LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

1. What did the issuing of the Monroe Doctrine express from an American perspective post War of 1812?
From an American's perspective, the Monroe Doctrine expressed the people's confidence now they were able to not lose a war against the British. It also expressed that they would not allow other countries to colonize America or any part of it.  The doctrine said that they would respond to any attempt with military force.  The Monroe Doctrine was a statement of power.

2. What was Secretary of State Adams' hope when he wrote the Monroe Doctrine?
Adams' hope was that the Monroe Doctrine would keep America out of wars with Britain. He also wanted the U.S to remain neutral in general.  Adams also hoped to prevent future world wars.  Additionally, he wanted the United States to appear as a strong, unified country.

3. What is the key phrase in the entire document that you need to remember as the cornerstone of 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”

Columbus Blog

Was Christopher Columbus a hero or a villain?

      In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. This is what we learn of him. We are taught of a man who accidentally discovered America while looking for an all-water route to Asia. He is also the man who aided in the decimation of the Native American population. So, is he friend or foe? He is both, however the negative impact he left outweighs his positive actions.
      Christopher Columbus struck a deal with the King and Queen of Spain; the negotiations was called The Capitulations of Santa Fe. The contract earned Columbus 10% of profits of anything he encountered and it also named him "admiral, viceroy, and governor of any land he discovered" (bio.). According to historian Howard Zinn, Columbus falls into the same category as conquistadors, Hernando Cortes and Francisco Pizarro. He brought over diseases that were fatal to the Natives who weren't immune. Columbus and his men enslaved many Indians and sold them, or he put them to work to increase his profits. He treated the natives harshly, brutally killing them. Furthermore, "in an attempt to deter further rebellion, Columbus ordered their dismembered bodies to be paraded through the streets" (History.com). Christopher Columbus heavily mistreated the natives of America that were there long before him. His greed overruled all other traits and he saw them as an ends to a mean, money. It would have benefitted more people if Columbus just stayed on his side of the ocean. Today, we celebrate a man unworthy of a holiday.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Summary of Jefferson's First Innaugural Address -

Thomas Jefferson swore into office on March 4, 1801. On that day he became the third man to do so. He begins his address with a conveyance to the people of his gratitude for the opportunity he has received. Jefferson portrays modesty and humility at the start. He says that he will look to the Constitution for guidance in making decisions. One of his goals is for a united, yet tolerant, country. So, although the government is based on majority vote, the minority groups will also be heard, even those who don't agree with the Republican view. Jefferson believes that a Republican form of government is the strongest and that the people should go forth with confidence that it is. Every aspect will be bettered: economy, government, society. Jefferson's principles are equal justice for all men, support and preservation of the government, a well trained militia, and a following of the Constitution (freedoms of speech, press, etc.) He concludes his speech by pledging to uphold these principles and do his best to bring peace and prosperity to America. He asks for peoples' forgiveness when he makes mistakes, and he asks they keep confidence in him.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

Summary of Washington's Farewell Address, 1796-
In Washington's Farewell Address, he announces that he will not be returning to run for a third term as President. He has been ready to officially retired for a while, however at the time he could not leave it in such a state. Washington advises the citizens to disapprove of the alienation and isolation of any part of the country. There may be differences among the country, but sticking together is key. Next, he cautions the people about political parties; they can cause rifts, jealousy, and corruption. Also, he mentions his Proclamation of Neutrality, saying that we should be friendly in our interactions with foreign countries. Additionally, he does believe in engaging in free trade with the Europeans and other nationa. Another point that Washington makes is on religion. He believes that it boosts private and public happiness as well as political prosperity. Washington wraps up in a display of patriotism by exclaiming his excitement to become a regular everyday American.

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Summary of Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality, 1793-

George Washington created this during a time of war between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the Netherlands vs France. The purpose of this proclamation is to keep the United States out of all the conflict going on in Europe in the 1970s. He cautioned the American citizens to not provide any aid, nor supplies. He stated, those who don't follow this law will be prosecuted accordingly and will no longer be a protectee of the U.S. Washington believed non-involvement was the best policy.

LAD #5: The Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?
Elimating factions are difficult because there are only two methods to getting rid of factions, destroying liberty or standardizing opinions and ideas. Faction and liberty are inseparable and necessary to the government. The American government's duty is to protect the rights of man, and depriving liberty, conflicts with its obligations. Also, it is inevitable that there will be difference of opinions due to varying social classes.

2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?
The effects of factions need to be controlled instead of attempting to eliminate them completely. If it's a minority faction then it can easily be defeated by a majority vote. One way a majority faction can be controlled is by preventing the similar passions within the majority. However, the only way to truly control the effects is with a republican, not a democracy. In a republic, citizens vote for their representatives to vote for laws, while in a democracy everyone votes for every law. With factions gaining representation, some of their demands can possibly be met and they can be quelled.

Republican Motherhood

Republican Motherhood

1. What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?
Women still remained as the caretakers of the house and children even after the Revolution. However, their responsibilities increased because it was their job to raise the future generation for their newly free county. They have to teach them the principles that come along with being born into America (Doc B). Not only were the children supposed to be educated in the new, but they were also meant to never forget the old. The Revolution and its importance could not be forgotten (Doc C).

2.  What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?
One consequence was the added pressure put on women. The expectations were higher and they had more duties placed on top of their original ones. It was said if a woman doesn't perform these duties then "she is deserting the station which God and nature have assigned to her" (Doc A). Jonathan F Stearns also stated that if they are not successful with their duties then they will be the first to be "trodden under foot," placing more pressure upon the women (Doc D). Another consequence of Repblican Motherhood on women was the increase in required education for women. Now, a lady should have legible handwriting and be knowledgeable in the English language, numbers, bookkeeping, geography, chronology, history, biography, and traveling (Doc B). Another c

3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women's socialization?
The ideology of the Republican Motherhood was to increase women's status and importance in American society. Women were the role models for the first generation born into the free country. The pride that came with this role led to women "asserting the importance and the honor of their sex" (Doc C). Also, in Document B, Benyamin Rush talks about women's education. The education they receive help raise their importance in the later women's rights movements.

Mary Gibson Tilgham

1. Describe the setting
A woman, seemingly wealthy, and presumably the mother of
the two young boys painted along with her. One is upon her lap and the other is beside her on the couch. They all seem serene as they appear to be directly looking at the painter.

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

Mary Gibson Tilgham, the mother, is displayed as the center of the portrait. She is displayed as a well put together woman, she has her hair styled, and a dress that hints at wealth. The artist is portraying her as the ideal representative of "republican motherhood." Mothers raised the children, and that means the future generations were shaped by them. Thus, women involved in this republican were of a higher status.

3. What values do her sons exhibit?
Her sons seem calm and well behaved indicating Tilgham raised them properly. They look as if they both love and respect their mother.

4. Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham's arm?
Yes, the younger boy is reaching out to his brother, and it is Mrs. Tilgham's arm that is holding him back. It is showing that she is fulfilling her role properly by making sure her son is acting proper and well behaved. It shows her power as well as the care she has for her children.