LAD #10/ Monroe Doctrine

James Monroe

  On December 2nd, 1823, President Monroe addressed all of the European powers. James Monroe says that the Europeans may not colonize any more of the "new world" from here on in. Powers including Russia, Great Britain and the Untied States, have all agreed that it would be best if colonization ended and they only focused on Domestic problems. Monroe was worried that any attempt to colonize any nations near or around the United states, would be a threat to America's security. Not only would we feel threatened, but we would have to make appropriate actions. This document, created a new idea of Independence for nations like Mexico and Chile and allowed these nations to become independent.

LAD #9 Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Thomas Jefferson
The Second President of the United States of America

 Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated as the second president of the United States in 1801. He was very modest in the beginning and really tried to get the people to understand that they are "All in this together." Jefferson expresses the importance of the Constitution, which, although he finally agreed to it, he was an anti-federalists prior. This made Americans feel like they should trust, and follow the constitution, because their own president is representing it. He continues to say that although he doesn't have all of the talents needed, the constitution and the people will continue to empower the "rising nation." He believes that the constitution  as well as the citizens will help guide america to power, as well as make it the thriving nation it will soon become. He encourages the people to trust the new Federal Government for it is not only stronger than ever, but it does give the individuals the natural rights they desire and deserve. Jefferson continues to say that the people must always trust the government for it is being run by the people, as well as only hopes to benefit the people. Jefferson truly believes that if  the people trust the government, then he will be able to work with the governed to his fullest potential. Jefferson closes by restating the importance of working together, which will allow "Infinite Power" to the people, that will eventually lead to "...Peace and prosperity."

Columbus Blog #8

Is Christopher Columbus a hero, or a villain?

Christopher Columbus

     In elementary and middle school, I was taught about the greatness of this man who was the founder of America, and "sailed the ocean blue in 1492". I learned that he was the first person to discover this country I am so very happy to live in, but what teachers failed to teach me was the fact that he not only was arrogant  he was not the only person to get the credit for founding America. Yes, I do appreciate the man  for the mere fact that he "founded" this country, but also that I get a day off of school for him, but after reading about him, I learned that maybe we give him to much credit, and although he did have many accomplishments, so did many other people that do not get nearly enough credit as he did.
      Christopher Columbus, upon his arrival in the New World, did not treat the natives with respect. He had entered their land, and treated them as if they were inferior to him. He captured and sent many natives back to Spain as slaves and the ones he left alone, he traded with them very unfairly. This was the just the beginning of the poor treatment of the Native Americans. Although I do understand that it was the time period, some may blame Columbus for starting this poor treatment. The Spanish  including Columbus were so "gold-hungry" that they would do anything to get gold. This poor treatment led to, in the years to come, the caste system created by Spanish Conquistadors, so the Spanish could keep their supremacy. 
     On the contrary, Columbus did make many advancements that led to the faster development of the new world. Although other explorers had run in to the Continent before, Columbus was the first explorer to make a lasting European contact with America. Columbus was a very hard worker and stopped at nothing to reach his desires. For example, he worked very hard to get money from the queen to be able to travel to the New World because he believed that something good would come out of exploring new land in the west. Also he spread the Christian religion to America and the contact that he was able to create with the new natives, led to eventually the creation of the United States of America.
     Some may hate Columbus, but some may look up to him as a hero who benefited the American society. He killed, punished and overall, treated the natives so poorly that I believe his accomplishments cant be compared. If he were really a good man, and a hero, would he treat people so horribly?

LAD/Blog #7 Washington's Farewell Address

Washington's Farewell Address 1796

   After serving two, four year terms, George Washington felt that it was necessary to let another be the head of the great nation. Although the people wanted him to continue leading the country, he encouraged the people to limit the number of terms, so they would not return to the monarchy, that the people were so unhappy with. Within the address, he gave advice to the Americans on what he believes needed to stay the same, change or revise and avoid in order to keep the country moving forward.

Washington's Farewell Address 1796

     He encourages all Americans to be united and stay united, or independence will have no hope. He states that it is not only important to be loyal to your state, but to the country as well. The towns, cities, states, and Country needs to be unified as one. Each one making the other even more important. He also address the need for not having different parties, for it will pull the country apart. 

     Another thing Washington addresses is the newly written constitution. He says that it is much better then the Articles, for it allows the central government more power. If the people were to follow it, the country would be safe from any internal wars. He also addresses the importance of adding new amendments, if the government is not doing its job.  Washington backs up the checks and balances system, for it will keep the United States a democracy rather than a monarchy or even a dictatorship.

     Washington argues the importance of money management and foreign relations. This will help our nation grow and stay strong. He states that although the country and individuals should not partake in any foreign war, they should do their best to keep the relationships with all other countries strong. He also states that their should be free trade with other countries, to keep the relationships strong. 

    At the end of his address, he takes full responsibility for any mistake he has made, making him just like every other common person.  He is very proud of the nation that he, along with many others were able to create. 

LAD/Blog #6 Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

The Proclamation of Neutrality 1793

In Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality, he insists that the United States does not partake in any foreign war. The United states should stay neutral and provide no help to either side. He also says that any American that helps or supports one side, will no longer be under the protection of America. The people who support a side in a foreign war, will be punished. He is very adamant in not having America be caught up in a foreign war or any other foreign conflicts. 

George Washington

Republican Motherhood

1. What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifely to Republican Motherhood?
    During the Revolutionary War, woman played an important role, to raise and bring up the youth of the colonies/states well. "It is here she can best serve her country, by training up good citizens..." (Doc. A) The Mother of the family, was now not only responsible for household chores, but bring up the children, especially the boys well, that are trained to be successful. While the men were fighting, it was important that the woman had a good education in literature, as well as liberty and government to teach her sons (Doc B). The revolutionary war not only changed the nation, but it also transformed the woman from a caregiver to a Republican Mother that was an important aspect to the children's lives.

2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on woman?
   The consequences of the Republican Motherhood on the woman can be both positive and negative. The woman were certainly given more responsibility because they were 100% responsible for the children's upbringing (Doc A). Woman were also allowed and able to get more schooling and a better education, that would help them in the future (Doc B). On the negative side, woman "may never herself step beyond the threshold" (Doc D). This making woman very contained and still had very limited rights. As well as the woman had a lot of pressure to raise their family right (Doc D).

3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women's socialization?
    The Republican Motherhood, were baby steps to reach the society we live in today, and where woman fit in socially. "to prepare you for the duties of social and domestic life" (Doc B). The woman were starting to get an education, basic but an education none the less. Also the mother was a huge impact on her children's lives, and for each generation, the children got a little bit more education, making their lives better then the next.

Mary Gibson Tilghman and her sons

1. Describe the setting.
  The background looks like a simple home with basic walls and furniture. There is no sign of a father, and the mother is in the middle, representing her importance. She is holding her 2 children.
2. Who serves at the center of the portrait and why? How does the woman look? How is she "republican" rather than aristocratic?
   The Mother is the center of the portrait because of her sole importance in raising the children and keeping the house going. The woman looks content and happy to be there with her children. She is not aristocratic because the way she is holding her children, and although she is wearing a dress, it is simple and an everyday outfit.
3. What values do her sons exhibit?
Her sons exhibit her purpose. Her sole job is to raise the boys into good men, and teach them the importance of liberty and government. The children also look happy and well behaved, traits probably thought by the mother.
4. Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham's arm?
 The arm represents her love for the boys, and her enjoying taking care of them. She is with them everyday, and her arm shows how she is glad that she has the two boys to care for and teach everyday lessons.


                                                                           

LAD/Blog Post #5 : Federalist Papers No. 10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

James Madison, Author of Federalist Papers No. 10

    A faction is a group of people who can be either a majority or an minority that are aligned because of  their passion for a certain subject or interest. It is so difficult to eliminate factions because of the boundless enthusiasm they have, also they often unite to make it even harder to eliminate it. The factions are so strong and open about their opinions that unless you take action to remove them, it is nearly impossible.

2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?
    Based on the previous question, it is very hard to completely eliminate or remove factions because of their passion and the fact that they are so united. But, if the faction is the minority, it can easily be eliminated by a vote because they would be out voted by the majority. However, if the faction is the majority, that can be a little more difficult. Some may suggest a complete change in the government, for example a republic. A republic, ruled by only the elected people rather then the population as a whole, may be good, besides the fact that the factions may get their way completely if they are the elected. Factions are very difficult to remove and can cause a lot of stress and unneeded drama that the government needs to take care of, to support and do the best for the people.