LAD 37 - Brown vs. Board of Education: Topeka, Kansas

At a time when racial segregation was popular, a black third-grader, Linda Brown, spoke out against the norm. Brown argued that she had to walk one mile to her black elementary school, although a white elementary school was only seven blocks away. In an effort to enroll his daughter in the white school, Oliver Brown went to McKinley Burnett, the head of Topeka's NAACP. The NAACP's actions culminated in a court hearing for the Browns' pleas for equality and an end to segregation. The Board attempted to counterargue by claiming that segregation was a way of life, and did not cause harm to the African American populace. The court was "compelled" to rule in support of the Board of Education, and the NAACP appealed to the Supreme Court. The court decided that the 14th Amendment did not call for segregation in schools, and that minorities should have equal protecion under the law - segregation did not allow this. Hence, the Supreme Court struck down the "separate but equal" doctrine that previously existed, and called for the desegregation of schools. While this is a major victory during the time, complete equality was still very far from the African Americans' grasp.

LAD 36 - The Truman Doctrine

Truman claims that Greece and Turkey need monetary support, which can be provided by the United States. Truman continues by claiming that these countries needs this support, otherwise they could potentially succumb to the pressure of the Soviet Union. Truman notes that these pressures from the Soviet Union have been greatly successful during the time, as Europe is currently suffering from an economic stagnation - many cannot maintain the bare necessities of living. Greece and Turkey also ask that America takes leadership in their funding, in addition to providing military support - these countries cannot uphold democracy on their own. Truman then recognizes that the previous World Wars were begun in other nations and because of the regression it could potentially continue to occur in other nations. Truman asserts that rather than relying on the United STates alone, the world should rely upon the United Nations. This is because no nation cannot truly support these smaller countries - Greece and turkey - and that it would be best to have international support for these smaller nations and prevent their fall to communism. truman concludes that the UN is necessary to prevent a communist outbreak, and that America will support the cause of democracy in any circumstance, and uphold the values of freedom for any person asking for it.

LAD #35: FDR's Executive Order 9066

FDR claims that he has the ability to protect the United States from "espionage and against sabotage to national-defense material, national-defense premises, and national-defense utilities." In this claim, FDR proclaims that he has authorized construction in military areas such that a person can house the government can house potential enemies. He supports this claim in an appeal to logos: those in these camps will be treated like citizens, and FDR supports that the military officers should respect the liberties of those in the camps and provide them with necessities and accommodations. Roosevelt next calls for the Attorney General to take charge and control over these camps, but also concedes that one man alone should not wield such power, so he authorizes commanders of each individual camp and the allowance of federal troops to regulate these industries. Roosevelt concludes that he will authorize departments that control "hospitalization, food, clothing, transportation, use of land, shelter, and other supplies" and finishes that his decrees can only be changed by him.

LAD 34 - FDR's Declaration of War

Franklin D. Roosevelt was horrified to discover that Japanese planes had bombed Pearl Haror on December 7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy. The Japanese planes killed over 2000 soldiers in cold blood, but had failed to harm United States aircraft carriers to the same degree. Roosevelt responded quickly to the matter, giving one of the greatest speeches in American history. He claimed in his oration that "the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan" and explains that this atrocity occurred at a time when they wanted to maintain peace with Japan. Roosevelt then proclaims that the attack had occurred an hour before Japanese Ambassadors claimed that the Japanese would never threaten Americans. This, Roosevelt deduces, show that the strike and attack on American lives had been premeditated, as the Japanese had implemented chicannery to fool the Americans into believing that they wanted peace in the Pacific. In an effort to make sure that these Americans had not died in vain, Roosevelt states that they must counteract againstislands such as Wake Island, Guam, and the Philippine Islands and that the people must defend their nation no matter how long it takes, "we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God." America then declares war on Japan on December 8th, 1941, which propels Italy and Germany to declare war on America three days later.

LAD 33: FDR's First Inaugural

In his 1933 inaugural address, Franklin Delano Roosevelt claimed that he was prepared to utilize stances where he could turn reverse the economy's stagnation, as long as he had the support of the people and the federal powers to help himdeal with their "extraordinary needs." With this, Roosevelt begins to tear down the people's psychological wall and learned helplessness on the matter of the Great Depression.  Roosevelt proclamized that he will expand the power of the federal government, which he makes known would allow him to initiate legislative reforms, thereby assauging the pain felt by the Great Depression's wrath. In a figurative sense, his declaration of war in his inaugural address further shows his belief that the average American man has been hurt since the 1929 stock market crash. Roosevelt continues by presenting his main argument - as forementioned - the people need to lose their pessimistic attitude towards the Great Depression. A turn around, he says, is easily possible by distributing portions of the American populace to new areas, increasing the value of the agriculture, and reducing Federal, State, and Local governments' spending. Roosevelt. As his address comes to a close, Roosevelt pushes for a policy of collective action, which he claims has been previously utilized to enflame the American spirit and help the people survive through various disasters. Thus, Roosevelt contains, "the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself".

LAD 32: Kellog-Briand Peace Pact

The 1928 Kellogg–Briand Peace Pact - or the "World Peace Act" - was developed in an attempt to forever renounce war. The pact was built upon shaky foundations, however, as it contained no sanctions for how to prevent such war. The pact had also been developed to prevent American involvement in foreign alliances and affairs. The Senate approved the treaty with an enormous approval rate - 85–1 - and these senators did not add any reservation to the treaty believing that the treaty should allow "open-interpretation" and infringe upon the American citizen's rights. By doing so, the pact did not call for blatant belligerence, but did claim that fighting can occur if it is under self defense. In terms of practicality, the Kellogg–Briand Pact did not succeed in preventing war from ever occuring again, much less in contributing to world peace. For instance, it was unable to stop the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931, the Italian invasion of Abyssinia in 1935, and the German and Soviet Union invasions of Poland. However, it was successful in creating international law against threats and international crises. The pact continues to serve as international law for issues such as crime against peace - the Nuremberg Trials sentenced several German belligerants. After World War II, it is deemed necessary that nations must utilize their militaries only if they need self defense. The pact also prohibits the annexation of a territory and tries to allow for equality between nations.

LAD #31: Wilson's 14 Points

Wilson responds to the losses that the Allied Powers suffered when Russia left the Eastern front during World War I. He first notes that the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk allowed the Russians to cowardly leave Britain and France fighting on the western front as it made peace with Central Powers. Wilson - seeing the treaty as a protection of the public to some extent - questions why Russia would concede to such a treaty that allows the belligerants to keep hold of all occupied territory Wilson infers that this concession does not justify Russia's protection of the public and advocacy of democracy, and he argues that this event is a misrepresentation of peace - the world only knows of it from Russians and Germans perspectives and revelations. Because of the uncertainty of the preservation of global democracy, Wilson declares that the US must take part in the war, and ensure the protection of the citizens of the world. In his argument, Wilson presents points to further the future allowance of democracy, calling for: an end to international secret treaties; global freedom of the seas; removal of economic barriers; colonialism and imperialistic ideals; the occuptaion of territory in Russia, Belgium, and France; Italy's territorial designs; the occupation and end to a lack of peace organization in Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro and the other Balkan States; the lack of soverignty in the Ottoman Empire and the unallowance of ports; the end of the territorial possession of Poland;and finally the lack of an international committee (Wilson proposes a "League of Nations" be developed).

LAD #30: Schneck v US

                         A Basic Summary of the Case

During World War I, Charles Schenck mailed circulars to draftees, which advocated the belief that drafts are evils brought by America's capitalist system. The circulars pleaded with the draftees to petition against drafting by repealing the Conscription Act. For his actions, Schenck was indicted with the charges of conspiracy criminal obstruction and insubordination. The Court ruled against Schenck - despite his apparent protection of free speech in the first Amendment - because they claim that Schenck cannot be protected in this situation. As a result, the Court now finds that "the character of every act depends on the circumstances". When speaking for the Court's reasoning, Court Justice Oliver Holmes claims that when a person has "a nature as to create a clear and present danger" and attempt to bring about "substantive evils", it is up to the government to intervene. Therefore, based on the now created Espionage Act of 1917, certain liberties can be disregarded during times of war to ensure peace and prosperity for the nation.

LAD #29: Keating-Owen Child Labor Act

A 1900 census revealed that approximately 2 million American children worked in menial and monotonous labor. The census report - which from a subliminal sense also reveals that these children are poverty stricken as they need work - opened America's eyes as the people pushed for labor reforms (which was deemed as a detriment to the future welfare of society). The first child labor bill, the Keating-Owen bill of 1916, claimed that the government's should impliment the income from interstate commerce to regulate child labor. The act also went to the extent of banning the sale of products from any storefront that employed underage children. The Act was passed by Congress and ratified, but the Supreme Court deemed it unconstitutional 1918 as it disparagingly went beyond government's powers to regulate interstate commerce. In response, a second child labor bill was passed in 1918, which also took advantage of government taxation to regulate child labor. Expectedly, this was soon found unconstitutional in 1922, as the Court reasoned that “The power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce does not extend to curbing the power of the states to regulate local trade.” The public was undeterred, and with time, an amendment was proposed that would justifiably give Congress the power to regulate child labor. Surpassing disputes and conspiratorial cabals, the actions for an amendment to protect child welfare culminated into the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938. The Supreme Court would again call out the wrongs of the act, but with time (1941), the Court declared it would uphold the act, which is still in effect today.

LAD #28: Wilson's Inaugural Address

In his 1913 inaugural address, Woodrow Wilson claims that a great change has overtaken the government. This change - he recognizes - is that the senate, house, and the presidency itself has come under the rule of the democratic party. Wilson attributed this success of the party with the growing desire for change and reform among the people of this country, as conflicts and issues had been brought about by the Progressive Era - notably by the actions of Republicans - through Roosevelt and Taft.Wilson praises the Americans for their recognition of such action and their ability to see with moral clarity, and he attributes this behavior to America's growth and success: it grew into a leading world power over the past 150 years.

However, Wilson also mentions that such actions taken in the road to success also have their consequences and casualties. For example, Wilson claims that industrialization has become an epitomy of debauchery and corruption - which has brought about terrible atrocities to the working class - and tariffs posed on the common man violates the nation's protection of civil liberty and the basic principles of taxation. This, coupled with the increasing agricultural-commodity oriented issues of the time, proves - as Wilson argues - that the government needs to intervene and become the enforcer of justice yet again. By doing so, one is ensured equality regardless of socioeconomic standing - thereby creating indemnible rights in the more modern, capitalistic business oriented world. Wilson concludes by asking the people to aid this movement, hence modifying the economy for the greater good and general will of the people.

LAD #27: Clayton Anti-Trust Act

the 1914 Clayton Anti-Trust Act was ratified to further the US government's stand against the corrupt and deplorable businesses of the Industrial Era. Its original purpose was to further the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890. However, it quickly overshadowed the Sherman Anti-Trust ACt as it prohibited exclusive sales contracts, local price cutting to freeze out competitors, rebates, interlocking directorates in corporations capitalized at $1 million or more in the same field of business, and intercorporate stock holdings. The act was in support of the struggling labor unions and agricultural workers, as they were - in a basic sense - exploitend by hierarchy's trade restraints and implications. To a further extent, the act restricted big business from having dictatorial control over the common man, and gave the worker the ability to legally strike, picket, and boycott. In this defense, Congress declared upon ratification that “the labor of a human being is not a commodity or article of commerce.” Later amendments were passed in succession to maintain the act's strengthen, such as provisions against unfair price cutting (1936) and intercorporate stock holdings (1950).

LAD #26: "I Have a Dream" Speech

 

King begins his historic and legendary speech simply - "I have a dream". Using repetition, he repeats this phrase throughout the speech, creating significance in its meaning and creating emotional appeals to the audience. In his speech, he hopes that there will be a time where all men are judges equally by the content of their character. With this he then moves to someday children of different colors will be able to play together. King infers to the injustice of the Constitution by claiming that "all men are created equal" - both black and white men are equal at character. King continues about how he dreams that the crooked become straight, the wrongs will be corrected, and the narrowminded slave owners of yesterday can sit down and eat with their prior slaves. King's dream came true, as his speech alone united millions.

LAD #25: The Dawes Act

The Dawes Act of 1887 called for the protection Indian reservations. The government (specifically the President) did this by designating reservation land to Indian families that would obviously continue to remain a part of the United States. The government managed to carry out the Dawes Act peacefully by allowing the natives to maintain a large enough "section" (which was based upon age and family size). The Dawes ACt also protected the natives from tribal conflicts by creating provisional lines that allowed for each tribe to attain an equal amount of lan. However, if these provisional lines did not last for any reason, the territorial lines were redrawn by the Secretary of the Interior. Going to the extreme of guaranteeing the natives hapiness, the US government gave patents to the natives to ensure that the natives' new lands would remain theirs as long as they did not leave the US domain in the next twenty-five years. During this time, all economic activity was to be carefully watched by the Secretary of the Interiror. The American government also had the right to distribute the land for homes, irrigation systems, and educational facilities. The government would also protect the natives freedom of religion by allowing religious practice in a sector of the provided land.  Lastly, citizenship was offered to all Indians who supported the act, follwed the laws, and were born within the borders of the United States. Unfortunately, the act did not apply to all native tribes (specifically, the tribes moved by Jackson and the Seneca Nation in New York). The act also contains no protection from railroads, telegraph lines, or other public uses as decreed by Congress.

LAD 24: William Jennings Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech

William Jennings Bryan's makes the Populist Party's beliefs known, predominantly their view on using both gold and silver as currency, in his 1896 "Cross of Gold" speech. Bryan begins his argument by asserting that he does not to worsen controversy on the matter by presenting his argument, but instead express the ideas of the working class and the common man. After, he emphasizes the notion that Democrats hostile attitued towards the Republicans is inneffective and only deepens political hatred. After making this point, Bryan attacks the Republicans himself by claiming that the Republicans view on bimetalism (it would interfere with their business, which opposed silver coinage) was flawed. He points out that such Republican ideas and practices are a detriment to the "common man's business", hurting everyone who is not a major power in big business. Bryan then defends the Democrats in their supposed "unconstitutional" income tax law. He states he supports it because it epitomizes democracy (which has apparently been erased from the upper class' minds) by allowing citizens of all distinctions to have some equality in economic protection. Bryan also notes the Republicans attack on the Democrats negative viewpoint towards bank currency, which He compares to Andrew Jackson in his plight against the Bank of the United States - which arguably "saved America." Bryan further continues his assault on the Republican Party by pointing out its flaws: he recognizes that McKinely supported bimetallism, although the group denies it. Bryan then alludes to Britain want to a gold standard, showing that Republicans simply agree to European ideals. In his conclusion, Bryan delivers the finishing blow to the Republican Party by claiming that "You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold."

LAD #23: The Populist Party Platform

The Populist Party Platform was formed to counter big business and monopoly during America's Industrial Revolution. The Populist Party proclaimed that its purpose was to protect the rights of the common man - the party made its own "Declaration of Independence" which condemns the US government for the atrocities that existed in American borders: the slums that spotted cities, the working class' reliance on big business, and the robber barons' exploits upon the American people. The Populist Party's agenda was also for the production of silver as currency and pay restrictions to economically control the wealthy. In addition, they fought for men outside of the working class, arguing that the government must protect agricultural productivity becaus it would further protect Americans and it would create an economic boom that would counter the issues with currency that existed during the time. In short, the party sought to bring power back to the people and restore true democracy for all Americans. The Populist Party also declares in their Declaration that unions are a necessity over the working class and that the government should have ownership and power over the railroads, telephone, and telegraph. Lastly, the Populist Party stands firmly against monopolizing land to support business, and instead it should belong to both "its creator and its laborers". The Populist Party fought for an open ballot, pensions for solidiers, and sympathy towards laborers (reasonable workday, better pay, better working conditions). 

LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

President McKinley claims that the bitter, bloody war between Spain and Cuba must be ended to protect humanity, civilization, and American interests. A major issue that McKinley presents is that the violece between these two countries not only upsets the American citizen, but is also hurting American trade -especially the capital. In an effort to pacify his citizens and save the economy from impending doom,  McKinely syllogizes two possibilities: he can either take a position of neutrality, but still intervene; or he can provide benefits and support to one side. After carefully contemplating this dilemma, McKinely deduces that if the US is forced to choose the latter, he would have to side against the insurrectionists. However, the cons of the former, which can speciously be justified, is too great of a detriment. The four major points McKinley asserts in his speech is that the "horrible miseries" and "barbarities" that take place in Cuba would continue; the unprotected Cuban citizen deserves to be protected (which relates back to the Monroe Doctrine); neutrality would create a "very serious injury to American commerce and trade"; and it would forever ruin current political affairs with Cuba. Through calculated risks, McKinley chose to protect the Cubans, openly stating that the American's are too closely intertwined Cuba for the Us citizen to ignore Spain's atrocities. Such action would later lead to the Spanish-American War (which ended oin a decisive American victory) and the eventual occupation of Cuba.