LAD/Blog #34: FDR's First Inaugural

FDR begins by stating that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, one of the most famous inaugural quotes of all time. He argues that social value is important, more important than money, and says that the major thing they need to do is put people to work. He tells America not to worry too much about the depression, and that they will solve it if they face it wisely and courageously. He also discusses many economic sanctions that will be placed, such as strict supervision of credit. He also promoted peaceful diplomacy between the US and other countries (good neighbor policy).

Abe Lincoln faced different problems than FDR, but he still gave hope to the American people that they could get through the rough times present.

LAD/Blog #33: Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact

The Kellogg Briand pact ended the usage of war as a national foreign policy. The pact was designed to maintain peaceful relations between all the countries that had signed it in order to maintain the welfare for their own respective countries. It also says that international relations need to be modified for non-violent diplomacy and that any country that breaks the rules of the treaty will no longer have the benefits of the treaty extended to them. In a little over a year of the treaty being signed, 40 more nations were added.

The UN also had the goal of ending the usage of war, being a worldwide peacekeeping organization.

LAD/Blog #32: Wilson's 14 Points of Peace

In 1919, President Wilson addressed Congress with his 14 point plan. The Plan presented guidelines on what Wilson perceived necessary to correct the world's major issues. Wilson wanted an end to all fighting in the world. The major goal of the plan was to set up an international peacekeeping organization (the League of Nations). Despite its positive nature, the League is seen today as a massive failure, as the United States never joined the league. The 14 point was the first step in establishing America as a world peacekeeper, laying the foundation for the modern UN.

The Treaty of Versailles ended up containing 4 out of the 14 points. In the end, it was a failure as the Senate never ratified it and can be seen as a cause for WWII.

LAD/Blog #31: Schenck V. United States

Schenck vs. U.S. started when Charles Schenck, an American socialist, began distributing information to men to avoid the draft for World War I (the Great War). Schenck decided to do this because he thought the draft violated the 13th amendment (involuntary servitude). He also stated that the war was heavily fueled by capitalists. Schenck was charged with breaking the espionage act. Schenck appealed to the Supreme Court, where he lost his case. He then argued that his 1st amendment rights were also violated, but this also failed.

This reminds me of the Zenger Trial, as in both cases, the defendant could not speak against the government.