LAD #10- Monroe Doctrine

1.  What did the issuing of the Monroe Doctrine express from an American perspective post War of 1812?
It expressed the United States concern for European imperialism and expansion into their territory. They feared that European powers would continue to take advantage of them. They also wrote this article to state America's neutrality in European affairs, and to say that America would only protect smaller nations or others if it was going to influence America.
2.  What was Secretary of State Adams' hope when he wrote the Monroe Doctrine?
He wrote this to send a message to European powers. This message being that America was not to be messed with and as long as Europe minded their own business, so would Americans.
3.  What is the key phrase in the entire document that you need to remember as the cornerstone or American Foreign Policy?
"It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in hope that other powers will pursue the same course. . . .", this is the last line and it stands out because it talks about the policy of neutrality. It also says that we hope everyone else stays neutral because if they don't then they will feel our wrath.

Above: President Monroe

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural

          Jefferson begins his address by thanking the American people for electing him president. America was a nation at its beginning, lots of industry to be started and destinies far ahead. This was a hard task for Jefferson to take, which he says. Also he hopes to find wisdom and virtue by using other people and following the Constitution. He asks for help from his fellow man to make sure that the country heads in the right direction.
          The Constitution has mapped out our rights, like freedom of speech and it will arrange our laws and unite us for the good of everyone. Keep in mind, those who break the rules will be held responsible for their actions, but everyone will have equal rights which will unite us as one person. The restoration of social and religious freedoms that were not given to us in our nations before coming to America, be given back to us. People left those lands to get away from persecution and came to this peaceful land, for safety. Every person is both a federalist and a republican, this is not a difference of principle. There is no reason to hate this new government, it, so far, has kept its nation out of war and kept its people free, so why would you want to get rid of it? This is the strongest government in the world, because everyone governs it, not just one king, but rather all of the people in the nation.
          This country, with both federalists and republicans, has enough room for everyone and everyone inside the country will be judged based on their actions not their families. Citizens will need morality and justice because those are the values held highest by the American people. Overall, this government will keep people safe, but it will not interfere in industry or labor; a good government is need to guarantee happiness.
          It is necessary for everyone to understand the essentials of the government, most importantly; equal justice for all men, peace and commerce with all nations, no alliances, all rights protected by the States, administrations help with our domestic concerns, conservation of the General Government, peace and safety at home and abroad, election by the people. If the powers are abused then the people should revolutionize if their is no other option, use the decisions of the majority, principles of a Republic, despotism, well disciplined militia, supremacy of civil over military power, public economy, payment of debts, preservation of faith, agriculture and commerce encouraged, and freedoms in the bill of rights and Constitution. All of these principles shape the government and they will lead to tranquility and liberty.
           Jefferson mentions he is happy to have been elected, but he will not be perfect. It is hard to follow in Washington's footsteps, he was a great leader. Therefore Jefferson will make some wrong decision and some right decisions. He asks for the support of his errors because they were not intended as such. With the power he has he hopes to do right by it and the people who voted for him.
          Jefferson concludes saying he hopes that he will retire when people vote him not to be in power, using their rights, and that the people use their power that cannot be taken away; they lead to peace and prosperity.

LAD #8: Columbus' blog

Despite Christopher Columbus contributing to many aspects of society today, he negatively impacted peoples lives and that is why he should be considered a villain, not a hero. First of all, he did not discover America, despite popular belief, there were already Native Americans her and it is believed that the Vikings had also already traveled to America. Columbus was not even the second group to be in America. Once he reached America, Columbus did not treat the natives respectfully. He enslaved them and caused the deaths of millions. He brought death to America, through slavery and disease. His slave trade took men, women, and children from their homes and he kept lots of the money he made for himself. He was so disliked that during his fourth voyage, when his crew was stranded, nobody from Spain wanted to go and help him. Overall, Columbus was a villain, he participated heavily in the slave trade and he is remembered for something that had already occurred; the discovery of America!

Pictured Above: Christopher Columbus