LAD/Blog #21: Emancipation Proclomation

Summary:

In the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln declares that all slaves held in any state will be declared free, and that the government will maintain these freedoms for these people. Furthermore, he claims that any state who maintains slavery is in an act of rebelling against America, listing these specific states. He then restates that the slaves in the rebellious states are free, and will be supported by armed forces and the government. Lincoln calls out to the newly freed slaves and tells them to retain from violent actions.

This reminds me of Frederick Douglass, as he pushed for the ideas in this proclamation, being an abolitionist himself.

LAD/Blog #20: Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

Summary:

Lincoln's short Second Inaugural Speech declares in its opening that there is little new news to present to the nation, and that the progress of war was as well known to the general public as it was to   himself. He states that his first inaugural was devoted to saving the nation without war, but now war has come upon them because he wants to preserve the union. He then goes on to briefly discuss how slavery led to the war, and how the war has surpassed expectations on both sides. Lincoln concludes with the resolution to complete the war, preserving the union, with the help of God.

This reminds me of FDR's first inaugural, as both addresses/presidents wanted to help the nation without going to war.

LAD/Blog #19: The Dred Scott Decision

Summary:

In this case of Scott V. Sanford, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Sanford. The citizenship of Africans and whether or not the Missouri Compromise was constitutional was not considered in making this decision. This led to justice Roger Taney to be chosen. James Buchanan, the current president at the time, mentions this case in his inaugural address. When Buchanan finally gave the address, he discussed the issue of slavery as a whole, pertaining to the nation. He also noted that he would support the Supreme Court's verdict. Taney stated that free Africans in the north were not citizens of the United States, therefore restricting them from suing in American courts. Taney noted that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional, and decided that Dred Scott would remain a slave.

This reminds me of Marshall's rulings in his establishment cases, as both justices used the power of the Supreme Court to achieve their goals.

LAD/Blog #18: Sojouner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman" speech

Summary:

In this brief speech, Sojouner Truth starts off by saying how white women are treated very differently from black women. She describes her hardships, such as being whipped working in the fields, has 13 children who were sold off as a slaves, and has never felt comfort in America. Furthermore, she argues that even if she was intellectually inferior to the likelihood's of white people, she should deserve a free education anyways. Sojouner concludes by encouraging women to change the world in favor of their sex, and that the men better let the, or else.

This reminds me of the Seneca Falls Convention, as many people like Truth, abolitionist and women's right advocates alike attended, in pursuit of their goals. 

LAD/Blog #17: Frederick Douglass' "5th of July" speech

Summary:

Instead of giving a nice speech for the 4th of July, Frederick Douglas dismissed the idea of a joyous speech about liberty, and gave one about racism. He declares that while the white man celebrates his independence, the 4th of July only mocks black people, being oppressed by the people who celebrate this American holiday. Douglass states that for this reason the 4th of July is a dark day for all black slaves out in the States. He declares that with all his power, to denounce slavery, but will do this in ways that are right no just, in a civilized manor. He ends the speech by implying that the dark actions of American slavery are the vilest in human history.

Douglass reminds me of Parks, as the both stood up for what the believed in, campaigning for the equality of all black people in America.

LAD/Blog #16: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Summary:

Lincoln states that America was born and is based off liberty and equality, and that the men who died at Gettysburg were fighting for the perseverance of this nation. He saw the Civil war as a test to see how a nation of American ideals could be sustained. Lincoln goes on to discuss that a memorial to the fallen soldiers is not important at this time. Finally, Lincoln states that the men who died did not die in vain, and that their cause will be pursued, and their actions, deeply honored.

This reminds me of Washington's Farewell Address, as both Washington and Lincoln warn American about preserving the union and its beliefs.

LAD/Blog #15: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Summary:

Lincoln begins the address with the great issue of slavery. He states how he does not want to get involved with the states that already have slavery and believes whether a state will be free/slave should be the decision of the state itself. Lincoln strongly believes that this will maintain the balance of power among the federal/state government. He outlines that it is better to follow the ideals contained in the constitution. In addition, he says his main goal is to Preserve the Union. Lincoln believes that a state will not be allowed to secede by itself. The people of America are friends and not enemies.

Similar to the inaugural address,  Jefferson's inaugural address also tried to unify the country with the current major divides.

 

LAD/Blog #14: Calhoun's Speech on the Compromise of 1850

Summary:

Calhoun's speech outlined that there are different views of slavery and this debate could tear America apart. Calhoun goes on and says that the union needs to be preserved, and is curious where this dispute came from. He acknowledges that the north and south have contrasting views over the topic of slavery. Sectionalism was the problem at heart, as while the north advanced, the south suffered, paying for the taxes the mostly helped the north out. Also, the North had the majority in the house, giving the South very little power when it came to legislation. Above all, Calhoun says how tensions were increasing between the northern and Southern states due to the role of slavery. Finally, Calhoun talks about the issue of admitting California, being his duty.

The most recent presidential election, or any presidential election in nature reminds me of this, as people are split who should be president, just like they are split on if slavery is acceptable or not. 

LAD/Blog #13: Polk's War Message

The war message begins by stating that conflicts between the US and Mexico need to be addressed sooner or later. John Slidell was sent to Mexican territories, to discuss the killing of United States citizen on American land near the Texas boundary. The Mexican government did not like this, and did not listen. Before Slidell met with Mexican officials, the government was overthrown in the Mexican conflict. The leader of this movement was unwilling to negotiate with Slidell. To avoid invasion, Polk ordered US troops near the southern border at Texas/Mexico. The Mexicans attacked the American military, leaving with some US casualties. Mexico did not want peace with America, so war was the only option. Thus, the US had to go to war with Mexico to regain Texas, defending their territory.

This reminds me of the XYZ affair, as in both cases, America failed at effective diplomacy and was forced to go to war.

LAD/Blog #12: Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments

List the democratic principles at the start.
They are:

• Equality
• Inalienable Rights
• Consent of the governed

List 5 grievances.

Here are some:

He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice.

He has taken from her all right in property, even to the wages she earns.

He has monopolized nearly all the profitable employments, and from those she is permitted to follow, she receives but a scanty remuneration.

He has denied her the facilities for obtaining a thorough education—all colleges being closed against her.

He has endeavored, in every way that he could to destroy her confidence in her own powers, to lessen her self-respect, and to make her willing to lead a dependent and abject life

Make note of the final resolution.

They are determined to achieve their goals to whatever necessary extent. 

The final copy was signed by 68 women and 32 men.  List 5 notable names (men and men) and make note of one woman who did not sign it.
Some are:

Frederick Douglass
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
S.E. Woodworth
Lucretia Mott
Jane C. Hunt

To my surprise, Susan B. Anthony did not sign the Declaration.

 One of your pictures should be of the statues of attendees on display at the Women's Rights National Historical Park just down the thruway in Seneca Falls, NY

The moment for civil rights and the movement for women's rights are similar in that both groups strived for equality under the law.

The Statues of Attendees