Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Carnegie thought that the major difference between millionaires and workers was necessary because it was important for progression. He also believed that there were three main methods for people to spend their money: they could leave it to their family, give it to the public, or give it away while they were still alive. The first method was the most unfair because children were unworthy of all that money. The second method was just a way to get  rid of all the money and it would be heavily taxed. The third method was the best option, because it was the most ideal. Plus, it is essential for wealthy men to act as role models and set an example of modesty.

LAD #20: Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation was effective in declaring two things. It stated that any black people that were being held as slaves in Southern states, which were current rebelling against the Union, were declared "forever free" in the Union and that they should have been fully respected by military and naval personnel. It also declared all the states in which the proclamation was effective. These states were Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. There were certain areas in Louisiana and Virginia that did not fall under the proclamation, like New Orleans, but the rest of the territories were required to consider their slaves fully free of their servitude.

LAD #19: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

In Lincoln's second inaugural address, he stated that his address would be short because most people were aware of what was going on with the state of the Union, unlike the time of his first address. At that time, southerners were determined to separate from the Union and form their own nation. Lincoln expressed his belief that neither party was interested in war, but the South was prepared to fight, and the North was willing to fight if it meant that it would prevent the nation from collapsing. Lincoln went on to point out slavery as one of the main causes of the war and then began to speak from a religious standpoint when he expressed the differing interests of the North and the South. He claimed that whatever God wanted was going to happen throughout the war, and that the side that God prefers will be the side to win. He ended the speech by expressing his desire for the nation to achieve long lasting peace. 

LAD #18: Dred Scott Decision

Read Chief Justice Roger Taney's Decision in the Dred Scott vs. Sanford Supreme Count case and summarize 

The Supreme Court decision for the Dred Scott vs. Sanford case was made by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney. Taney supported Sanford, saying that Scott, as a child of parents that immigrated to the US, was not a citizen of the US and therefore was not guaranteed the rights that are given to citizens in the Constitution. He referred to the Constitution and claimed that it made no distinction between slaves and other forms of property, which meant that Scott never had any right to claim any rights of liberty granted by the Constitution, and he also didn't have the right to bring the case to court. On the other hand,Sanford, Scott's owner, was a legal citizen of the US so he deserved all the rights granted by the Constitution and therefore his property was protected by the government. The court therefore had to ensure his ownership over Scott, but this decision challenged the Missouri Compromise, because even though Scott lived in a free state, Illinois, he was considered property and therefore had no right to sue in the slave-state of Missouri. In the end, Taney ruled that the Compromise was unconstitutional. 

LAD #17: Ain't I a Woman

Summarize the "Ain't I a Woman" Speech

At the Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio, Sojourner Truth gives a speech in which she remarks upon two major injustices: racial prejudices and sexist prejudices. She admits that there has been some effort made to improve women's rights in the North, but she also points out the opposition against these reforms. She disagrees with their way of thinking, claiming that there are people who have helped women out of carriages and over ditches, but no one has ever helped her. She poses the question, "Ain't [she] a woman?" She goes on to defend womanhood by giving examples of her strengths as a woman; she explains that she is able to farm and work as hard as men, as much as men, and even has the strength to do things they can't do like give birth to thirteen children and watch them helplessly when they are sold into slavery. She shuts down anyone who thinks that women are less intelligent than men, claiming that intelligence is irrelevant concerning respect, because respect should be a universal and unconditional endowment.

LAD #16: Frederick Douglass' "5th of July" Speech

Summarize Frederick Douglass' 5th of July Speech

Frederick Douglass posed the question of what a slave is in the context of the 4th of July. Douglass expresses his contempt towards the practices of the people of the US concerning slavery. He feels that his emotions are intensified by the celebration and claims of independence which supposedly successfully eliminated tyranny. Douglass reminds the country that even though most Americans are celebrating their freedom, there are neglected blacks slaves who have and still are feeling the injustices of America. Americans treated black people as inferior to them, but Douglass reminds the people that they have no right to think that way considering black people have been just as successful as white people, and also do the same things as the white people, like build houses, have families, farm, and worship God. Douglass states that Americans have made noble claims for their independence, but they are have also committed hypocrisy because there is no other country that has allowed such injustices on human lives like America.

LAD #15: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Summarize Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

The purpose of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was to pay tribute to soldiers of the civil war who gave up their lives in order to preserve the Union as well to stress the importance of such a demanding cause. Lincoln also understood that by no means could any value be placed upon the sacrifices that were made by the soldiers. They paid the ultimate price to reserve the land with their blood. Lincoln continues, saying that the living cannot serve the dead simply by appreciation, but instead with their devotion to the same cause that martyrs support: a free government that is created of, by, and for the people, and one that will serve to protect the citizens' rights as intended by the founding fathers of the nation.

LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Summarize Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

In Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, Lincoln focuses on the issue of slavery, which was a fundamental cause of the split between the Northern and Southern states. Lincoln introduces the topic by remaining neutral about the subject and simply stating that it his mission to preserve the unity of the country as a republic. He claims that he doesn't have the right or interest to interfere with the policy of owning slaves in the South, and he refers to the Constitution as the unequivocal jurisdiction on the matter. The Constitution says that a person who is held to service or labor in one state cannot become free of their duty by entering another state. This clause applied to runaway slaves who believed they were free by escaping to the North. He connects this to the North, because the North often didn't return all the fugitive slaves, which was counteracted by the occurrence of infrequent illegal international slave trade in the South. Lincoln believed that there was a chance that these problems would never be completely resolved, but if the nation were to ever separate due to slavery, the problems would never be dealt with and they would only become worse. He also stressed the importance of the amalgamation of the states since before they created the Constitution. He declared that the states must always interact for mutual benefit, and that any act of secession would lead to chaos. He concluded his address by saying that it was crucial for the people to not be enemies but friends.

LAD #13: Calhoun's Speech

Summarize Calhoun's Speech

Calhoun's address to the Senate focuses mainly on slavery, a topic that has become a widespread issue among the nation. Although the 3/5 compromise was a suitable compromise used to balance the representation of Northern and Southern states, Calhoun realized that as time progressed, the Northern states had gained a significant upper hand in representation and were in a position in which they could take control of the government. He believes that the only conditions required for a political party to gain power over the country is a majority of the population and a majority of the states represented in the Senate. Further solidifying the fact is that the Union is on the verge of admitting five new northern states as a result of the newly acquired territories in Oregon, Minnesota, and the land given up from Mexico. On the other hand, there are no new states open for acceptance into the union for the South. Regarding population, Calhoun believed that the import tariffs increased the chance of a split in favor of the North, because it contributed to their wealthy elite at the expense of Southern farmers and also made the North a successful region which would attract immigrants. The conflict between the North and the South concerning the ideology of slavery strained the Union. Northern abolitionists fought to end the immorality of slavery, but Calhoun stated that it was a fundamental institution to the social and economic status of the South, and ending slavery would cause destruction. He thought that the only way the Union could be saved was if the North, as the stronger party, would be willing to give the South its rights to represent the newly gained land, return any fugitive slaves, and end conflict over the topic of slavery. This would cause the political power of the North and the South to become equal, which would therefore end the threat of secession and maintain the Union. 

LAD #12: Polk's War Message

Summarize Polk's War Message

In the war address, Polk identifies the causes of the war between the United States and Mexico. He was originally working to find a diplomatic solution to the numerous issues revolving around the border disputes and the injustices of the Mexican government against the United States settlers in the southern regions of the country. Polk sent an ambassador to negotiate peace with the head of the Mexican government, General Herrera. However, a revolution occurred in Mexico which caused a change in power and therefore a change in mindset regarding its diplomatic relations with the United States. Mexico chose to neither accept nor delegate with the American ambassador, John Slidell, and didn't make any proposals or even accepted any to establish peace between the two nations. Instead, Mexico engaged in conflict with American troops that were stationed between the rivers of Texas, Rio del Norte and Nueces, which had officially become a part of the Union when Texas was annexed by the U.S. in 1836. Uncertainty about the actions of the two military groups resulted in American casualties, and Polk saw it as justification of war against a nation that had a longstanding history of civilian hostility towards the U.S.

LAD #11: Seneca Falls Declaration

Summarize the Seneca Falls Declaration

The women's right movement began as an anti-slavery crusade in which women felt excluded, and in response, the Seneca Falls Convention was held. The women were firm believers that all men and women were created equal and that they are all given natural rights established in the Constitution, including "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." They brought up the idea that the people have the right to overthrow the government if it is harmful for the people, and that the legislation should be removed if the list of abuses and neglect is too long. The group of women argued men were the ones who held the power in American government for far too long, and that it was time for women to have the same rights. They listed all the major infringements made by men on women's rights, and explained how they oppressed the voices and the rights of women, limiting their power to the point where it is almost non-existent. In the declaration, the women stated that they were willing to face ignorance and ridicule by others in order to gain their rights. By issuing the document, the women hoped that the laws and regulations that restricted the women would be changed, and that the country would thrive without oppression.

LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

1.  What did the issuing of the Monroe Doctrine express from an American perspective post War of 1812?

The Monroe Doctrine expressed America's stance as an international power, and its refusal to allow any nation to colonize any part of their country. The US declared that any action made to colonize them would result in a response made by military action. It was a big deal for the Americans because they overcame their fear of the British overpowering them, and after the war ending in a tie, the Americans felt confident in their power. 

2.  What was Secretary of State Adams' hope when he wrote the Monroe Doctrine?

Adams hoped that by issuing the Monroe Doctrine, the U.S. would remain neutral and avoid getting involved in wars with Britain. He also wanted to prevent any more world wars, as well as maintain a strong unified front. 

3.  What is the key phrase in the entire document that you need to remember as the cornerstone or American Foreign Policy?

"In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defense." 

Christopher Columbus

Hero or villain?

Christopher Columbus certainly had some memorable accomplishments, and can qualify as a hero, but he was a villain as well, and in my opinion, his nefarious side overshadowed his good deeds. For one, Columbus may have discovered the Americas, but he most definitely was not the first one to do so. Plus, his original mission was to find India, so technically, he failed his mission. Columbus also invaded the land of the Native Americans, treated them poorly, forced them into slavery, and destroyed the Native American culture. Not only did Columbus destroy their culture, the European diseases him and his crew brought over the Americas caused devastating losses among the Natives' population. So yes, he may have had some success in his adventures and discoveries, but that doesn't make him any less a villain for all the terrible things he did throughout his lifetime.

LAD #9

Summarize Jefferson's first inaugural speech

Jefferson begins his speech by expressing his gratitude towards the people for electing him and allowing him such an incredible opportunity. He is humbled by the chance he is given to lead such a strong nation; a nation that he believes is growing, and has the potential to prosper on a whole other level. He goes on to explain his goals, one of them being that he will use the Constitution to make decisions involving the country and its people. He aims to follow the general will of the people, and give the minorities equal rights. Jefferson wants the country to unite as one, indivisible nation, and believes the US government is the strongest government in the world. Jefferson claims that the US has everything it needs to thrive, including a frugal government. He states that all aspects of the nation will be ameliorated, including politics, economy, and society, to create an ideal nation. In addition, justice will be granted to all men. Continuing, he says that he will always try to do the right thing, and sometimes he will make mistakes. In those cases, he asks for the support and trust of the people, and hopes to bring peace and prosperity to the country. 

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington addressed the country prior to stepping down from being the US's president for two terms. He used the opportunity to benefit the country by giving his advice about how America should be run. He emphasized the Proclamation of Neutrality, stating that remaining uninvolved and not making any permanent alliances would be the the most successful in the long run. He believed that pursuing only personal interests and keeping relationships between countries economic rather than political was the way to go. He also mentioned the party system, claiming that if the country became divided due to differing political ideas, the US would fall apart. Washington stressed the importance of the national government and praised its stability, while also advising the country against building up its army too much. His speech inspired the country, and set the precedent for many presidents to follow him. 

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

The main purpose of George Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality was to keep America out of the war and focused on their own development. The proclamation was written by Washington during the War of the First Coalition, which involved many of the European countries, while the US chose to remain neutral and uninvolved in the issue. Americans were told not to form any alliances, take up arms, promise protection or be associated with the war in any way, and breaking these rules would lead to punishment for violating the law.

LAD #5: Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?
Factions are difficult ot eliminate because in order to do so, it would be considered taking away people's freedom. Factions are a way for people to express their thoughts and opinions, and taking that right from them will only anger them. Factions can't be removed and that may cause difficulties because it is possible for them to lead to outbursts, like violence, protests and rebellions. 

2. If factions cannot be removed how can they be controlled? 
The best way to control a faction is to take action while it is still a minor faction, because it doesn't have full power so it can be voted against by the majority factions. If a minority faction is still able to grow into a majority faction, it is much more difficult to control, and stopping the faction from growing would take real effort. 

Republican Motherhood

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

E Following the Revolutionary War, a woman's job still was to run the household. But along with these duties also came the responsibility of instilling patriotism, independence, and republicanism into their sons' (Doc A). 

     

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

    The pressure upon women increased after the Republican Motherhood, and it was said that if a woman didn't do her duties, than she "is deserting the station which God and nature have assigned to her" (Doc A). Women were also required to have a certain level education, and they must have legible writing, and have knowledge in geography, bookkeeping, and history (Doc B). 

    

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

     The ideology of Republican Motherhood gave the women a distinct, authoritative role in both home and society. It changed how women thought about themselves, instead making them believe they could make a difference. They also began to feel more pride and self-assertion (Doc C). 

11. Describe the setting. 

  A women who is presumably wealthy is sitting on a couch in someone's home with her two sons on her lap, who are both wearing clothing that appears somewhat feminine. 

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

  The mother, Mary, is the center of the portrait because she is shown with her two sons, whom she is shaping into young men, therefore playing a bigger role in society as a Republican. The women has her hair styled, and is wearing a simple yet nice dress that hints at wealth. 

  3. What values do her sons exhibit?

  Her sons both look calm and respectful, and as though they both love their mother, which indicates that she raised her children right. 

4 4. Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilghman's arm?

   The position of the arm is reflective of how much power she yields. She is holding her one son back, meaning she still has full control over him, whereas the other boy is leaning against her arm rather than being held by it, meaning that he is gaining independence, yet not ready to be completely on his own yet. 

  

2. 

Rethinking the Revolution

1. In comparison to the Civil War, the American Revolution is thought of as a less extensive, less difficult war than the Civil War, due to the fact that the Revolution had six times as few casualties as the war. However, the Revolution was no less brutal, and soldiers faced incredibly difficult situations, like stealing clothes off their enemies, boiling their shoes for dinner, and marching in formation to battle, which put them at a higher risk of dying.

2. The Civil War was the first war that people had access to cameras and film to be able to photograph the events of the war, which gave historians much greater insight into the Civil War compared to previous wars. This lead to the Civil War becoming known as the first modern war to some historians.

3. The two armies fought at a distance of nearly 100 feet, which is rather close, considering how easy it could be to kill someone within a 100 foot range, yet the guns they used had poor accuracy, making shooting their targets more difficult.

4. The Revolutionary War was America's longest declared war, lasting somewhere around eight years, and the deaths on both sides were horrifying.

5. Prior to 1820, July 4th was a day spent remembering fallen soldiers and considering the sacrifices made and suffering endured. Following 1820, people began to have a more celebratory outlook on the fourth of July and instead spent the day to appreciate the resistance of the colonies against the British Parliament, which eventually gained them their freedom.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

1. The Declaration of Independence starts off with explaining the democratic principles that all US citizens are entitled to under the declaration. Unalienable rights, meaning life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, was one major democratic principle that was established for all men. Another principle was that the government is responsible for protecting the people and their rights, and if they fail to do so, the people have the right to overthrow the government and find new people who will be able to do so.

2. Once the principles were established in the Declaration of Independence, the writers began to list their complaints against Britain and its king. The king of Britain cut off the colonies' trade with any other countries save for Britain, dissolved the House of Representatives, imposed taxes on the colonies, and denied trial by jury. The British repeatedly infringed on the rights of the people, and they declared King George III unfit to rule.

3. The people of the United States of America came together to declare their freedom, cutting off all obedience and political ties from Britain. The colonies were free and independent states with zero connection to Britain, with the ability to declare wars, form allies, make peace, and take whatever actions they deemed appropriate. The Declaration of Independence announced the colonies' independence and established the United States of America as its own entity.

LAD #2: Zenger Trial

1. Who was John Peter Zenger? 

John Peter Zenger was a German immigrant who settled in the British colonies, and became publisher of the New York Weekly Journal. The publication was infamous for brazenly implicating William S. Cosby, the governor's, involvement in illegal activities. Zenger was arrested for libel and put into jail, but with the help of Andrew Hamilton, he was found "not guilty" and began the evolution of freedom of press. 


2. What was the controversy over his charges? 

The controversy stemmed from the fact that Zenger was charged for libel, which means to print something that is untrue. Andrew Hamilton, a prestigious lawyer from Philidelphia, argued that if what Zenger printed is true, then there is no basis for him to be arrested for libel. The jury convened and were able to clear Zenger's name in less than ten minutes.

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

Zenger's trial proceeded to publishers becoming more comfortable with printing articles that were critical of the government, without fear of being charged as libelous just by sharing their honest opinions. The freedom that was introduced by the Zenger trial developed into the First Amendment. 

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

The lasting significance of Zenger's trial is the realization that people had a right to the freedom of press, and publishers were allowed to published whatever they wanted as long as it was true. This in fact, was part of what caused the citizens to push for freedom from Britain and start the American revolution.

LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact is an agreement written by the group of settlers who intended to establish the first colony, in the northern Virginia area. These men claimed to make this voyage in hopes of promoting their Christian religion, and honoring God, their king, King James, and their countries. To maintain a sense of order, they planned to form a civil body and promised to abide by the laws as well as have meetings to further ameliorate their colony.

2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?

The Mayflower Compact reflects an attachment to the "Old" world through the numerous references to King James and their loyalty to their home country. The men also refer to themselves as "loyal subjects" which indicates that although they plan to leave, they still feel a devotion to the country from which they originate. On the other hand, the document mentions striving for political strength and unity in the "New" world, evidence of the men's desire for success in their future. 

3.   How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?

Whereas the Mayflower Compact was written very generally and established a loose form of government, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was a much structured document that aimed to eliminate all potential problems that could arise. 

4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?

The colonists were in need of a sense of authority to be able to make decisions fairly and unify the people of Connecticut. They wanted to mold a structured government to prevent major issues and run the colony smoothly. 

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?

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut reflected a fear of one person possessing too much power, and documented preventive measures by using democratic means to elect a governor. They placed importance on varying members of government regularly and disallowing any one person to become overtly comfortable in their position of power.