LAD #10-The Monroe Doctrine

In the Monroe Doctrine, President James Monroe made a pact with the European power to maintain neutrality towards the newly independent colonies. These colonies gained their freedom after the Napoleonic Wars, in which their mother countries were too economically and militarilly weakened to effectively deal with revolts in the Western hemisphere. Although these new nations now had a taste of freedom, they did not know how to establish a political system to allow their nation to survive. In an attempt to help these new nations, the Americans supported their independence and asked that the European powers retain neutrality until these nations establish a legitimate government. By asking for this neutrality, Monroe was subtly ensuring that his own nation would not become involved in an alliance system with any European powers. Monroe justified his doctrine by claiming that they are only protecting the rights of the western man and that these people also deserve "peace and happiness". Monroe also noted that any efforts to recapture these nations would be futile, as they are too far of a distance away. In his conclusion, Monroe urges the Europeans to follow the Americans example.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Thomas Jefferson, the second United States President, gave his inaugural address on March 4th, 1801. In an act of modesty, Jefferson begins this address by humbly telling the American people that his talents alone might not be enough to lead the great nation. Despite this, he continues by assuring worried Americans that with the help of the Constitution, he will be able to "...find resources of wisdom, of virtue, and of zeal on which to rely under all difficulties". He furthers his address by stating that he needs the people to "...arrange themselves under the will of the law, and unite in common efforts for the common good" by submitting themselves to the Constitution. Although many Americans are hesitant of complying with the new Federal government, Jefferson reminds the American people that the government is stronger than ever and that every man in the nation has the same principles (exemplified by their ability to unify during the American Revolution). To support this argument, Jefferson provides some of the many freedoms that the government would uphold (equal rights, freedom of opinions, and freedom of religion). For these reasons, Jefferson believes they can all work together for the betterment of the nation. As the address draw to a close, Jefferson tells the American people that in times of discord, they must continue to support the government. With this support, he will be able to work to the best of his ability to aid the American people. Jefferson finally ends his address by reminding the people that the "infinite power" of the government lies in the hands of the people, and with their support, the Americans would be able to achieve "...peace and prosperity".

Columbus Blog #8

While Christopher Columbus is commonly viewed as a champion of the advancement of European society and the brave explorer that discovered the New World, he is instead a malefactor who destroyed New World society and culture. During Columbus' arrival into the New World, he encountered several munificent Native Americans who offered "everything they owned". Rather than return this generosity with kindness, Columbus planned to make the natives into "fine servants... we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want", as he had written in his log. Columbus did not care for the well being of others, but instead focused on achieving fame and gaining monetary success. He soon carried out his plan and captured several natives in the hopes that they could lead him to gold. Unfortunately, Columbus did not find this illusive gold, but he exaggerated reports and made promises to Spain about the New World wealth. This resulted in a greater investment of Columbus's voyages, which placed him in massive debt to the Spanish government. In order to repay this debt, Columbus forced the natives to give Columbus a certain amount of gold every three months. For the natives who met Columbus's quota, they were given copper tokens to hang around their necks. The other natives that did not receive these copper tokens were executed in cold blood. Hence, Columbus was no hero or champion of society, but a villain who only worked to benefit his own needs and disregarded the rights of others because of his his selfish ideals.

Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States: 1492 - Present. New York: Harper Perennial, 2006. Print.