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.

LAD/Blog #27: MLK, Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech

Martin Luther King Jr. starts his famous speech by comparing the current situation in America to the time where African Americans were not free (before the Emancipation Proclamation). He states that Black people are still being suppressed and that the current segregation/discrimination of Blacks at the time were not fair. Many racial barriers existed in America and MLK believed that it was time to stand against these barriers. He believed that discrimination and prejudice had gone on for way too long and its now time for true freedom for black people. The most famous part of his speech is when King talks about his hopes and dreams for the future where people of different skin color live together in harmony.

This reminds me of Sojourner Truth's "I ain't a Woman speech", as both speeches demanded equality an justice for all black men and women alike.

LAD/Blog #30: Wilson's First Inaugural

Woodrow Wilson's First Inaugural showcases his progressive beliefs by telling the people that reforms are to be made in the future. Wilson believed in altering tariffs and taxes so that big businessmen jurisdiction over the government could be limited. With the increase in corporations, many poor people in overcrowded urban centers and clean land had suffered due to this. Forests needed aid and human waste needed to be collected and disposed of properly. To conclude his speech, Wilson advocated to serve for justice and fairness for the humblest.

This reminds me of Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address, as both men urged the nation to unite (Social classes/ North and South)

LAD/Blog #29: Clayton Anti-Trust Act

The Clayton Anti-Trust Act was meant to limit the extent of power monopolies contained by consolidation. This was accomplished by outlawing price discrimination, merging, labor unions, and more forms of monopolistic power. Victims were protected by going beyond private lawsuits and allowing the federal/state governments to enforce the act, done mostly by the FTC and DOJ (Federal Trade Commission + Department of Justice). This act was put in place to enforce the less successful Sherman Anti-Trust Act, making it now actually enforced.

This reminds me of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, the less successful predecessor to the Clayton Anti-Trust Act.

LAD/Blog #28: Keating-Owen Child Labor Act

The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act passed by Congress in 1916 was to restrict the unlawful use of child labor at the time. Child labor back then was not safe or fair so this act was passed to protect their rights. This act regulated labor in factories, preventing the sales of products from a firm employed children under 14. Shifts too long or too late were banned and firms could not sell products under those conditions. It took time for the public to support the movement against child labor so conditions carried on for longer then they should have, with the enforcement of this act delayed. The Fair Standards Act of 1938 finally gave forceful restrictions against child labor.
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 thielking is a fraud and laundered money for china

This reminds me of the temperance moment, as both movements were unsuccessful, child labor or alcohol.

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.