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.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

In his farewell address, Washington thanks the American people for supporting him and their country with zeal. However, he also points out some political freedoms, if left unchecked, could destroy the political unity of the nation, or in a greater sense, dismantle the foundation of the nation. Washington reminds the American people that they are a part of one nation, and while there are some varying perspectives and beliefs between the members of different regions (Northern, Southern, Atlantic, Western regions), the people should remind themselves that they are held together by their common political beliefs, their patriotism, and their economic interdependence. Washington furthers enforces political unity by reminding the colonists of the evils of sectionalism, making it known that no state government should ever attempt to secede from the union. Aside from the necessity of maintaing political unity,Washington points out other dangers, such as political problems that are created by an increasingly large amount of political factions. Political factions represent a wide spectrum of beliefs that deviate from common convictions of the people. Washington provides examples of how this deviation can be a problem by warning the American people that political factions obstruct the development of laws and weaken the power of the constitutional branches. Washington asks the American people to prevent these problems from ever occuring. In order to achieve this, Washing states that the people should lead a religious and moral lifestyle. Not only would lead to both private and public happiness, but it would also allow America's democratic government to flourish.

Republican Motherhood Blog

1. What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?

A. The Revolutionary War was the fundamental cause of women's shift from housewifery to Republican Motherhood. Because men were out fighting in the American Revolution, women were left to maintain the home and educate the future generation of Americans. With time, this future generation would grow into respectable young men, who believed that their mothers were the "nurse and the educator" of "...future man and [his] undying spirit..."  for democracy and republicanism. (Document A). As a result, women's role in society became redefined because they were now expected to teach their to express patriotism and to be proud of their country.

2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?

A. The consequences of Republican Motherhood proved to be beneficial for women. For examle, they received a proper education and were allowed them to gain some property rights over her husband's land(Document B). Men also now viewed women as a patriot and believe that she "best serves her country by training up good citizens, just, humane, and enlightened legislatures" (Document A). In a broader sense, woman were now viewed as an influence on society as a whole, as women possessed the power to change society as they saw fit (Document D).

3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women's socialization?

A. The ideology of republican motherhood planted the seeds for greater socialization for women. As previously stated, "...the influence of woman [was no longer] limited to the domestic circle. Society is her empire, which she governs at will...." (Document D). When women recognized their increase of power, they gained the confidence to express their beliefs on other aspects of life. For example, women began to group together, "...asserting the importance and the honour of their sex" (Document C). While women were not initially successful in drawing support for their cause, they educated their children to support their beliefs, eventually leading to greater social equality for women.

 

1. Describe the setting.

A. The setting is a room with curtains and a couch. In the room is a mother and her two children, looking content with their surroundings.

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

A. Mary Tilghman, the mother of the two children, serves at the center of the portrait. The mother serves at the center of the portrait to suggest that women are gaining prominance and importance in family matters. This depiction does not appear to be aristocratic, but rather "republican", as the mother is dressed in common clothing and is holding her children close to her. The children's closeness to their mother and expressions of happiness suggest that bonds between mother and child were built by republican motherhood. The children also wear common clothing of the time, further supporting that this is not an aristocratic depiction.

3. What values do her sons exhibit?

A. Her sons exhibit feelings of respect and genuine love for their mother. This is shown by their closeness to their mother. This also emphasizes that the mother played a signifcicant role in her children's upbringing during the time. As a result of their upbringing, her children will retain these values, and become a paragon of the American gentleman.

4. Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham's arm?

A. The significance of Mrs. Tilgham's arm is that it is on her younger child. This displays the closeness between mother and child which results from republican motherhood. Mrs. Tilgham's arm also symbolizes that the mother of this era will protect her child from the debauched and amoral evils of society, which will hopefully allow them to grow up to become honest and respectable men.

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

The Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793 states that the United States will remain neutral during the war taking place between European powers (Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, the United Netherlands, and France). Washington also advices the American citizens to not get themselves involved in the war, because this would violate the laws of the nation. Should any American citizen go against Washington's proclamation of neutrality, the punishment would be equivalent to breaking the law and the perpetrator would face prosecution.

LAD #5: Federalist #10

1. Factions are difficult to eliminate because they can only be eliminated by either removing its causes or controlling the effects of the factions, thereby forcing all citizens to adopt the same opinions, passions, and interests. Obviously, neither of these solutions are possible. To take away the causes of these factions is an attack on the liberties of man. This goes against the basis of the American Revolution and the fundamental ideology of the nation, which is all men deserve certain unalienable rights and liberties. The later is impossible, because a man is shaped by his personal experiences as well as his own opinions and ideology. These men have a right to express their beliefs, hence controlling their beliefs is also an attack on their liberties.

2. While factions cannot be removed, they can be controlled through the institution of a republic. If the government is a pure democracy, then it would fail because the people would make their own factions to represent their own beliefs. This would lead to a wide spectrum of factions, and with each representing inconsequential beliefs, the government would be too divided to accomplish anything. however, when the government is in the form of a republic, these factions can elect an indivudal that represents their beliefs into a government position. In short, a pure democracy has the people represent their own beliefs, while a republic allows the people to elect a representative.