Megan's AP American Blog

LAD/Blog #11: Monroe Doctrine President Monroe begins by addressing relations and negotiations with Russia and Great Britain regarding the colonizing of the Americas. He declares that, “the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers…”  He then speaks to American neutrality, saying he would not involve America in the European conflicts (or in already established colonies)- only when the US’ rights are infringed upon will it fight. He points out that European governments are very different from those to the west, and that any attempts to establish them would be seen as a threat. He also says America would not take sides with any European countries if there was a war. He announces that America will treat all other governments equally, not showing submission to any but also staying neutral. He ends by saying if European countries attem...

LAD/Blog #10: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address Jefferson begins his speech by saying how grateful he is to have been elected president, how humbled he is to be in this position, and how he plans to look to others for guidance. He says he will rely on his virtues during difficult times. He then says that although the government represents the will of the people, and that the majority will prevail, the minority will still have equal rights. He then begins to speak about political divisions (parties), and says that since religious intolerance has ended, it is destructive to create more toxic separations between people. He says the very famous lines, "But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists." After asserting this, Jefferson continues on and says that some may not think the government is strong, but declares that he believes it is the ...

Blog #9: Columbus After receiving funds from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, Christopher Columbus set sail in 1492. He was searching for India, and was trying to find a route to help bring back goods to Spain. However, 33 days after leaving, instead of finding a path to India, Columbus reached land in America- the New World. After making landfall, he influenced both the natives as well as his mother country. He was both a villain and a hero, but a villain to a greater extent than a hero.                             Christopher Columbus was much more of a villain than a hero. This mainly is because of his treatment of the natives, who he named Indians. His initial reaction after seeing them for the first time was to make them slaves. Columbus himself even wrote that “They would make fine servants… With fifty men we could subjugate them...

LAD/Blog #8: Washington's Farewell Address In George Washington's Farewell Address, he announces that he will not run for president for a third term. He assures people that it has nothing to do with disrespect for anyone, and says that he is grateful for all of the opportunities and honors that America has provided him with. He stresses nationalism and patriotism, and urges people to stay united and strong in order for the country to continue to grow and prosper. He says that unity of the people allows for independence and peace, and some may try to take that away- the people cannot let that happen. He acknowledges the connections between different parts of the country (North, South, East, West), and points out that they all need each other. He also brings up the Constitution, and says that people must continue to follow its laws when he is gone. Additionally, Washington cautions people from getting too involved in foreign affairs/advises not forming any more alliances. 3 ...

LAD/Blog #7: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality George Washington signed the Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793. This declared that the United States would adopt a policy of neutrality in regards to the conflict of Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the Netherlands against France. It stated that the U.S. would do so respectfully, and would avoid any actions that may contradict that policy. It also announced that anyone who committed hostile acts against any of those nations would be subject to punishment, that those carrying "contraband" items would not be protected by the United States, and that officers would discipline offenders as needed. George Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793 Woodrow Wilson (synthesis) President Woodrow Wilson initially imposed a policy of strict neutrality regarding American involvement in WWI (in the beginning of the war). He did not want to risk anything by throwing the US into a European conflict (...

LAD/Blog #6: Federalist Paper #10 1) What is a faction? A faction, according to Alexander Hamilton, is a group of citizens (could be a majority or a minority) that are united under a common cause or idea opposite to those of other citizens. 2) Are factions good or bad? Factions can be good and bad. They can bring important ideas and concepts to light that may need to be addressed, but can also cause public divisions over these topics. It can cause instability in government, and cause dissent between members of opposing factions. 3) Why are factions so difficult to eliminate? Factions are so difficult to eliminate, because, in order to do so, its causes must be removed. There are two ways to do this- destroying the liberty that supports it, or giving every citizen the same opinions/passions/interests. Both of these are incredibly challenging to accomplish. It is unwise and foolish to take away liberty, which fuels political life, and would likely cause many people to revolt. It...

Blog #5: Republican Motherhood 1) What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Mother hood? The Revolutionary War helped in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood by bringing to light the opportunity that women had to raise children “correctly”. They could teach their children to be honest, just, and respectful, and ones who yearned to serve their country. Especially after the Revolutionary War, it was thought to be dependent on women to “make this retreat (from the corruptions of Europe) doubly peaceful… While you thus keep our country virtuous, you maintain its independence,” as said by Mary Morris in The Sentiments of an American Woman. During (and then after) the war, it became crucial for children to grow up with strong morals and to support their country. Women could provide that ethical guidance for their kids- which caused the evolution of Republican Motherhood. 2) What were the consequences of Republi...