LAD #20 Emancipation Proclamation

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was short, it was to the point and very significant. On January 1st 186, this document declared any slave in a rebellion state, would be free. Lincoln recognized the slave states as, Arkansas, Texas, Parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Parts of Virginia. Lincoln stressed that the freed slaves were all to be excepted into the Country as citizens, and the Citizens and government were asked to recognize them as so. Lincoln also adds that all free slaves will be excepted into the US Army to do various jobs. Hopeful Abraham Lincoln was hoping this document to make the Civil War simmer down and create a united country again.

LAD #19 Lincoln's 2nd inaugural address

In 1865, Lincoln states how he is the same person and has the same opinions as he did since his last presidency. He mentions how in his last address, he mostly spoke about the civil war, but now he wants to move forward and create a better America. A great portion of our population are black slaves and Lincoln felt it was strange that all Americans are people, and they all pray to the same god, but for some reason the issues are so large, that it led to war. He lastly says that in order to create a strong, united nation, American people need to create peace and work together.

LAD #18/ Dred Scott vs. Sanford

   In the 1850's, when America was at it's breaking point, a famous case took the Supreme Court, The Dred Scott vs. Sanford. This case,clearly defined the northern abolitionist, and the pro-slavery south. The decision was purely up to Roger Taney, and because of his decision, he got a lot of hate, and it was argued to a great extent. Taney, did not want any blacks, slave or free to be able to get the rights the whites had. Taney believed that even Scott was never a full citizen, although he was free, can not sue the Federal court. Taney looked to the constitution, where slaves and property are not differentiated  so he told Dred Scott he was still a slave, and was forced to go back to the Missouri territory. This highly controversial issue, caused a greater hatred among the United States, which led its way to the out break of the Civil War.

Blog #17/ Sojourner Truth "Aint I A Woman?"

"Ain't I A Woman?"

     In 1851, Sojourner Truth, a black woman, performed a very moving speech about rights for not just white woman, but black woman as well.  She calls out two major issues, racist and sexists. She questions why woman are constantly being seen as helpless and weak, when really, woman can do anything. She also doesn't understand why white woman are treated so much better than black woman, but "Ain't (she) a woman?"  While she is a woman of the south, she doesn't quite understand why the woman of the north are treated very nicely and with respect. Although they both have few rights, "Ain't (they both) a Woman?" She also questions why woman are seen as dumb or, less smart than men, but she really doesn't care about that, because she would rather have respect. Truth ends her argument, with men would be nothing without woman; they wouldn't be here without a woman.

Blog #16/ Frederick Douglas "5th of July"

"5th of July" Speech

    In 1852, Frederick Douglas, a former slave made this speech in Rochester, NY. Frederick Douglas is responding to the celebration of Independence day, or Fourth of July. Prior to the Civil war, Independence day was taken differently by Blacks than Whites. Douglas felt this celebration was very hypocritical of the government, because America wasn't truly a free country. Although it was free from Britain and any other power, there was a major population who were not free, these people were the slaves. Douglas goes on to explain how the every day lives of the slaves, for lack of a better word, sucked. They were poorly treated by their owners and were really abused by them. Douglas's speech is significant because of his idea of a "5th of July", a new freedom for blacks, a time where blacks and whites can both be free. Douglas ends his speech by saying "There is not a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States at this very hour." Abolitionist, along with other slaves, realized that America treated slavery differently, Americans based slavery on Race.  

LAD #15 Gettysburg Address

After defeating the Confederate Army at Gettysburg, President Lincoln, gives his famous speech about honoring the Soldiers who have fought for the preservation of our country. Lincoln thanks all of the Soldiers that have fought for the Union to establish the peace and prosperity the country needs. He also encourages the people to continue fighting, so that the men who died, died for the preservation of the union that was created about 90 years before. Lincoln concluded by saying "nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom", and reassured the crowd that after fighting, the nation will come back stronger and more united than ever. 

LAD #14 Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

In 1861, at the brink of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln made his inaugural speech. He made it clear to the Southern states that he did not intend on outlawing slavery in any area it had already existed. For other fearful southerners, he said he was sure to protect all states rights and recreate the bond of the united nation. To protect states rights and gain support from other southerners, he said he would keep the fugitive slave act;  this would ensure any slave that ran away into another state would be forced to return to its owner.
Other than, gaining loyalty from the south, Lincoln's main message and hope was to create a united union again. Because of the age of the Union, Lincoln felt it was necessary to persevere through this hard time. He told the states that threatened succession, that their act was unconstitutional. And although never mentioned in the Constitution, he felt that the civil war, and the threat of succession would ruin American's prosperity. Lastly, Lincoln said that all American's are friends and family and he would do anything he could to keep that family bond.

LAD #13/ John Calhoun's Speech

In 1850, John Calhoun addresses the senate about the issue disrupting the United Nation, Slavery. Calhoun suggests that the sectionalism that had been arising, and more importantly the major issue of Slavery, will soon disrupt the nature of the United Nation, and create a disunite nation. Calhoun's main goal was to unite the north and south and the different political parties, in order to create a stronger union then before. The North, were always at the advantage because of their greater population, and more states, thus giving them more control in the government. Where the south had a smaller population, because the slaves didn't count, and less sates, giving them a weaker hold of the federal government. The North, having a greater hold of the government, were able to show their disapproval of slavery to the south, and even attempt to stop slavery all together. This is where the disputes arose, on whoever had the most power in the government. Calhoun continues to say the only way to create a united union was for the North to give the South their rights in the newly acquired territory, return all of the fugitive slaves to the south, and end the disapproval of slavery. In the end, although the north would not agree, would create a equal north and south, and would decrease any threat of succession.

LAD #12/ Polk's War Message

  In Polk's war message, in 1846, Polk describes the relationship between the United States and Mexico. He explains the importance of war to congress because of the lack of respect America was receiving  This relationship is not very healthy because of the disputes over the borders as well as the general violence between the two nations. American's were not happy with the violence because fellow citizens were being killed. Although America had tried to fix the diplomatic relations with Mexico, it had failed. The failure of the relationship had been an unfortunate event because of the flourishing trade both countries had had. But soon, because of the hostilities of the Mexican, American trade was at a downfall.
   When Texas was annexed in 1845, Mexico was still hostile toward America and land claims were unresolved. Both Nations believed they had claimed land, and this is were the battle began. The American's were merely trying to protect their new state, as well as, the Country's name. After killing Americans, Polk sent General Taylor to defend America, and in his statement to Congress, he asked for their support in defending the Country's liberty and justice. Polk continued to ask for volunteers to defend the country's patriotism and name.

LAD #11/ Seneca Falls Declaration

Seneca Falls Declaration

   On July 19th, 1848, the Seneca Falls Declaration was declared during the Seneca Falls Convention. This convention's main goal was to give woman equality with men. The Declaration is split up into two parts. Part one, states what I like to call "The New heading of the Constitution." Within it, it states "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal", in the original part of the constitution, it merely states that all men are created equal. It continues to include that woman are entitled to all rights that men have. Throughout history, woman have realized their unequal treatment and are finally commanding change. It states many of the different occasions when woman were not given equal rights. Some include, he never allowed her to have a voice under the law, he has taken all property, he has forbid her from divorce  unless he so wishes divorce, and many more. The woman, are rightfully sharing their unhappiness with the way they have been treated over the past hundred or more years. After stating these facts, it goes on to state reasons on how these problems can be resolved. Resolving these issues would be very simple, if all men came to realize and understand that woman are men's equal. The woman pushed for equality because woman are capable of standing up to the men. Finally, it states that it is all woman's duty to promote themselves, and be given the education their "brother" receives. It ends with all woman's rights should not be withheld, and this would end the fighting between the men and woman.