Brown vs. Board of Education
In the article Brown vs. Board of Education, a young third grade girl was required to walk to her segregated school which was a mile away rather than attend a white school which was only a few blocks away. The girl and her family found this law very unfair and took the issue to the NAACP. The NAACP was excited to finally have an issue to argue and combined with other similar cases which were eventually taken to the Supreme Court. The original rule, determined in Plessy vs. Ferguson, was that schools could be segregated as long as they were equal. However, events led people to realize that segregated schools were actually not equal because no matter what, black schools were always viewed as inferior. In addition, segregated schools were not preparing blacks for the real world, when they would have to function in a world consisting of primarily whites on a regular basis in society. After numerous hearings, the Supreme Court declared Plessy vs. Ferguson as unconstitutional, and decided segregated schools would no longer be allowed. Brown won the battle in this case.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
LAD #33
Truman Doctrine
The purpose of President Truman's Doctrine, a speech that the President gave to a joint session of Congress on March 12, 1947, was to establish a set of principles involving foreign policy. Truman wished to give $400 million to the suffering countries of Greece and Turkey. The underlying reason as to why Truman was so intent on aiding Greece and Turkey was because he was desperately afraid that without the help of the United States, these countries would inevitably fall under the influence of the Soviet Union. The United States pledged its help to any country that was afraid of falling into unwanted coercion and be forced to take up the communist ways of the Soviets. Truman stated that although the British Government was inclined to help, it did not have the money or resources necessary to dig these less powerful countries out of the danger they were facing. In order to maintain worldwide democracy, the United States recognized its responsibility to do all it could for countries that could not help themselves. Although the doctrine was composed with the Soviet Union in mind, Truman never actually mentioned the specific power in the doctrine. This is most likely due to the fact that the President did not wish to be held accountable for any acts of aggression, and mentioning the Soviet Union in his speech could definitely be considered aggressive or at the very least, unnecessary. Containment Policy, a policy used by the United States to contain the spread of Communism through the use of military, economy, and diplomacy was represented in the Truman Doctrine. Another policy represented in the Truman Doctrine was the Marshall Plan, a plan enacted by the United States to build and create a strong foundations for countries of Europe who wished to resist Communism.
The purpose of President Truman's Doctrine, a speech that the President gave to a joint session of Congress on March 12, 1947, was to establish a set of principles involving foreign policy. Truman wished to give $400 million to the suffering countries of Greece and Turkey. The underlying reason as to why Truman was so intent on aiding Greece and Turkey was because he was desperately afraid that without the help of the United States, these countries would inevitably fall under the influence of the Soviet Union. The United States pledged its help to any country that was afraid of falling into unwanted coercion and be forced to take up the communist ways of the Soviets. Truman stated that although the British Government was inclined to help, it did not have the money or resources necessary to dig these less powerful countries out of the danger they were facing. In order to maintain worldwide democracy, the United States recognized its responsibility to do all it could for countries that could not help themselves. Although the doctrine was composed with the Soviet Union in mind, Truman never actually mentioned the specific power in the doctrine. This is most likely due to the fact that the President did not wish to be held accountable for any acts of aggression, and mentioning the Soviet Union in his speech could definitely be considered aggressive or at the very least, unnecessary. Containment Policy, a policy used by the United States to contain the spread of Communism through the use of military, economy, and diplomacy was represented in the Truman Doctrine. Another policy represented in the Truman Doctrine was the Marshall Plan, a plan enacted by the United States to build and create a strong foundations for countries of Europe who wished to resist Communism.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
LAD #32
FDR's First Inaugural
In FDR's First Inaugural Address, the President speaks of his concern for the present economy and its effect on the American people. FDR plans to help the American people through the current economic hardship by instituting government policies instead of letting the economy "work itself out" which was the Republican way of thinking. FDR was concerned with the rising taxes and the US citizens' inability to pay these taxes. FDR was also concerned with the lack of security that farmers had in addition to the loss of many families' savings. What may have concerned Roosevelt most was the increasing unemployment rate in America. An action Roosevelt took that dealt with the unfortunate issue of unemployment was calling for tighter credit, banking, and an end to speculation. Roosevelt also issued the Good Neighbor policy which said that Americans could get through the economic crisis if they worked together as a nation to overcome the discouraging times and were "good neighbors" to each other. FDR saw himself as the leader of "a great army" who would take the necessary actions to restore his country back to prosperous times.
In FDR's First Inaugural Address, the President speaks of his concern for the present economy and its effect on the American people. FDR plans to help the American people through the current economic hardship by instituting government policies instead of letting the economy "work itself out" which was the Republican way of thinking. FDR was concerned with the rising taxes and the US citizens' inability to pay these taxes. FDR was also concerned with the lack of security that farmers had in addition to the loss of many families' savings. What may have concerned Roosevelt most was the increasing unemployment rate in America. An action Roosevelt took that dealt with the unfortunate issue of unemployment was calling for tighter credit, banking, and an end to speculation. Roosevelt also issued the Good Neighbor policy which said that Americans could get through the economic crisis if they worked together as a nation to overcome the discouraging times and were "good neighbors" to each other. FDR saw himself as the leader of "a great army" who would take the necessary actions to restore his country back to prosperous times.
LAD #31
The Kellogg-Briand Treaty
In 1928, the United States signed the Kellogg-Briand Treaty. This treaty was a pact between America and fifteen other powers stating that war would henceforth be renounced as a national policy used as a means of solving international conflicts. The treaty contained numerous articles that stated different things. For example, Article I declared that the fifteen countries who signed the treaty had vowed that they would not resort to going to war when international problems arose. Instead, these countries would negotiate and come to peaceful resolutions. Article II stated that if problems were to arise, they would be resolved peacefully. Article III declared that "The Present Treaty will be ratified by the High Contracting Parties named in the Preamble in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements and shall take effect as between them as soon as all their several instruments shall have been deposited at Washington." Finally, the leaders of the countries who signed the pact and agreed to follow its articles were listed at the end of the pact.
In 1928, the United States signed the Kellogg-Briand Treaty. This treaty was a pact between America and fifteen other powers stating that war would henceforth be renounced as a national policy used as a means of solving international conflicts. The treaty contained numerous articles that stated different things. For example, Article I declared that the fifteen countries who signed the treaty had vowed that they would not resort to going to war when international problems arose. Instead, these countries would negotiate and come to peaceful resolutions. Article II stated that if problems were to arise, they would be resolved peacefully. Article III declared that "The Present Treaty will be ratified by the High Contracting Parties named in the Preamble in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements and shall take effect as between them as soon as all their several instruments shall have been deposited at Washington." Finally, the leaders of the countries who signed the pact and agreed to follow its articles were listed at the end of the pact.
LAD #30
Schenck vs. the United States
On March 3, 1919, the Schenck vs. the United States case was brought to the Supreme Court. The case was unique and tricky because it essentially was an indicament for three reasons. Schenck's first offense was causing insubordination in the military, thus violating the Espionage Act of 1917. Schenck's goal was to prevent the number of men who enlisted in the military during the war. This action was, of course, illegal. In addition to this wrong, Schenck committed a federal crime against the United States. Finally, Schenck, a socialist who was against the war, mailed documents that that were not legally mailable. He tried to defend himself by saying that he was not violating the Constitution because the Thirteenth Amendment supported "involuntary solitude" even though Schenck was publicizing documents that clearly did not support the war and were allowing recently drafted soldiers to see these documents. Although Schenck defended his actions and said they were legal when he was tried, he was accused of violating the Espionage Act. Judge Holmes created the Constriction Act and instituted the policy of "clear and present danger". This policy stated that one cannot yell "fire" in a crowded theater or abuse their freedom of speech when it could potentially harm others.
On March 3, 1919, the Schenck vs. the United States case was brought to the Supreme Court. The case was unique and tricky because it essentially was an indicament for three reasons. Schenck's first offense was causing insubordination in the military, thus violating the Espionage Act of 1917. Schenck's goal was to prevent the number of men who enlisted in the military during the war. This action was, of course, illegal. In addition to this wrong, Schenck committed a federal crime against the United States. Finally, Schenck, a socialist who was against the war, mailed documents that that were not legally mailable. He tried to defend himself by saying that he was not violating the Constitution because the Thirteenth Amendment supported "involuntary solitude" even though Schenck was publicizing documents that clearly did not support the war and were allowing recently drafted soldiers to see these documents. Although Schenck defended his actions and said they were legal when he was tried, he was accused of violating the Espionage Act. Judge Holmes created the Constriction Act and instituted the policy of "clear and present danger". This policy stated that one cannot yell "fire" in a crowded theater or abuse their freedom of speech when it could potentially harm others.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
LAD #29: Fourteen Points
When President Wilson met with the leaders of the Allies including Britain, France, and Italy, his biggest concern was making sure that the nations of the world had an opportunity to form and maintain peaceful relations with each other. In his Fourteen Points, Wilson outlined some of the requirements he wished for all nations to follow. These were very idealistic measures, such as freedom of the seas for all and no secret alliances. Because his points were so idealistic, the other Allies did not believe they would work and were not supportive of them. They only wished to punish Germany for the damage it caused to their countries. However, Wilson, a pacifist, wished to take the peaceful route, the foundation behind his points. His points included no secret alliances, freedom of the seas, equal trading rights, demilitarization of all countries, organization of colonies and claims, the removal of troops from Russia, the removal of troops from Belgium, the removal of troops from France, the redrawing of Italy, the organization of an Austrian-Hungarian government, the removal of troops from Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro, the splitting of Turkey from the Ottoman Empire, the establishment of Polish states, and the formation of the League of Nations. Although the Fourteen Points were not incorporated into the Treaty of Versailles, Wilson believed that the establishment of the League of Nations would lead to peace between nations.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
LAD #28
Keating-Owen Act
The Keating-Owen Act was an act established after reformers began to realize that children were working extremely long hours in absolutely heinous conditions. It was revealed that over 2 million children were working in mines for up to ten hours a day with very little pay and almost no protection. Lewis Hine also began to reveal the injustices of child labor by taking very graphic photographs which pictured young children in the terrible environment they regularly worked in. The Keating-Owen Act was a major step in preventing the overworking of children. Although it did not eliminate child labor, it placed many restrictions on it. Products made by children were not allowed to be sold or traded from state to state. Children were also not allowed to work more than eight hours a day and they were not allowed to work at night. By shortening a child's workday and reducing the necessity of their labor by not allowing interstate trade of items produced by children, the Keating-Owen Act made a huge impact on the Progressive Movement.
The Keating-Owen Act was an act established after reformers began to realize that children were working extremely long hours in absolutely heinous conditions. It was revealed that over 2 million children were working in mines for up to ten hours a day with very little pay and almost no protection. Lewis Hine also began to reveal the injustices of child labor by taking very graphic photographs which pictured young children in the terrible environment they regularly worked in. The Keating-Owen Act was a major step in preventing the overworking of children. Although it did not eliminate child labor, it placed many restrictions on it. Products made by children were not allowed to be sold or traded from state to state. Children were also not allowed to work more than eight hours a day and they were not allowed to work at night. By shortening a child's workday and reducing the necessity of their labor by not allowing interstate trade of items produced by children, the Keating-Owen Act made a huge impact on the Progressive Movement.
LAD #27
Wilson's First Inaugural
Woodrow Wilson's Inaugural speech was monumental because it began with Wilson's discussion of the shift in political parties from Republican to Democratic. Wilson stated in his speech that change was needed in the United States, for the government and for the citizens. The situation that Wilson described in his speech is somewhat similar to the situation occurring today, with the recent Inauguration of President Barack Obama. There was a shift in political parties as well as the dire need for change. Wilson continues to say that the past government had been successful because of the establishment of industrialism and the prosperity of big businessmen. However, these men's wealth came at the expense of the miserable working class. Wilson believed that the prime concern of the government at this point was to bring morality back to America. In Wilson's eyes, there were many things that needed to be changed including tariffs, banking systems, industry, and agriculture. However, Wilson promised that although the government did have the right to bring justice back to America, it would not destroy any past accomplishments that may have been corrupted along the way. Wilson believed the duty of the government was to clean up any unjustices and restore the the justice that had been neglected thus far. Wilson proclaimed his dedication to America and assured its people that he would do everything in his power to reach success.
Woodrow Wilson's Inaugural speech was monumental because it began with Wilson's discussion of the shift in political parties from Republican to Democratic. Wilson stated in his speech that change was needed in the United States, for the government and for the citizens. The situation that Wilson described in his speech is somewhat similar to the situation occurring today, with the recent Inauguration of President Barack Obama. There was a shift in political parties as well as the dire need for change. Wilson continues to say that the past government had been successful because of the establishment of industrialism and the prosperity of big businessmen. However, these men's wealth came at the expense of the miserable working class. Wilson believed that the prime concern of the government at this point was to bring morality back to America. In Wilson's eyes, there were many things that needed to be changed including tariffs, banking systems, industry, and agriculture. However, Wilson promised that although the government did have the right to bring justice back to America, it would not destroy any past accomplishments that may have been corrupted along the way. Wilson believed the duty of the government was to clean up any unjustices and restore the the justice that had been neglected thus far. Wilson proclaimed his dedication to America and assured its people that he would do everything in his power to reach success.
LAD #26
Clayton Anti-Trust Act
The Clayton Anti-Trust Act was established in order to resolve many of the problems that were created by the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. One of the major flaws of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act was that it sometimes favored big businesses instead of opposing them or trying to eliminate them. In the Clayton Anti-Trust Act, it was made clear that under no circumstances could a company or business use corrupt mechanisms or methods to make a higher profit. A company was also not allowed to discrimiate against certain groups of people or workers in order to make more money for themselves. The government was very aware of certain trusts and was intent on regulating them. If trusts were breaking the rules established by the Anti-Trust Act, they would be broken up by the government. The Clayton Anti-Trust Act proved to be a very positive act, because it helped to end the unfair treatment of workers, corruption in businesses, and monopolies.
The Clayton Anti-Trust Act was established in order to resolve many of the problems that were created by the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. One of the major flaws of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act was that it sometimes favored big businesses instead of opposing them or trying to eliminate them. In the Clayton Anti-Trust Act, it was made clear that under no circumstances could a company or business use corrupt mechanisms or methods to make a higher profit. A company was also not allowed to discrimiate against certain groups of people or workers in order to make more money for themselves. The government was very aware of certain trusts and was intent on regulating them. If trusts were breaking the rules established by the Anti-Trust Act, they would be broken up by the government. The Clayton Anti-Trust Act proved to be a very positive act, because it helped to end the unfair treatment of workers, corruption in businesses, and monopolies.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
LAD #25
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech:
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave the extremely powerful and memorable "I Have a Dream Speech", an eloquently written and touching speech that affected the views of black and white Americans all over. The most noticeable element of the speech is Martin Luther King's peaceful tone that is maintained throughout the speech. Martin Luther King begins the speech by addressing his audience and stating his gratitude for the opportunity to give his speech. He continues to address that although Lincoln emancipated black slaves throughout the nation one hundred years ago, black people do not enjoy the equality, happiness, and rights that white people often take for granted today. Martin Luther King compares the rights of black people to a bad check; a check needed to be cashed in. He refused to believe that the United States would willingly and intentionally give this "faulty check" to the black population, and peacefully stated that it was time for African Americans to cash their checks in to the bank. They would then be given equal rights and treatment to whites. Martin Luther King stated that it was very important for blacks to maintain their peaceful approach to their quest for equality. They would never be respected by whites if they decided that violence was the way to achieve their goals. Martin Luther King also encouraged blacks to stick together in their challenging journey, so they could endure their fate together. Martin Luther King went on to describe his dreams: his dreams of equality, justice, peace, true comradarie and union between races. Martin Luther King Jr. concludes his speech by stating his belief that Americans can rise above their past racist attitudes and can learn to embrace all people so the country is more unified than ever. This is his dream, and he strongly believes that Americans can carry his dream out.
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave the extremely powerful and memorable "I Have a Dream Speech", an eloquently written and touching speech that affected the views of black and white Americans all over. The most noticeable element of the speech is Martin Luther King's peaceful tone that is maintained throughout the speech. Martin Luther King begins the speech by addressing his audience and stating his gratitude for the opportunity to give his speech. He continues to address that although Lincoln emancipated black slaves throughout the nation one hundred years ago, black people do not enjoy the equality, happiness, and rights that white people often take for granted today. Martin Luther King compares the rights of black people to a bad check; a check needed to be cashed in. He refused to believe that the United States would willingly and intentionally give this "faulty check" to the black population, and peacefully stated that it was time for African Americans to cash their checks in to the bank. They would then be given equal rights and treatment to whites. Martin Luther King stated that it was very important for blacks to maintain their peaceful approach to their quest for equality. They would never be respected by whites if they decided that violence was the way to achieve their goals. Martin Luther King also encouraged blacks to stick together in their challenging journey, so they could endure their fate together. Martin Luther King went on to describe his dreams: his dreams of equality, justice, peace, true comradarie and union between races. Martin Luther King Jr. concludes his speech by stating his belief that Americans can rise above their past racist attitudes and can learn to embrace all people so the country is more unified than ever. This is his dream, and he strongly believes that Americans can carry his dream out.
Friday, January 9, 2009
LAD #24
The Dawes Act
The Dawes Act, an act split into eleven components, was an act made to protect Indians from the customary harsh treatment they generally received. The sections give Indians certain rights, such as the right to land, the right to select allotments set apart by the act's provisions, the right of Native Americans agents to certify the allotments, the right to receive equal allotment even if you don't live on the land, the promise that the Secretary of the Interior would hold the allotments "in trust" for 25 years, the right to become citizens once the allotments were completed, water rights, and exemption of the five civilized tribes from some restrictions.
The Dawes Act, an act split into eleven components, was an act made to protect Indians from the customary harsh treatment they generally received. The sections give Indians certain rights, such as the right to land, the right to select allotments set apart by the act's provisions, the right of Native Americans agents to certify the allotments, the right to receive equal allotment even if you don't live on the land, the promise that the Secretary of the Interior would hold the allotments "in trust" for 25 years, the right to become citizens once the allotments were completed, water rights, and exemption of the five civilized tribes from some restrictions.
LAD #22
Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech
One of the most famous speeches delivered was William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech. In his speech, Bryan's goal was to convince the public that the nation should incorporate both gold and silver into the monetary system; with silver's value as one sixteenth of the value of gold. Bryan stated that the government would protect the investments of people and make sure that this system was not corrupt. Bryans also stated that income tax was beneficial to the government and not supporting income tax is indirectly not supporting the government. Truly supporting the government is providing adequate support by paying taxes that will enable the government to support its people.
One of the most famous speeches delivered was William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech. In his speech, Bryan's goal was to convince the public that the nation should incorporate both gold and silver into the monetary system; with silver's value as one sixteenth of the value of gold. Bryan stated that the government would protect the investments of people and make sure that this system was not corrupt. Bryans also stated that income tax was beneficial to the government and not supporting income tax is indirectly not supporting the government. Truly supporting the government is providing adequate support by paying taxes that will enable the government to support its people.
LAD #22
The Populist Party Platform
The Populist party, emerging in the late 1800's, became a very prominent third party, second only to the Republican and Democratic parties. The Platform, Preamble, and Expression of Sentiments are the main components making up the populist party. The Preamble is an integral part of the Populist party because it gives Populists an outlet to express what they feel is wrong with America. Issues they have discussed are the demoralization of silver, corruption in elections, and corruption in political parties. The Platform is another integral part of the Populist party because it allows Populists to express their feelings regarding finance, transportation, and land. Populists fought for the free coinage of silver and gold, a graduated income tax, and the establishment of safe banks. They also believed that railroads should be run by the government instead of the people, because privately owned railroads were often run by corrupt people. They felt that land should not be monopolized; instead it should be inheritable. Finally, Populists discussed in the Expression of Sentiments the ways they will resolve central issues in America. Populists supported the secret ballot and shorter hours of labor, two issues they addressed in the Expression of Sentiments.
The Populist party, emerging in the late 1800's, became a very prominent third party, second only to the Republican and Democratic parties. The Platform, Preamble, and Expression of Sentiments are the main components making up the populist party. The Preamble is an integral part of the Populist party because it gives Populists an outlet to express what they feel is wrong with America. Issues they have discussed are the demoralization of silver, corruption in elections, and corruption in political parties. The Platform is another integral part of the Populist party because it allows Populists to express their feelings regarding finance, transportation, and land. Populists fought for the free coinage of silver and gold, a graduated income tax, and the establishment of safe banks. They also believed that railroads should be run by the government instead of the people, because privately owned railroads were often run by corrupt people. They felt that land should not be monopolized; instead it should be inheritable. Finally, Populists discussed in the Expression of Sentiments the ways they will resolve central issues in America. Populists supported the secret ballot and shorter hours of labor, two issues they addressed in the Expression of Sentiments.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
LAD #21
McKinley's war message was a statement made by McKinley explaining why the United States felt the need to intervene with the war occurring between Spain and Cuba. In 1898, the Cuban government rebelled against the Spanish, with the intent of winning their freedom. However, after three years of bloodshed and fighting, neither side's outcome could be determined or even guessed. The United States decided to enter the war on the side of the Cubans with the immediate offense of the USS Maine's destruction. McKinley stated that the war between the Spanish and the Cubans was negatively affecting American citizens and their economy. The United States had been trading partners with Cuba before the war, and it was impossible to continue trading relations while Cuba was fighting Spain. Also, McKinley figured that because the war had gone on so long with no clear outcome on the horizon, it was time to intervene before more unneccessary lives were lost on either side. The United States chose to protect Cuba and the citizens of Cuba, and to protect their trading relations with Cuba by siding with them. In addition, the United States empathized with the Cubans, remembering their own fight for independence. While these were all valid reasons for allying with Cuba in the war, the destruction of the USS Maine was the last straw, bringing the United States into the war as well.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)