LAD/Blog #26: William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech

Summary: Bryan's famous speech was delivered at the Democratic National Convention, trying to become the part nominee. This speech regarded his opinion of the silver to gold ratio. His plan would have the farmers in debit be aided by the increase of currency circulation. Bryan considered this to be humane and just cause. He believed that he represents the general people, with his goal for the coinage of silver. He also supports distributing wealth more and an income tax.

President McKinley supported the standardization of gold, while Bryan heavily opposed this.

LAD/Blog #25: The Dawes Act

The Dawes act gave the president the power to divide up Native American land. Farm land was divided among the Indian tribes based off age, gender roles, and more. The remaining land was given to American settlers. This was also an attempt to assimilate the Native Americans, therefore are the Native Americans were now US citizens under the same rights and protective laws.

This is similar to the Homestead Act 1862, which encouraged western migration by granting settlers with 160 acres of land.

LAD/Blog #24: Populist (People's) Party Platform

The Populist Party appeared in politics around the 1890s. The goal of this party was to put an end to the corruption happening in America, with the distribution of wealth. This party was put in place to help  with expansion, equality, and protection, vaulting the concept of Union.  Furthermore, they wanted the government to control railroads, reinforcing ideals sick as a free ballot. Lastly the party wanted support for individuals who had been Union soldiers, and shorter work days.

Trump can be seen as populist because he appeals to a broad range of voters by pushing both conservative and liberal ideas.

LAD/Blog #23: McKinley's War Message

Summary: McKinley's War Message was written in response to the Cuban revolution against Spain, a conflict that McKinley desperately wanted to end. In his letter to Congress, he addresses his opinion towards this battle which has been occurring for over half a century and required the US to continuously enforce neutrality laws, angering Americans. The war had many negative impacts on the US economy, such as hindering trade. McKinley thinks that he would side with Cuba, to preserve neutrality.

Washington also wanted neutrality, as it is what benefited the interests of America the best. 

LAD/Blog #22: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

In Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth, Carnegie debates the benefits of the controversy; Big Businesses. Some have agreed that powerful businessmen such as himself deserve the title Robber Baron. For example, Carnegie believed the capitalistic economy should have a gap between the rich and the poor, to provide incentives for market stimulation. This is Social Darwinism, that people have to outcompete others socially to prosper. Carnegie would advocate for the invisible hand and minimal government regulation, as laissez faire policy benefits him the best. Then, Carnegie proposed concepts that would promote the distribution of wealth in a better war. Carnegie reinforces that it is the rich's city to improve society with their money.

Golisano is like Carnegie, as both extremely rich individuals used their money to help people by giving money to build institutions, such as Golisano hospital or Carnegie Mellon University.