slaves within any State ... shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." The government, he attested, would protect these peoples' rights and freedoms and those who tried to deny these rights and freedoms would have to face consequences. Therefore, any state who refused to obey the Proclamation would be deemed a rebel, and the people within it could claim that they themselves were not rebels against the Union, rather, their state was. As commander in chief, Lincoln had certain wartime powers such as sending the US Army and Navy to fight such rebels. He went on to list the areas in which slavery would be illegal, and stated and those areas had to recognize the freedmen's rights and freedoms, and that he wished to engage in violence only as self defense. He concluded by saying that freed slaves had to work faithfully and loyally as American citizens, and could now participate in the military. Lincoln's decision made with the Proclamation was serious, and he meant to enforce it, for it was an act that he "sincerely believed to be an act of justice."

LAD/Blog #19: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

 
Lincoln entered his second term with the Civil War still raging and the same challenges and struggles still fresh in his mind. The Union had to be rebuilt, and it was his duty to restore it. In his Second Inaugural Address, he stood before United States citizens and recounted the war thus far, detailing political parties and the nature of the slave population in the South, which the South believed would secure them an easy victory. Not so. Both sides, Lincoln said, prayed to the same God, and yet both sides believed that God was on their side, thus pitting God against Himself and leading people to wonder about God's will. Lincoln knew that people wondered how He could let so many citizens perish, and noted that God worked in mysterious and righteous ways. Lincoln's final, resounding message of the Address was one of peace. Peace was attainable, but American people had to help attain it. The people of America had to move on from the war someday, and after it was over help to care for each other and heal the country's wounds, "with malice toward none, with charity for all."

LAD/Blog #18: Dred Scott Decision

[ Dred Scott ]

The Dred Scott v. Sanford Supreme Court Case of 1857 was among the most controversial Supreme Court cases, declaring an act of Congress unconstitutional for the second time and rewriting the definition of a slave. The Court ruled that those born into slavery became slaves and thus were unable to ever become citizens and were unable to sue in court; thus, even though Scott had fled to the free state of Illinois, he had to be returned to his owner. The Court also ruled that Congress had no right to prohibit slavery in federal territories, also stating that Congress could not deprive the citizens of the territory of "life, liberty, or property without due process of law," according to the Fifth Amendment, referring to slaves as "property." This case established slaves as property, favoring slavery and strengthening and upholding the institution.

LAD/Blog #17: Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?"

 
In Akron, Ohio, at the Woman's Convention of 1851, Sojourner Truth declared the white man's definition of a woman. Truth said that all women, to white men, fall into the helpless, demure, elevated category that warranted being helped across ditches, lifted over puddles, given the best place, valued for their supposed fragility. Truth asserted that she has never enjoyed such a privilege, despite being a woman. Instead, she has ploughed fields and labored, planting and farming. Though she was a mother, she was not treated as a woman. Truth also spoke of education, wondering why women, already put at a disadvantage by society, must be limited in that area, as well. She also stated that men used the excuse that Christ was not female to limit women in the Bible-- however, she argued, Christ came to be by God and a woman; mad had nothing to do with Him. Women, Truth said, had to take a stand and stand up for their rights, together.

LAD/Blog #16: Douglass' 5th of July

Does the Declaration of Independence hold any meaning to a man in forced labor? Frederick Douglass asked this on the 5th of July, just after the Independence Day celebration that year. He stirred the listeners, asking hard-hitting questions about independence and hypocrisy within America. If the United States so encouraged and supported and struggled for independence, did that not mean that it supported the struggle of slaves seeking their independence? No. The nation did not recognize that particular struggle for independence. Douglass said that the Fourth of July was a celebration of white supremacy, a celebration of white rights and white ways, a celebration of the independence granted to whites and whites only. The nation turned its back on slaves, showing neither sympathy nor empathy but distance and frigidity between the races. Douglass believed that blacks were capable of living equally to and in equality with whites, and wondered why the similar races had to be so boldly divided when no division was truly apparent. The Fourth of July, to a slave, was a despicable celebration, representing injustice and his own submission to servitude. It was a sham, a day not of liberty, but of deception.

LAD/Blog #15: Gettysburg Address

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was barely longer than two hundred words, but may be one of the most well-known speeches in American history. Lincoln began by speaking of how America was a nation founded by men who sought freedom and equality, and those ideals were being tested at that time, by the Civil War. Lincoln made an attempt to dedicate the battleground to the men who lost their lives, in classical Greek funerary tradition, but found such a prospect to be a challenge; he believed that what would be said at Gettysburg would be forgotten, but the battle and its impact would live on. The men who died at Gettysburg, Lincoln asserted, fought for America; their deeds were immortal, and Lincoln could not let their deaths be in vain. The government, Lincoln said, had to live on, for it was a representation of the American people. The country had to prevail. Lincoln's handful of words about the Battle of Gettysburg, which followed speech by Edward Everett that spanned hours, made one of the largest impacts on American history and rhetoric, forever remembered as a mournful yet hopeful declaration of the perseverance of the Union.

LAD/Blog #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

 
Lincoln's First Inaugural Address immediately began with the issue at hand, that of the South's threat of secession. Lincoln claimed to be unbiased, saying that he did not desire radical change for the nation, but to settle the sectional conflict diplomatically. He realized that the conflict was largely over slavery, stating that the laws behind the institution would not be changed dramatically, an attempt to pacify the South. Lincoln went on to speak of the difficulties that were ahead such as the impending threat of secession and the disunity in the nation, saying that the President would need to maintain union in the country, for without union, there would be no country to govern. Lincoln said that he would remain loyal to the Constitution, and that he believed that no rights guaranteed to the people by it have been denied. He realized that there were hardships ahead, but intended to face them with confidence and preserve the union at all costs.

LAD/Blog #13: Calhoun's Speech

[ John C. Calhoun ]

John C. Calhoun's speech, issued on March 4, 1850, anticipated the civil war. He stated that slavery would causes disunion within the nation, describing his unsuccessful efforts to unite the feuding parties and settle the dispute and expressing the belief that politicians from all over the nation provoked the conflict. Sectionalism has been contributed to much by the dominance of the North in government; the North was predominant in all branches of government and their ideals had taken priority over those of the South, angering the South, which felt under-represented in government and as though their opinions about slavery were not able to be voiced because of that. Another issue between the North and South brought up by Calhoun was the acquisition of new territory by the treaty with Mexico; the South felt that the North was trying to exclude them from not only that territory, but revenue and disbursements, as well, because the North had received more funds than the South, leading to a battle between the South's agricultural-based economy and the North's manufacturing-based economy. But by far the most apparent issue was that of abolition. The South feared that the North's influence in government would allow slavery to be abolished, yet again overriding the South and meaning, to the South, that the so-called Union, that prided itself on equality between states, was a sham. Calhoun asserted that there was only so much overriding of the South that the North could do before civil war would be upon the country

LAD/Blog #12: Polk's War Message

 [ President Polk ] 

Polk's War Message, issued on May 11, 1846, was against Mexico, stating that Mexico and its government had wronged and injured the American people and their property. Though Polk did not want to become aggressive toward Mexico, he felt as though Mexican hostilities had gone unaddressed for far too long and that war was inevitable. Examples of this hostile treatment include the harsh treatment of an American envoy to Mexico, Mexican invasion of American territory, and the shedding of American blood, for which Mexico was responsible. Though the United States still tried to maintain positive relations with Mexico, trade had dwindled and hostilities had commenced, and although both the United States and Mexico sought fair and diplomatic relations, the United States had to prepare itself for war. Polk hoped that the disputes with Mexico would be settled quickly and cleanly, but war was looming and could not be ignored.

LAD/Blog #11: Seneca Falls Convention

The Seneca Falls Convention led to the creation of the Declaration of Sentiments, a document that mirrored the Declaration of Independence. Where the Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, established America as an independent nation, the Declaration of Sentiments, written in 1848, sought to similarly establish women as independent and equal beings to men. Women believed, correctly, that they were being slighted, not granted the same rights as men which should have been granted to them by the Declaration of Independence. Their grievances included: the fact that they had to adhere to laws that they had had no say in creating, they had to adhere to the laws and demands laid by their husbands, even rights given to low-class men were not granted to women, legislation could oppress women with no representation, a married woman could not act politically, women could not have their own land or wages, women had a subordinate position within the church and the state, and the government had prevented women from becoming educated equally to men. Women fought to reverse these circumstances, considering themselves equal to men and asserting that the American government was run by and for the people-- thus, women, as people, should have a say in their government and how it governs them.

LAD/Blog #10: Monroe Doctrine

[ President James Monroe ]

The Doctrine begins by stating the United States' rights to negotiate with Russia and the States' intentions of peaceful relations with Russia. The Doctrine also states the United States' interest in having more interaction with the countries of Spain and Portugal, however, it also makes clear that the United States has no intention to become engaged in European wars or conflicts. Unless American peace and safety are threatened by foreign nations, the country would refuse to go to war. What was considered to be a threatening act was European colonization and interference with North or South America. The stressed point of the Doctrine is that the United States wished to maintain its neutrality, especially regarding European affairs, which it has been cautioned against, and maintain peaceful relations with foreign nations, but was not able to ignore further European attempts at colonization of the Americas.

LAD/Blog #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

[ thomas jefferson ]

Jefferson's first Inaugural Address begins with a humble thought, as he professes that he is nervous about entering the powerful office of President of the United States, and looks to the Constitution especially, as well as legislators, for guidance throughout his term. He goes on to express the idea that although the United States has a commitment to majority rule, the rights of minorities hold importance as well, and that in order to prosper, the country must unite and find common ground despite their factions. Jefferson's personal beliefs include male equality and civil rights, isolationism and freedom from alliances, and, importantly, constitutional supremacy. Jefferson concludes his Address by saying that he will serve as President until the people choose someone better to replace him.

LAD/Blog #8: Columbus

[ christopher columbus ]

A question that nags at many Americans is this: Was Christopher Columbus a hero, or a villain?

I personally do not believe that people can be classified in such black and white ways; the stark contrasts of "good" and "evil" are best left to fairytales rather than real life. However, I do believe that people come in many shades of gray.

Columbus was one of the darker ones.

Most American children are taught only that Columbus was a very admirable and excellent explorer, and it is left at that. They are grateful to him, given that his very existence gives them a day off from school. However, the true facts are that Columbus was not such a praiseworthy individual. His treatment of the Native Americans especially leads people to clamor that Columbus Day not be observed in his honor-- he treated them abhorrently, as if they were loathsome, primitive animals.

Despite the fact that cruelty toward foreign peoples was customary in his time, his acts are still unacceptable and should not be glorified. Columbus's wrongs must not be erased by history, and all Americans should be aware of them.

LAD/Blog #7: Washington's Farewell Address

[ the Farewell Address ]

As the first President, George Washington set many precedents for future leaders of the United States. In his Farewell Address, he set the precedent for a two-term presidency, because although the people wanted him to continue leading the country, he merely wanted to return to a calmer life. After establishing this, he went on to warn against the formation of political parties, because he believed that the conflicting beliefs between parties would create a rift in the nation. Washington opposed factions because of his strong belief in unity, and his belief that such conflicting ideals would diminish that unity and weaken the United States. He also touched upon taxes and revenue, stating such things as necessary, as well as speaking about avoiding getting into debt. Washington also advised that America remain isolated and neutral, warning against foreign alliances and getting involved in the affairs of other countries. Washington also went on to describe the great importance that he felt the Constitution and morality held in America, and how he thought that in order for America to see success, people had to abide by the Constitution. At last, Washington closed the Address with a note of thanks toward the American people who had provided him with so much honor an opportunity, and ended with a final farewell.

LAD/Blog #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

[ the Proclamation of Neutrality ]

In his Proclamation of Neutrality, George Washington stated that the United States would not involve itself in the warfare of Europe, and that it would remain neutral to the affairs occurring there, without picking or aiding any side involved. He also made it known that any American who went against these urgings would no longer be protected by the United States and would be punished for disobeying them.

Republican Motherhood Blog

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

With the advent of the Revolution, women began to be seen as more vital in the home, dubbed "her appropriate sphere of action" and described as where a woman can best perform her patriotic duties by training and traching her children to be good American citizens (Document A). It was stated often that a mother's duty was to enlighten her sons in the principles of government (Document B).

2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?

Women gained some respect through their roles as educators, though confining them to the home was still an elaborate means of oppression. However, women at least became more educated through the concept of Republican Motherhood. It was deemed necessary that "ladies should be qualified to a certain degree" in order to properly teach their children, and as such they became more educated in the English language, penmanship, figures and bookkeeping, geography, and chronology to read history and the like (Document B).

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

Women were meant to be confined to the home, but nonetheless influencing society through making the home environment a pleasant one-- the destiny of America was said to rely on their influence within society and the home (Document D). Republican Motherhood did allot some semblance of power to women through the respect they earned as educators, but it cannot be forgotten that given the continued oppression and condescension towards women, this was a rather meager gain; there should be no delusions that this denoted equality between the sexes.

 1. Describe the setting.

The painting appears to be set upon a couch within the parlor of a well-decorated home. There is a glimpse of a painting or mirror in the background.

2. Who serves at the center of the portrait and why? How does the woman look? How is she “republican” rather than aristocratic?

The woman serves as the center of the portrait, given that she is the largest and most well-lit figure. She is dressed well and conservatively, though not extravagantly, as one would expect of a well-to-do aristocrat. Her posture is dignified and similarly not extravagant, appearing gentle.

3. What values do her sons exhibit?

The woman's sons are similarly well-dressed and also possess good posture, signifying that they are being raised into polite and educated American citizens by their mother.

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

 Her arm gently separates the two children, presumably the younger from the older, while also cradling slightly the child who appears to be younger. Her position is very matronly and has slight connotations of motherly affection, while still having a slightly poised, disciplinary air that would be expected of one whose duty it is to educate children.

LAD/Blog #5: The Federalist #10

[ The Federalist ]

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

Factions are tremendously difficult to eliminate because in order to do so, one would either have to remove the liberty to form factions, or change the opinions of the factions themselves. To relinquish the liberties of the faction would go against the beliefs of America's government, however, effectively removing that which is the basis of democratic politics. It would be similarly difficult to change the opinions of the factions, as well, given that all people are prone to thinking in different ways and have a right to do so. It would be nearly impossible to do either of these things merely to stop a faction from posing opposition to another.

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

 Though factions may not be eliminated, they can be controlled. The faction can be overruled if it encompasses a minority of a population through voting by the principle of majority rules. If it makes up a majority of the population, in order to control it the good of the public must be kept in mind while trying to get people to stop convening on issues by fostering different opinions within the faction. Elements of Republican government can also effectively control a faction to an extent. Because in a Republican government different states would have different representatives, factions would be unable to spread as easily because those different states would be possessed of different ideals and opinions.

LAD/Blog #4: Revolution Article

 [ a painting depicting winter at Valley Forge ]

Through reading the "Rethinking the Revolution" article, I discovered many new facts about the American Revolution and the Civil War.

1. I learned that cameras became available technology in 1861, during the time of the Civil War. This led to many people considering the Civil War to be the first "modern" war.

2. I also learned that out of all those who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, 1 in 4 died.

3. This article also showed that the Revolutionary War was America's longest declared war, lasting more than eight years.

4. The article goes on to describe that the hunger of American soldiers invading Canada during the war became so intense, that they ate pet dogs and made soups from boiled shoes and melted candles.

5. By far the most striking thing about this article, however, is that it describes how the hardships of the Revolutionary War have gone overlooked throughout history. Some call the Civil War America's most important event, but to say such a thing is to "ignore the grim struggle that brought the country into existence;" the Revolutionary War has been sanitized by history, leading to people discrediting its horrors.

All in all, this article was extremely informative and very interesting on the topic of how the way events are viewed can change dramatically over time.

LAD/Blog #3: Declaration of Independence

[ the declaration of independence ]
1.) democratic principles:
"All men are created equal" and possess "unalienable rights," specifically life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as the right to rebel against a government that harms the people.

2.) grievances:
Among the many wrongs listed of the King are the quartering of armed troops among Americans, taxation of Americans without consent, cutting off American trade with countries other than Britain, depriving Americans of a trial by jury, taking away charters, and waging war on the American people.

3.) conclusion:
Though the Americans have tried to warn Britain of their wrongdoings, they feel that they must finally separate from Britain and establish the Colonies as "free and independent states," with all the rights that come with such a designation.

LAD/Blog #2: Zenger Trial

[ above: a depiction of the trial ]

     
1. Who was John Peter Zenger?
John Peter Zenger was a German-American printer, publisher, editor, and journalist, who became the defendant of the titular trial after publishing criticism of the governor William Cosby in his paper, the New York Weekly Journal.

2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
Charged with seditious libel, Zenger was arrested and put on trial. During his trial, Hamilton argued that that a defamatory statement may be published, but not considered to be libelous if actually true, thus proving that if statements such as Zenger's were truthful, if highly critical -- which they were -- the truth behind them formed an absolute defense against such a charge as libel.

3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
Hamilton's successful defense is said to have provided a foundation for and affirmed American freedom of the press. It made it so that people could truthfully criticize others and the government without fear of punishment or retribution as Zenger faced.

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
America now values freedom of the press tremendously, in part because of this trial, which was a landmark case for freedom of the press. The great-grandson of Lewis Morris would much later write that the "trial of Zenger in 1735 was the germ of American freedom, the morning star of that liberty which subsequently revolutionized America."

LAD/Blog #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

 

[ above: the Mayflower Compact ]

[ above: a depiction of the signing of the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut ]

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
Included in the Mayflower Compact are the concepts of advancing Christian faith, bringing glory to the King and mother country, and creating more concise order within the colony they seek to establish though becoming a civil body that can make laws, ordinances, etc. in the best interests of the colony and its inhabitants.

2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
By referring to themselves as "loyall subjects of our dread soueraigne Lord King James," the signers show an attachment to the "Old" world from whence they came. By agreeing to establish, enact, and otherwise impose laws, acts, and the like for the "generall good of y^e colonie," to which they pledge "all due submission and obedience," they show a concern for an attachment to the "New" world that they plan to live in.

3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (hereafter abbreviated to "Fundamental Orders"), most obviously differ from the Mayflower Compact in length; the Fundamental Orders are most noticably longer than the Mayflower Compact and address many more issues. One other particularly significant divergence is that the Fundmental Orders make no reference to the King, Britain, or any location outside of Connecticut, where it is most relevant. The Fundamental Orders also specifically dictate how their government is to be run, where the Mayflower Compact is merely a vague agreement to form a government.

4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
To protect their liberties and interests, they wanted an "orderly and decent Government established," and sought to specify how it should run in order to achieve that goal by writing the Fundamental Orders.

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?
It specifies exactly how the government will work, so as not to enable a governor to gain too much power; as well, the governor is barred from becoming holding office for an excessively long period of time, because the document sets a term limit. It also provides for democratic elections, ensuring that whatever governor elected will be approved by the people.

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