Sojourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman?
In Sojourner Truth's speech entitled "Ain't I a Woman?", Truth notes that she is speaking during a time period where both blacks and women are fighting for rights. However, one group of people that many fail to recognize or fight for are black women. If white men are considered superior to everyone, with white women and black men inferior to them, black women are considered inferior to everyone. In her speech, Sojourner Truth argues that she is a women. She can do women's work and men's work, she has delivered children, she is every bit as capable to be successful as anyone. After proving her points, she informs her audience that although one man stated that woman cannot have as many rights as men because Christ was a man; Christ came from God and a woman. Man had nothing to do with Christ's birth, therefore women should be treated with respect equal to men. Truth hoped that her and other women fighting for women's rights would help black and white women in their ultimate quest for equality to men.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
LAD #18
What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?
In Frederick Douglas' Fourth of July Speech, he introduces American people to a different side of one of the United States' most celebrated and patriotic holidays. While whites rejoice on the Fourth of July and celebrate their independence, blacks can only note the hypocrisy of the entire holiday. Frederick Douglas wonders how Americans can celebrate their independence on the Fourth of July while blacks remain slaves; people toiling for unsympathetic masters who beat them, separate them from their families, do not provide them with enough food, and do not pay them. Douglas comes to the conclusion that the Fourth of July is not really a holiday of independence. On the contrary, whites became independent of Britain's hold on them, while they hypocritically did not provide equality and freedom to their slaves. Douglas states that while whites celebrate the Fourth, blacks are left to mourn their mistreatment and unfair position in American society.
In Frederick Douglas' Fourth of July Speech, he introduces American people to a different side of one of the United States' most celebrated and patriotic holidays. While whites rejoice on the Fourth of July and celebrate their independence, blacks can only note the hypocrisy of the entire holiday. Frederick Douglas wonders how Americans can celebrate their independence on the Fourth of July while blacks remain slaves; people toiling for unsympathetic masters who beat them, separate them from their families, do not provide them with enough food, and do not pay them. Douglas comes to the conclusion that the Fourth of July is not really a holiday of independence. On the contrary, whites became independent of Britain's hold on them, while they hypocritically did not provide equality and freedom to their slaves. Douglas states that while whites celebrate the Fourth, blacks are left to mourn their mistreatment and unfair position in American society.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
LAD #17
Summary: Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation is a proclamation made by President Lincoln on September 22, 1862. In this powerful speech, Lincoln declares all enslaved persons in the United States free. Lincoln states that the United States' government will enforce and protect the freedom of these people. However, Lincoln also recognizes that by freeing these enslaved people, many states would respond by rebelling against the United States. Lincoln, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Navy believes that it is necessary to stop the rebellion. Lincoln encourages all newly freed people to refrain from violence and to work honestly for their wages. He promises them that they will be recognized by the American military, and will be allowed to join the Armed Forces.
The Emancipation Proclamation is a proclamation made by President Lincoln on September 22, 1862. In this powerful speech, Lincoln declares all enslaved persons in the United States free. Lincoln states that the United States' government will enforce and protect the freedom of these people. However, Lincoln also recognizes that by freeing these enslaved people, many states would respond by rebelling against the United States. Lincoln, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Navy believes that it is necessary to stop the rebellion. Lincoln encourages all newly freed people to refrain from violence and to work honestly for their wages. He promises them that they will be recognized by the American military, and will be allowed to join the Armed Forces.
LAD #16
Summary: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address is not nearly as lengthy as his first. Lincoln recognizes in his speech that the major issues he needed to inform them of were made in his first Inaugural Address. This first Inaugural Address informed the nation of the policies he would enforce if Civil War were to arise and also assured the American people that under his presidency none of their rights would be taken away. Lincoln told the people that he would do everything he could in order to keep the Union together. During his second Inaugural Address, Civil War is currently going on and Lincoln addresses that although both sides, pro slavery and anti slavery have prayed for the issue to be addressed their way before a Civil War could break out, neither of their prayers have been answered. Civil War was inevitable, and ultimately the only way the slavery issue could be resolved once and for all.
Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address is not nearly as lengthy as his first. Lincoln recognizes in his speech that the major issues he needed to inform them of were made in his first Inaugural Address. This first Inaugural Address informed the nation of the policies he would enforce if Civil War were to arise and also assured the American people that under his presidency none of their rights would be taken away. Lincoln told the people that he would do everything he could in order to keep the Union together. During his second Inaugural Address, Civil War is currently going on and Lincoln addresses that although both sides, pro slavery and anti slavery have prayed for the issue to be addressed their way before a Civil War could break out, neither of their prayers have been answered. Civil War was inevitable, and ultimately the only way the slavery issue could be resolved once and for all.
Monday, November 17, 2008
LAD #15
Summary: The Supreme Court's Decision re: Dred Scott Case
The Dred Scott case created a huge controversy at the beginning of James Buchanan's presidency regarding slavery. Dred Scott had been a slave to a man named Emerson. However, they were living in free territory. Scott believed that because he had been living in free territory for a number of years, he had the right to be a free man. He took this case to court, but Chief Justice Taney ruled against Scott. Taney said that Scott could not possibly win the case because he did not even have the right to take the case to court, because blacks were not considered to be United States citizens. Taney also stated that because Scott was the property of Emerson, it did not matter that the Missouri Compromise divided the country into free states and slave states; property could not be taken away from its owner. This decision led the Missouri Compromise to no longer be in effect because it contradicted the Compromise. The Dred Scott case was a blow to many abolitionists who thought they were making headway. It reversed many of the policies they had previously instiuted in order to make strides toward establishing a free country. Many Republicans were also angered by the decision although they eventually gained from it when moderates became Republicans because of Taney's statement. Democrats were generally split; those in the South were in favor of the decision while those in the North were against it.
The Dred Scott case created a huge controversy at the beginning of James Buchanan's presidency regarding slavery. Dred Scott had been a slave to a man named Emerson. However, they were living in free territory. Scott believed that because he had been living in free territory for a number of years, he had the right to be a free man. He took this case to court, but Chief Justice Taney ruled against Scott. Taney said that Scott could not possibly win the case because he did not even have the right to take the case to court, because blacks were not considered to be United States citizens. Taney also stated that because Scott was the property of Emerson, it did not matter that the Missouri Compromise divided the country into free states and slave states; property could not be taken away from its owner. This decision led the Missouri Compromise to no longer be in effect because it contradicted the Compromise. The Dred Scott case was a blow to many abolitionists who thought they were making headway. It reversed many of the policies they had previously instiuted in order to make strides toward establishing a free country. Many Republicans were also angered by the decision although they eventually gained from it when moderates became Republicans because of Taney's statement. Democrats were generally split; those in the South were in favor of the decision while those in the North were against it.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
LAD #14
Summary: Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address is a statement addressing all of the American soldiers who have so far died in the Civil War. This document is meant to inspire the American people to not let these soldiers die in vain; everyone must do everything they can in order to hold the Union together. The Civil War is testing exactly how far American democracy can go, but the Gettysburg Address gives a vote of confidence, it says that America has the will, the determination, and the power to remain an intact Union that honors its Constiution and its people.
The Gettysburg Address is a statement addressing all of the American soldiers who have so far died in the Civil War. This document is meant to inspire the American people to not let these soldiers die in vain; everyone must do everything they can in order to hold the Union together. The Civil War is testing exactly how far American democracy can go, but the Gettysburg Address gives a vote of confidence, it says that America has the will, the determination, and the power to remain an intact Union that honors its Constiution and its people.
LAD #13
Summary: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address
Lincoln's first inaugural address is a very powerful speech that Lincoln gave to show America how necessary it was to remain a Union despite disagreements over slavery. Lincoln addressed that although the country was virtually split in half; those for slavery on one side and those against it on the other, the Union should be strong enough in order to prevail. Lincoln mentioned that it was physically impossible for the Union to separate, so being separate nations would be very difficult. Lincoln stresses in his Inaugural Address that whether or not the country goes to Civil War is up to the people, not to him. Lincoln believes that as long as no Constitutional principles are broken, the Union will remain perpetual. He also assures the American people that while he is President, their property, peace, and security will in no way be endangered or harmed. Generally, Lincoln sets the stage in his Inaugural Address for his Presidency and gives the nation a glimpse of the just leadership he will enforce.
Lincoln's first inaugural address is a very powerful speech that Lincoln gave to show America how necessary it was to remain a Union despite disagreements over slavery. Lincoln addressed that although the country was virtually split in half; those for slavery on one side and those against it on the other, the Union should be strong enough in order to prevail. Lincoln mentioned that it was physically impossible for the Union to separate, so being separate nations would be very difficult. Lincoln stresses in his Inaugural Address that whether or not the country goes to Civil War is up to the people, not to him. Lincoln believes that as long as no Constitutional principles are broken, the Union will remain perpetual. He also assures the American people that while he is President, their property, peace, and security will in no way be endangered or harmed. Generally, Lincoln sets the stage in his Inaugural Address for his Presidency and gives the nation a glimpse of the just leadership he will enforce.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
LAD #12
The Clay Compromise Measures
In the Clay Compromise Measures, John C Calhoun discusses how slavery has become an enormous nationwide problem that has been ignored for too long. Calhoun says that he is unsure how the Union can remain intact while trying to solve the slavery issue. Half the nation firmly supports slavery while the other half is strongly against slavery. Calhoun says that one of the reasons the slavery issue was never addressed was because if it had been addressed, the equilibrium of the United States would be thrown off, disrupting the country. This equilibrium is very important in order to maintain a successful, peaceful country. However, the slavery issue can no longer be ignored, and it is essential to look past equilibrium in doing what is right for the country.
In the Clay Compromise Measures, John C Calhoun discusses how slavery has become an enormous nationwide problem that has been ignored for too long. Calhoun says that he is unsure how the Union can remain intact while trying to solve the slavery issue. Half the nation firmly supports slavery while the other half is strongly against slavery. Calhoun says that one of the reasons the slavery issue was never addressed was because if it had been addressed, the equilibrium of the United States would be thrown off, disrupting the country. This equilibrium is very important in order to maintain a successful, peaceful country. However, the slavery issue can no longer be ignored, and it is essential to look past equilibrium in doing what is right for the country.
LAD #11
Polk's War Message
Polk's War Message is an explanation to the House of Representatives and the Senate of why the United States is going to war with Mexico. According to Polk, the United States has done nothing but encourage peaceful relations with Mexico. However, Mexico acted aggressively to the United States by invading America and shedding American blood. Mexico was aggressive toward the United States because Texas, an independent nation, wanted to become a part of the United States. Although Texas was technically independent, Mexico believed the United States was taking a part of Mexico's territory when Texas became a part of America. Mexico did not follow treaties it was supposed to follow. Because Mexico unrighteously invaded the United States, the United States' only possible appropriate response was to declare war on Mexico.
Polk's War Message is an explanation to the House of Representatives and the Senate of why the United States is going to war with Mexico. According to Polk, the United States has done nothing but encourage peaceful relations with Mexico. However, Mexico acted aggressively to the United States by invading America and shedding American blood. Mexico was aggressive toward the United States because Texas, an independent nation, wanted to become a part of the United States. Although Texas was technically independent, Mexico believed the United States was taking a part of Mexico's territory when Texas became a part of America. Mexico did not follow treaties it was supposed to follow. Because Mexico unrighteously invaded the United States, the United States' only possible appropriate response was to declare war on Mexico.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
LAD #10
Summary: The Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions
The Declaration of Sentiments is similar to the Declaration of Independence. However, the Declaration of Independence is a list of grievances that Americans have against Great Britain while the Declaration of Sentiments is a list of grievances between men and women. American women feel it is unfair that the Declaration of Independence so adamantly proclaims that everyone deserves equal rights when women are so clearly not treated equally to men. The position of women to men is one of subordination, where men are basically given the right to treat women as property. The Declaration of Sentiments declares that the way women are treated is wrong, and that they should be treated with more respect and given more of a voice.
The Declaration of Sentiments is similar to the Declaration of Independence. However, the Declaration of Independence is a list of grievances that Americans have against Great Britain while the Declaration of Sentiments is a list of grievances between men and women. American women feel it is unfair that the Declaration of Independence so adamantly proclaims that everyone deserves equal rights when women are so clearly not treated equally to men. The position of women to men is one of subordination, where men are basically given the right to treat women as property. The Declaration of Sentiments declares that the way women are treated is wrong, and that they should be treated with more respect and given more of a voice.
LAD #9
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine is a statement by President James Monroe directed towards European nations. The Monroe Doctrine makes clear that European powers could no longer attempt to colonize any of the states or territories of the United States. In the Doctrine, Monroe recognizes that many European powers already have established colonies in the United States. Monroe promises he will not interfere with these established colonies. However, if any European country attempts to interfere with or colonize any states, the United States would view their actions as a sign of aggression and take measures to stop their attempts.
The Monroe Doctrine is a statement by President James Monroe directed towards European nations. The Monroe Doctrine makes clear that European powers could no longer attempt to colonize any of the states or territories of the United States. In the Doctrine, Monroe recognizes that many European powers already have established colonies in the United States. Monroe promises he will not interfere with these established colonies. However, if any European country attempts to interfere with or colonize any states, the United States would view their actions as a sign of aggression and take measures to stop their attempts.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Columbus Blog #8
Columbus' status in history is very debatable; some historians believe that he is a hero for being the first European to discover North America, however others believe he should be considered a villain because his treatment of the native peoples whom he called Indians was very cruel and inhumane. However, I believe that Columbus was more villain than hero. If Columbus had not discovered North America, it is inevitable that another European would have. So, although Columbus is credited for dicovering North America, his accomplishment does not make up for the cruel ways he treated the Indians. Columbus and his men exploited the Indians and made them work long hours for the gold Columbus had promised the king and queen of Spain. When the Indians did not bring Columbus the amount of gold they were required to bring, they were mutiliated by Columbus. This was extremely unfair because the Indians were working extremely hard under Columbus' orders but there was just not as much gold as Columbus told the king and queen there was. This was so unfair because the shortage of gold was Columbus' fault; yet the Indians, people who lived in America first, were the ones blamed and brutally punished. Instead of trying to cooperate with the Native Americans, Columbus and his men immediately deemed them as enemies and forced the Indians to either work for them or live on reservations. Although Columbus "discovered America" for Europe, his methods of settling the continent are not to be admired. For these reasons, it is reasonable to say that Columbus should be considered more villain than hero.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
LAD #7
Thomas Jefferson First Inaugural Address
In Jefferson's first inaugural address, he starts off by stating that he is extremely honored and proud to be the third president of the great country, the United States. Jefferson is ready to undertake the responsibility of leading the country with the guidance of the Constitution. Jefferson goes on to state that everyone is a Republican, a Federalist, and a supporter of American government. Jefferson is willing to help the country to further unite under his leadership in times of war and peace. Jefferson believes that the government can be further developed, and will be strong in its willingness to help the American people, but not strong from a monarchial or aristocratic standpoint. Jefferson, a firm believer in rule of the people, will strongly support and emphasize America's democratic governmnent.
In Jefferson's first inaugural address, he starts off by stating that he is extremely honored and proud to be the third president of the great country, the United States. Jefferson is ready to undertake the responsibility of leading the country with the guidance of the Constitution. Jefferson goes on to state that everyone is a Republican, a Federalist, and a supporter of American government. Jefferson is willing to help the country to further unite under his leadership in times of war and peace. Jefferson believes that the government can be further developed, and will be strong in its willingness to help the American people, but not strong from a monarchial or aristocratic standpoint. Jefferson, a firm believer in rule of the people, will strongly support and emphasize America's democratic governmnent.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
LAD #6
Washington's Farewell Address 1796: Summary
Washington is addressing the American citizens before he retires. He thanks them for their continued support in his presidency, and says it is time for him to retire. However, he asks them to seriously consider their votes for the next American leader and asks them to choose wisely. Washington addresses his efforts at creating the nation that the American people dreamed of, and assures Americans that he did his best in running the country. Although he recognizes he was not a perfect leader, he believes he had the heart and the spirit of a great American, and has helped the new country to grow in a positive way. Washington is deeply grateful to his country, America, for the honors and confidence it gave him. Washington appreciates America so much because he fought so hard for it and put everything on the line for it. Washington stresses how important American unity is, because without unity, it cannot be guaranteed that every citizen will fully experience his or her natural rights. According to Washington, American citizens must always be patriotic and show great respect for the country they worked so hard to establish. Washington also urges Americans not to become too caught up in political parties or differences because these differences decrease American unity. The Constitution should always be referred to as a guide for running the country sufficiently, and to preserve the government. It is also important to remember that not one branch of the goverment has more power over the other two; if this occurs the democratic-style government begins to be impaired. Americans should always show a pride for their country, a pride similar to that shown by the founding fathers. If Americans remain patriotic people who truly care about their country, America will remain the country Washington set out for it to become. Washington is very thankful for his country, for the American people, and for all the blessings America has bestowed upon him.
Washington is addressing the American citizens before he retires. He thanks them for their continued support in his presidency, and says it is time for him to retire. However, he asks them to seriously consider their votes for the next American leader and asks them to choose wisely. Washington addresses his efforts at creating the nation that the American people dreamed of, and assures Americans that he did his best in running the country. Although he recognizes he was not a perfect leader, he believes he had the heart and the spirit of a great American, and has helped the new country to grow in a positive way. Washington is deeply grateful to his country, America, for the honors and confidence it gave him. Washington appreciates America so much because he fought so hard for it and put everything on the line for it. Washington stresses how important American unity is, because without unity, it cannot be guaranteed that every citizen will fully experience his or her natural rights. According to Washington, American citizens must always be patriotic and show great respect for the country they worked so hard to establish. Washington also urges Americans not to become too caught up in political parties or differences because these differences decrease American unity. The Constitution should always be referred to as a guide for running the country sufficiently, and to preserve the government. It is also important to remember that not one branch of the goverment has more power over the other two; if this occurs the democratic-style government begins to be impaired. Americans should always show a pride for their country, a pride similar to that shown by the founding fathers. If Americans remain patriotic people who truly care about their country, America will remain the country Washington set out for it to become. Washington is very thankful for his country, for the American people, and for all the blessings America has bestowed upon him.
LAD #5
The Proclamation of Neutrality 1793: Summary
It seemed as if European powers were on the brink of war; Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the Netherlands against France. However, because America was such a young nation, Washington did not want to get involved in the potential foreign war. He advised Americans to treat the European countries respectfully but to not do anything that would seem to display signs of bias toward or against one or more of the countries. If any American citizen or state does not follow the neutrality policy, Washington warns that they will no longer be protected by the United States, and that person or state will be prosecuted.
It seemed as if European powers were on the brink of war; Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the Netherlands against France. However, because America was such a young nation, Washington did not want to get involved in the potential foreign war. He advised Americans to treat the European countries respectfully but to not do anything that would seem to display signs of bias toward or against one or more of the countries. If any American citizen or state does not follow the neutrality policy, Washington warns that they will no longer be protected by the United States, and that person or state will be prosecuted.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
LAD #4
1. Why are factions so difficult to elimiate?
The measures that must be taken to eliminate factions are nearly impossible to be taken in a democratic government. The first act that must be taken to eliminate a faction is to destroy liberty that led to factions in the first place. The only other way factions could be eliminated was if every citizen had the same thoughts, opinions, and political ideas. In a way, these causes tie in with each other because liberty, a virtue democratic governments promise their citizens, allows everyone to have different opinions, thoughts, and political ideas. Americans recognize that factions are inevitable; a natural effect of liberty.
2. If factions cannot be removed, then how can they be controlled?
Popular government allows a majority that is included in a faction to sacrifice to its interest in the rights and good of the citizens. It is hard to control factions purely because in order to control them, the majority of people would have to have the exact same views and opinions which is impossible. However, if fations were not controlled, the United States or any goverment would be in a constant state of revolution. Americans have controlled factions by forming two major political parties with very different views, the Republicans and the Democrats.
The measures that must be taken to eliminate factions are nearly impossible to be taken in a democratic government. The first act that must be taken to eliminate a faction is to destroy liberty that led to factions in the first place. The only other way factions could be eliminated was if every citizen had the same thoughts, opinions, and political ideas. In a way, these causes tie in with each other because liberty, a virtue democratic governments promise their citizens, allows everyone to have different opinions, thoughts, and political ideas. Americans recognize that factions are inevitable; a natural effect of liberty.
2. If factions cannot be removed, then how can they be controlled?
Popular government allows a majority that is included in a faction to sacrifice to its interest in the rights and good of the citizens. It is hard to control factions purely because in order to control them, the majority of people would have to have the exact same views and opinions which is impossible. However, if fations were not controlled, the United States or any goverment would be in a constant state of revolution. Americans have controlled factions by forming two major political parties with very different views, the Republicans and the Democrats.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Revolution Article
5 things I learned from the article.
1. The approximated population of the United States during the time of the Civil War was 2.5 million people. The number of people who died fighting in the war was about 30,000. If this number was compared to the current population, around 3 million Americans would have died today.
2. Although George Washington is known today as the Founding Father of America, often depicted as America's greatest leader, "Rethinking the Revolution" points out that Washington did not say anything remarkable in a speech or otherwise. Lincoln, on the other hand, wrote America's greatest, best delivered speech, the Gettysburg Address. This leads to contemplation of whether Washington really was America's greatest leader.
3. The Civil War is considered the first modern war, and new, extremely powerful weapons such as cannons were used. This led to an extreme increase in casualties, and more painful ways to die. The Civil War was a much more bloody war than the Revolution.
4. The odds of a Continental soldier dying in the Revolutionary War were one in ten. However, once taken as captive as prisoner, they had only a fifty-fifty chance of surviving.
5. The article states that, "The Revolutionary War included a civil war within a civil war". Sometimes it is forgotten that the Tories and Whigs fought each other while America as a nation was fighting the British. This battle between Americans made the Revolutionary War slightly more difficult because the country was not completely unified.
1. The approximated population of the United States during the time of the Civil War was 2.5 million people. The number of people who died fighting in the war was about 30,000. If this number was compared to the current population, around 3 million Americans would have died today.
2. Although George Washington is known today as the Founding Father of America, often depicted as America's greatest leader, "Rethinking the Revolution" points out that Washington did not say anything remarkable in a speech or otherwise. Lincoln, on the other hand, wrote America's greatest, best delivered speech, the Gettysburg Address. This leads to contemplation of whether Washington really was America's greatest leader.
3. The Civil War is considered the first modern war, and new, extremely powerful weapons such as cannons were used. This led to an extreme increase in casualties, and more painful ways to die. The Civil War was a much more bloody war than the Revolution.
4. The odds of a Continental soldier dying in the Revolutionary War were one in ten. However, once taken as captive as prisoner, they had only a fifty-fifty chance of surviving.
5. The article states that, "The Revolutionary War included a civil war within a civil war". Sometimes it is forgotten that the Tories and Whigs fought each other while America as a nation was fighting the British. This battle between Americans made the Revolutionary War slightly more difficult because the country was not completely unified.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
LAD #3
1. Democratic Principles.
The Declaration of Independence included many democratic principles because the United States never wanted to be ruled by an autocracy again. These principles made sure that the people of the United States had a say in the goverment. The declaration stated that the United States' government was instituted among men; and these men derived their powers only by the consent of the governed. However, when the government became destructive in any way, its people have the right to abolish it and institute a new government. They organized their powers to benefit the safety and happiness of the American people.
2. Grievances Included in the Declaration.
- The King refused to assent to laws that were necessary for the public good.
- The King forbid governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance.
- The King obstructed administration of justice.
- Judges were dependent on the King's will alone.
- The King kept standing armies among the people even in times of peace.
- The Kinga affected to render the military independent of and superior to the civil power.
- The King quartered large bodies of his armed troops among the people.
These were only a few of the grievances included in the Declaration of Independence, that helped to unite the colonists against Great Britain.
3. Conclusion.
Because of these grievances and the refusal of the King to listen to the colonists, the United States declared that it had the right to be free and independent. The United States believed it had to the right to be absolved from perpetual allegiance to the British, especially because the British did not treat the colonists fairly. Colonists in support of the Declaration pledged their lives, fortune, and sacred honor.
The Declaration of Independence included many democratic principles because the United States never wanted to be ruled by an autocracy again. These principles made sure that the people of the United States had a say in the goverment. The declaration stated that the United States' government was instituted among men; and these men derived their powers only by the consent of the governed. However, when the government became destructive in any way, its people have the right to abolish it and institute a new government. They organized their powers to benefit the safety and happiness of the American people.
2. Grievances Included in the Declaration.
- The King refused to assent to laws that were necessary for the public good.
- The King forbid governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance.
- The King obstructed administration of justice.
- Judges were dependent on the King's will alone.
- The King kept standing armies among the people even in times of peace.
- The Kinga affected to render the military independent of and superior to the civil power.
- The King quartered large bodies of his armed troops among the people.
These were only a few of the grievances included in the Declaration of Independence, that helped to unite the colonists against Great Britain.
3. Conclusion.
Because of these grievances and the refusal of the King to listen to the colonists, the United States declared that it had the right to be free and independent. The United States believed it had to the right to be absolved from perpetual allegiance to the British, especially because the British did not treat the colonists fairly. Colonists in support of the Declaration pledged their lives, fortune, and sacred honor.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
LAD #2
John Peter Zenger (1697-1746) began his career in the press working as an apprentice to William Bradford, a man who printed the New York Gazette. In 1735, Zenger was tried for seditious libel because he had written offending articles about the currente New York Governor, William Cosby. Cosby had persecuted the interim governor, Rip Van Dam, and had removed Lewis Morris, the Chief Justice, from the courts. Zenger was opposed to Cosby's policies and was not afraid to write about them in his paper. Seditious libel, the crime he was tried for, is defined as any political criticism that threatened to diminish respect for the goverment, its laws, or any public officials.
There was controversy over Zenger's charges because some believed it was completely unacceptable to write anything offensive about the governor. However, others believed that because what Zenger wrote was the truth, his article was perfectly acceptable. Zenger's lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, stated that, "The truth is an absolute defense against libel." Because Zenger had written the truth about Cosby, he was declared NOT GUILTY.
Although in many countries condemning the government is strictly prohibited, this trial was the beginning of the enforcenment of freedom of the press. Zenger's trial produced a lasting effect on America, because it showed that America was willing to give everyone a voice to express their feelings on any issue even if it might be controversial and against the government.
There was controversy over Zenger's charges because some believed it was completely unacceptable to write anything offensive about the governor. However, others believed that because what Zenger wrote was the truth, his article was perfectly acceptable. Zenger's lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, stated that, "The truth is an absolute defense against libel." Because Zenger had written the truth about Cosby, he was declared NOT GUILTY.
Although in many countries condemning the government is strictly prohibited, this trial was the beginning of the enforcenment of freedom of the press. Zenger's trial produced a lasting effect on America, because it showed that America was willing to give everyone a voice to express their feelings on any issue even if it might be controversial and against the government.
LAD #1
Concepts included in the Mayflower Compact consist of the colonists' intentions which are upholding the glory of God, further practicing and advancing Christianity, and honoring King James and their mother country. They also include the colonists' determination to enforce just laws, acts, ordinances, constitutions, and officers.
The Mayflower Compact reflects an attachment to the Old World by firmly stating that one of the colony's purposes is to honor King James. At the end of the compact, the colonists also subscribe their names to the king. Although they are given a fresh start, the colonists are still very loyal to their mother country. However, the Mayflower Compact also reflects an attachment to the New World by stating that the colonists would do whatever was most convenient for the general good of the colony. Instead of promising obedience to the king, the people promised submission to the colony.
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut state how governors and magistrates will be elected for the state of Connecticut. The orders also go into detail of how long they will hold their positions of leadership, what powers they have, and so forth. The Mayflower Compact is more general, stating that the colonists are still the subjects of King James. At that point, the colonists have not advanced far enough to form their own system of government.
The colonists of Connecticut were prompted to take the approach of a written constitution because they wanted to make sure not one colonist had the opportunity to seize or be given too much power. By forming a written constitution, the colonists all had a say in what type of government they wished to form.
The Fundamental Orders are very clear in that they do not wish power to be ususrped by one person because they state that no one person can be governor more than once in a period of two years. Also many people have the opportunity to be nominated for the position of magistrate or governor. There are many positions of power instead of just one or two. These restrictions make sure power is dispersed amongst people and can not be held by someone for too long of a time period.
The Mayflower Compact reflects an attachment to the Old World by firmly stating that one of the colony's purposes is to honor King James. At the end of the compact, the colonists also subscribe their names to the king. Although they are given a fresh start, the colonists are still very loyal to their mother country. However, the Mayflower Compact also reflects an attachment to the New World by stating that the colonists would do whatever was most convenient for the general good of the colony. Instead of promising obedience to the king, the people promised submission to the colony.
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut state how governors and magistrates will be elected for the state of Connecticut. The orders also go into detail of how long they will hold their positions of leadership, what powers they have, and so forth. The Mayflower Compact is more general, stating that the colonists are still the subjects of King James. At that point, the colonists have not advanced far enough to form their own system of government.
The colonists of Connecticut were prompted to take the approach of a written constitution because they wanted to make sure not one colonist had the opportunity to seize or be given too much power. By forming a written constitution, the colonists all had a say in what type of government they wished to form.
The Fundamental Orders are very clear in that they do not wish power to be ususrped by one person because they state that no one person can be governor more than once in a period of two years. Also many people have the opportunity to be nominated for the position of magistrate or governor. There are many positions of power instead of just one or two. These restrictions make sure power is dispersed amongst people and can not be held by someone for too long of a time period.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
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