LAD #25: Dawes Severalty Act

Dawes Act

Summary: The 1889 Dawes Severalty Act essentially served as a means of assimilating natives into the white American culture. It gave the President the authority to survey Tribal Lands and divide them up into private allotments for Individual indian owners. If these owners would leave the tribe and live in the white fashion, they would be given the land, and full citizenship. Again, this really just served as an attempt by the Federals to deal with the "Indian Problem" via assimilation.

(To this day, conflicts between Indians and the Government over land usage and ownership exist, as can be seen in the recent Dakota Access Pipeline debacle).

LAD #24: Cross of Gold

Bryan's "Cross of Gold"

Summary: William Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech was an attempt to convince people to support  the free silver coinage at a 16-1 ratio. Bryan argued that a pure gold standard was unfair to regular people and only benefited the elite, and that by adopting a silver-gold standard, the US could protect the interests of farmers and country folk. It is these interests that Bryan says the nation would starve without, and cannot be allowed to be crucified "on a cross of gold."

(Since 1971, the US Dollar has actually not been backed by anything other than the "promise of the US Government.")

LAD #23: Populist Party Platform

Populist Party Platform

Summary: This platform seems to be an early precursor to socialism/communism. The Populist Party is very in favor of Labor Unions, and wants all wealth to be kept by those who created it (workers). Additionally, the Party supported increased minting of specie, and a graduated income tax. Finally, the party wanted government control of the rails, and all land to be held by American Citizens, not aliens or large corporations who do not need it. This platform was clearly that of common workers, who rightly felt exploited by big business, and ignored by government.

(Similar in platform to the Populist Party of the late 1800's, the US would battle Communists all the way until the collapse of the USSR in the late 20th Century).

LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

Mckinley's War Message

Summary: Mckinley starts his address by outlining the major pieces of the Cuban Insurrection, and how they have negatively affected the US and Cuba. Next the President offers reasoning as to how US intervention is the only way to swiftly end the conflict, and then lists the four main reasons that the US should intervene. (To avoid further barbarities, the lack of a protective government in Cuba, damage to US business on Cuba, and most importantly, the attacks of US vessels and shipping by sides unable to protect neutral ships). To close, he informs Congress that he has done all he can Constitutionally to solve the issue, and he now needs their help. This would result in the following Spanish-American war.

(Half a century after the US granted Cuban independence, we attempted to re-take Cuba from the Communists in the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion).

LAD #21: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Gospel of Wealth

Summary: First off, Carnegie states that the new age of the very rich few and the poor majority is not in itself a bad thing. He argues that in past ages it was simply the very poor and the less poor, and that by having these extremely wealthy moguls (which are themselves the creation of ingenuity and enterprise), society is elevated as a whole. Carnegie then changes course, discussing the "three uses of wealth." Those being: bequeathing it to heirs, giving it to the public upon death, and spending. The tycoon then lampoons the first two, arguing that heirs are often ruined by the large wealth they gain (Europe), and that society may misuse money directly given to it. Instead, Carnegie says that a wealthy man should spend his wealth, essentially stating that by spending he helps the economy as a whole, and thus society as well.

(In this piece, Carnegie also references the newborn Estate Tax, the eradication of which has become a token aspect of Republican politics in the present day).

LAD #20: Emancipation Proclaimation

Emancipation Proclamation

Summary: The Proclamation designated January 1st, 1863 as the official start of lincoln's emancipation of the slaves in Confederate Territories. Essentially the proclamation stated that all slaves in Confederate States were legally free, and could be employed for wages, and could serve in the US Military as freemen. In truth, this was mostly a political move meant to make the North look more justified in the War, to both Americans and potential European Allies. This can best be seen by the fact that it only "freed" slaves in Confederate States (which had no effect until Union troops invaded) and by how the proclamation carved out special exceptions for territories in CSA States that were actively supporting the Union.

(Slavery was not truly banned in the US until the 14th Amendment of 1868, and even then black Americans faced a brutal uphill battle for even legal equality into the late 20th century).

LAD #19: Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural

Summary: Lincoln initiates the short speech by declaring that not much has changed in his policy and goals, mainly due to the Civil War. He then addresses the divides present in the nation that caused the war, claiming that neither side wanted war, but the South was willing to go to it to achieve their secession, and the North was willing to take up arms to preserve and defend the Union. Lincoln then shifts to the SLavery Issue, saying that it has become the epicenter of conflict between the North and South, even though he had never intended to do more than limit its further spreading. He ends the speech calling for a new era of peace and unity within the damaged nation, and declares his continuing focus on fixing the divides that broke the nation into war.

(Lincoln's final inaugural words of peace and unity between partisans on both sides are very similar to the acceptance speeches and inaugural addresses of modern day candidates, such as Donald Trump's recent address. This is meant to encourage healing along party lines after incredibly aggressive and divisive campaigns).

LAD #15: Gettysburg Address

Gettysburg Address

Summary: Lincoln expresses his extreme gratitude for the fallen and the veterans of the Civil War, proclaiming that it was because of their sacrifice that the young American Democratic Experiment would endure, and thus the Republican ideals it stands for would not die off. He then closes by further honoring the fallen soldiers, saying that it was their blood and bravery that truly consecrated the grounds of Gettysburg, not the "feeble" actions of their government (which legally set aside land as a national cemetery to the fallen).

(I found it funny that similar ideals were reflected in the speeches of Lincoln's nemesis, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, who told his followers that it was the CSA that truly fought for democracy and freedom, through escaping the "tyranny of the North").

LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Summary: Lincoln begins his speech by addressing one of  the most heated topics of the era, slavery. He re-iterates to the South that they need not to worry because he has no intentions of abolishing slavery in places where it has already existed. This idea, which is very much contrary to the way wee view him today, details how Lincoln’s main objective in the address was establishing his goal, preservation of the Union. Lincoln thought the secessionist talks of Southern leaders were un-American and unconstitutional. Lincoln knew that the Constitution was unclear on some issues like slavery and secession but stated that how these things would be solved would determine the fate of the Union. Lincoln concludes the address by stressing the fact that the states of the nation should be friends, not enemies, so that unity and nationality could be restored to the fractured nation.

(Lincoln was the first US President to come from the Republican Party, which just weeks ago had its most recent presidential candidate elected, Donald J. Trump).

LAD #18: Dred Scott Decision

Dred Scott Decision

Summary: Dred Scott v. Stanford was one of the most brutal anti-black decisions to come out of the antebellum Supreme Court. The Court ruled in three major ways. Firstly, they ruled that Dred Scott, and all black Americans, were not US citizens, and thus could not sue in Federal Courts. They then ruled that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional, because it deprived citizens of their right to property (in this case "property" being slaves). Finally, the Court stated that "freed" slaves were not in fact free, and that it was up to the states that harbored them to decide their rights/freedoms. This further divided abolitionist republicans, and pro-slavery democrats, and set the stage for the upcoming Civil War.

(The post-war 14th Amendment overturned Scott v Stanford by granting citizenship to all born/naturalized black Americans).

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

Sojourner Truth Ain't I a Woman?

Summary: Truth begins by illustrating the hypocrisy in her society, how women were seen as frail and to always be cared for by a gentleman (ideas she also disagreed with, but more on that later), and yet she, clearly a woman, had endured hard labor, the whup, and the theft of many of her children under the very "gentlemen" who said much of the above. This is the first part of her speech, explaining plain and simple how just because she is black, she is treated more horribly than most men would treat even their worst enemies, and how her oppressors were obvious and blatant hypocrites. She then also attacks the entire idea of women being inferior to men, countering several arguments, including that of "inferior intellect" and that of jesus being a man. All together she argues for equality for women and black Americans, in a time were to support either notion could be seen as crazy.

(Both of these inequalities would carry on well into the 20th century, and in a reduced, though still significant, capacity, to today).

LAD #16: Frederick Douglas's 5th of July Speech

Frederick Douglas, 1852

Summary: Douglas begins with several rhetorical questions, all aimed at illustrating the difference between white and black Americans (both free and enslaved) in 1850's America. He then makes several statements, all meant as answers to the questions he first posed. Douglas says that while many Americans rejoice at the celebration of their freedoms on the national Holiday, millions of hardworking and equal [in body and mind, though definitely not legal status] black Americans can never celebrate those freedoms, because they lack them altogether. Obviously this is because many millions are enslaved, but Douglas also points out that free blacks are in no way legally or socially equal to their fellow Americans. He closes the long address by explaining how the US is unrivaled in its hypocrisy and tyranny. A nation that claims to value freedom and equality over all else, and broke free through force to end the rule of an aloof tyrant, enslaves millions of people and treats them as cheap property to be bought, sold, and abused.

(To me this whole speech connected heavily to the horrible irony that black soldiers in the Continental Army faced - they were told they were fighting to change things and to gain freedom from tyranny, but they simply came under the boot of  Americans, instead of British Colonists.)

LAD #13: Calhoun's Speech

The Clay Compromise Measures

Summary: To begin his speech, Calhoun declares that the Union is divided and on the verge of breaking, and then presents a question of how the union can be preserved. He then steps back and asks what endangered it in the first place, seeing several key reasons. The southern states no longer believe that they cannot remain honorably or safely within the Union, due to agitation of the slavery question by the North and unequal representation in the government continually favoring the North, due to a larger population (thus control of the House) and continually more numerous states in the North while there has been no new state added to the South (thus control of the Senate). Another major issue causing the feelings of sectionalism is the argument over slavery; to the south it was a vital part of their social and economic organization, while to the north it was basically viewed as a blemish on the Union's record. Unless something decisive is done to stop this agitation, the south may end up being forced to choose between abolition and secession. However, Calhoun argues, the union can be saved if the basic issues that are causing the southern states to fear their honor and safety can be removed without the south being forced to surrender more than it already has. The north must concede to the south equal territory, to stop agitating the slavery question, and to make an amendment to the constitution to protect southern equality with the north, Calhoun suggests. Without this, he feared (rightfully so) that the Union would be split in two.

(Similarly, today half of the US population lives in just the Blue Counties, and this has caused some modern sectionalism between the mainly-democrat cities, and the often-republican outer counties, who in states like NY, feel disenfranchised, as their state will always be a "blue state" because of the enormous New York City population).

LAD #12: Polk's War Message

Polk's War Message

Summary: Polk had tried his hardest to preserve and improve diplomacy with the Mexican Government, however with the arrival of a Military Coup in Mexico, the highest officials refused to even see the American Envoy, and had him thrown out of the country. In addition, Mexican troops had been threatening AMerican forces camped out on the border, and had then attacked a small patrol of American Dragoons, shedding American blood on American soil. In Polk's view, Mexico an the US were already at war, as the Mexicans had attacked us, and thus Congress must support further military action to defend the property, honor, and territory of the USA.

(A large part of the tensions between the US and Mexico was the Texan Revolution, and the subsequent annexation of Texas by the Union, which Mexico viewed as the US stealing their land).

LAD #11: Seneca Falls Declaration

Seneca Falls Declaration

Summary: The declaration begins with an almost parody-like rewording of the classic "We hold these truths to be self-evident..." line, adding "that all men and women are created equal." The document then lists a number of grievances that the authors had with the men and the society of the time. Included in this are the lack of female voting rights, the inability of women to participate in government and lawmaking, the general assumption that women belonged in and to the household, and the common forfeiture of female wages to male relatives/husbands. Then, after a brief paragraph cementing and combining all of this, the document lists a set of "resolved" statements, including the ideas that men and women were equal in spirit, mind, and matter, that women should act to gain social and legal equality, and that it is for the betterment of the whole human race that women and men be viewed as equals.

(Half a century later, 'suffragettes' would lead the march for women's voting rights, and finally gain this fundamental right of citizenship).

LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

Monroe Doctrine

(President Monroe)

1.) The Monroe Doctrine's issuing revealed the common post-War of 1812 perspective of Americans, that Europe was unstable and the constant competitions for power between her nations could lead to great wars, and the imperialization of overseas territories. In addition, U.S. leaders often felt that Europe's imperial interests conflicted with the freedom and peaceful isolation of the Americas, and thus the European powers must not be allowed to increase their foothold in the New World, as even if it is outside of the Republic, such actions often mean conflict later on.

2.) Adams hoped that by penning such a declaration, he would peacefully but strongly ward off future attempts to reclaim New World territories by ambitious European rulers.

3.) "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 powers."

(The spirit of this policy reminded me a lot of President Reagan's "Peace Through Strength" doctrine, as both are not meant to be threats of violence or attack, but instead strong assurances that if US interests, or those of our allies, were attacked, we would respond with the strength of force and/or diplomatic action when needed).

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Summary: Jefferson starts off by addressing congress and other groups involved in lawmaking, saying that they must work together to keep the new ship of the nation afloat, and he feels lucky to have their counsel and support. Next, Jefferson discusses the values of the Republic, and the rights all citizens are guaranteed. He explains that, although in representative democracy the majority will have its way, it is crucial that the rights of minority groups also be maintained, otherwise the nation falls into a state of oppression. The President then focuses his speech on unity, calling for American Republicans and Federalists to hold their views dearly, but to always respect and work with each other to maintain the union. Finally, Jefferson promises to always be a champion of the rights of Americans, and to do his best to act in the interest of the country as a whole, as well as to support the political philosophies of those who voted for him.

(Similarly to Jefferson, George W. Bush's inaugural address focused heavily on the rights of the American people in  a troubled and turbulent world).

Columbus Blog

Columbus - Hero or Villain?

Villain: By all reasonable definition, Christopher Columbus was a villain. The man was responsible -both directly and indirectly - for the death, enslavement, and subjugation of millions of Native Americans. This can be seen from the very first report he wrote home to his patron monarchs, where he says that the Natives would make excellent slaves for the Spanish, and would be easily subjugated. In fact, as soon as he returned to the New World with more ships and troops, Columbus began enslaving the Native peoples to work in his gold mines. Those who refused to work or did not bring in enough gold often experience beatings, the removal of their ears, and execution. Later in his life, as Governor and Viceroy of the colony of Hispaniola, Columbus was known for his iron fist-style of rule; he brutally punished any failures, be they by natives or others, and sold many thousands of Natives into slavery in Europe. Eventually, Columbus was actually arrested by his own men for his brutal mismanagement of the colony, and was brought back to Spain in shackles (though he was then pardoned by the monarchy). Additionally, Columbus' brutal treatment of the Natives inspired countless other spanish explorers and conquistadors to act in a similar manner, leading to thousands more deaths indirectly at the hands of Columbus. Finally, to those who would argue that he was a hero, one might ask if anything "good" he did was actually heroic. His claim to fame, discovering the Americas, was not something that saved Spain or Europe - they had no need for a New World (Although it did of course make Europe stronger). This discovery certainly benefitted Europe in the long run, but that does not make it, or Columbus, heroic.

(Similarly to Columbus, up into the 19th century the United States practiced a policy of brutal conquest of the native peoples on the Western Frontier).

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

Washington's Farewell Address

Summary: Washington began the address by explaining that he is comfortable retiring because he feels the country is in much better shape than when he assumed office, and because he believes it is not unpatriotic for him to end hiss service in favor of another president. He then discusses several key topics, including the Preservation of the Union. Washington explains that it is necessary for America's survival that the nation remain one, united, entity. Additionally, the 1st President warns the people about the danger of factions (political parties) and urges them to avoid partisan politics (advice we could use today!). Finally, Washington explains what he believed would be the best course for America in the future - to be friendly with all nations, but politically/militarily allied with none. Washington wished to set an example of a free democracy for the rest of the world, and was adamant in his support of US-Foreign trade, but he truly feared the US becoming too attached to foreign nations, and thus suffering the consequences of that attachment (like being dragged into foreign wars).

(Almost 100 years after Washington's presidency, the Union Army fought to keep America together as one. They, like Washington, feared that disunited the whole nation would collapse or be overtaken by foreign powers).

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Summary: Washington declared that the United States would remain neutral in the conflicts between Revolutionary France and the majority of Europe. He also explained that any citizen who was caught abroad attempting aid either side would not receive protection from the US government. To the French this was seen as a betrayal, since France had aided America only a decade-and-a-half earlier in their own struggle for democracy. However, Washington likely wished to focus on fixing the nation's internal debts and issues, instead of plunging the people into another war with the Europeans.

(I connected this to the US's policy of neutrality at the beginning of WWI, although this instance would fail, both sought to keep the US out of wars that were overseas, and in the opinion of many, unnecessary to ensure our security).

LAD #5: Federalist #10

Federalist #10

1.) Factions are so impossible to eliminate because they must either be squashed by the force of tyranny, or end because everyone has the same opinion. The first is absolutely against the principles of American Democracy, and would likely result in factions simply becoming resistance movements. The second is impossible in a free society, as everyone will always have some difference of opinion based on their prior experiences and mindset.

2.) As the Papers say, factions can be controlled through a representative democracy (republic). The act of electing officials eliminates the mob mentality of factions, and ensures that only the wisest and most educated are in charge of government. This system alo helps to break down the ability of majority factions in a pure democracy to abuse and violate the rights of the minority.

(I compared this to today's partisan politics, as the political system is dominated by factions, but they can never quite gain the upper hand over each other for long periods of time).

Blog #5: Republican Motherhood

Republican Motherhood

1.) The revolutionary war was the turning point for women from Housewifery to Republican n Motherhood. As the new nation was to be by the people, it became extremely important that the next generations of the people be raised with values and morals consistent with those of the Nation. Thus, thinker of the time began to recognized the value of mothers in educating their sons (who would be the next generation of republican leaders) and so the idea of Republican Motherhood was born.

2.) The ideal of republican motherhood allowed women to gain access to more educational opportunities, However these were often limited to subjects that they would need to properly install democratic values into their sons. Additionally, the concept further solidified Early American society's belief that women belonged in the home caring for the children.

3.) This idea of Republican Motherhood is significant towards women gaining equal status centuries later because it was one of the first instances where women were given any reason by male society to study and learn more than just simple academics, and it placed women in a very important position: that of raising the next generation  of political leaders.

1.) The woman (Mary Gibson Tilghman) is sitting on a couch, indoors with her two sons. 

2.) Mary is very clearly the center of the piece, and she represents a republican style rather than an aristocratic, as she is dressed very simply, wears no wig, and is actively interacting with her children.

3.) The younger son on her lap appears more uncultured and childish, whilst the older boy seems to already be very adult, respectable, and cultured.

4.) Gibson Tilghman is restraining her more vulgar son with her arm, reflecting her role as a moral teacher for her children, and thus the next generation of leaders.

(This clear segregation between the roles of men and women reminded me of the similar social structure of many native American tribes, with women working the fields and caring for the children, and men hunting.)

Blog #4: Rethinking the Revolution

Rethinking the Revolution

(Artist's depiction of Washington crossing the Delaware River).

1.) John Adams admitted that he feared that history would falsely remember an extremely glorified version of the revolution, with Washington and Franklin appearing as almost christ-like saviours of America.

2.) Washington actually had a relatively hard time expressing the events of Revolutionary battles, or praising the common soldier - instead he often spoke very vaguely of the war and did little (relative to Presidents like Lincoln) to commemorate his soldier's sacrifice.

3.) Several Major atrocities upon troops were committed/suffered in the war. Continental troops starved more than once while on campaign, many had no shoes and poor clothing, and in battle, victors would often strip the losers of their uniforms and gear.

4.) Looking back, many Americans and American Historians have focused heavily on the political aspects of the revolution, such as the Boston Tea Party, instead of the major military victories that granted us our independence; and I can say that this is definitely true in our schools today, though maybe for good reason, as the political aspects are also the cornerstones of our American ideals.

5.) Additionally, many coastal towns suffered from naval raids by the British Armada during the war. However, the truly brutal side of the civilian war was the violence between American Loyalists and Patriots, who often slew each other with "great ferocity" in small, localized, skirmishes.

I connected this to the recent Riots in Ferguson, MI - as both events saw large amounts of partisan civilian unrest, be it civilian skirmishes in the Revolution, or the burning of Ferguson property by protesters.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independance

Declaration of Independance

Artist's rendering of the Declaration's signing.

1.) The Declaration of Independence contains a number of references to the democratic principles of those who wrote it, such as the opening line "all men are created equal" and those which follow it, saying that governments get their power from the governed, and thus the people must be the highest concern of the government (and when it is not, and tyranny arises, it is the right of the people to rise up). Also notable is one of the main protests of the colonists that the British government taxed them without their consent (which they found abhorrent because they had no elected representation in Parliament), but more on that in point two.

2.) The Declaration contains a rather long list of American grievances against the King, but they can best be summarized in these key points:

a.) The King and Parliament placed extra taxes on the Colonies without their consent or any representation in Parliament.

b.) The King and his Royally-appointed governors repeatedly got in the way of progress and the colonial legislatures through both direct opposition to some proposed acts, and the lengthy process of Royal approval often needed for large projects.

c.) The King often forced Colonial Legislatures to meet in poor or undesirable conditions, to tire them into voting his way; as well as flat-out disbanding some representative bodies.

d.) The King maintained a standing army America in peacetime, and his troops and officers were quartered in colonist's houses without their consent, and these soldiers often stole from and pillaged local houses, with no punishment.

e.) The colonists had "repeatedly petitioned for redress" and the British Government had answered only with violence.

3.) The Declaration is essentially a long list of grievances against the King of Great Britain and his government meant to justify and explain the colonist's reasons for leaving the Empire to both the British, and the rest of the world. It concludes with a final command that the colonies be respected as a free and independant nation, and a pledge by its signers to stand by one another in the fight for independance.

I related the famous Declaration of Independance to the much wordier Declaration of the Immediate Causes Which Induce and Justify the Secession of South Carolina from the Federal Union, which was the document presented to the union explaining South Carolina's reasons for secession. Both were essentially meant to list grievances ("brought about by tyranny") and justify the leaving of a Union/Empire.

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger Trial

John Peter Zenger Trial

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

Zenger was a German Journalist in New York City in the early 1700's. After printing critical comments about the Colonial Governor William Cosby, he was arrested for libel.

2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.

Zenger was charged with libel, or publishing a false statement that harms a person's reputation, but his lawyers - Hamilton and Smith, argued that a statement could not be considered libelous if it was true, but still harmful to a person's reputation. Within ten minutes of discussion, the Jury proclaimed Zenger not guilty and thus set a precedent for freedom of the press in America.

3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?

Zenger's case placed freedom of the press amongst other sacred American freedoms that our governmental tradition advocates for the protection of.

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.

The precedent of a free press set forth by Zenger's trial would remain a cornerstone of American governmental tradition, and eventually it would be written into law as one of the first Amendments to the US Constitution.

The Zenger trial in the 1700's reminded me of a 2012 movement by many Americans against the SOPA and PIPA bills that were seen as being infringements on online freedom of speech, as both instances saw the people opposing their government to maintain their essential freedoms.