LAD #8- Monroe Doctrine

President Monroe began the speech by stating that the minister of the United States in St. Petersburg was given full power to negotiate an agreement dealing with the rights of the two countries on the Northwest continent of North America. Monroe continued to state that a similar agreement was made with the British and that henceforth, the American continents were no longer open to European colonization of any kind. Monroe’s reasoning was that the differences between the American and the European powers were too great. An example of this was the problems Spain and Portugal were having in improving the conditions of their respective colonies, and that the freedom loving nature of the America’s contrasted with that of the European powers. Also, Monroe noted that the American nations have never interfered in European wars, and that the political systems of the two areas are completely different. Monroe also announced that the America’s will only fight back if they are threatened themselves, and he would consider European attempts at colonization a threat. Basically, Monroe stated that no European powers were allowed to influence or attempt to colonize any part of the Americas without fighting the United States.

LAD #7- Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

In the introduction paragraph, Jefferson stated his dedication to the United States, and that the Constitution would help him with all difficulties he would encounter. In the next paragraph, Jefferson explained that although the country would be governed by the majority, the minority must also retain all of their rights, and Jefferson asked that all Americans unite regardless of their beliefs. Jefferson helped to reinforce this demand by stating that we fought and died to throw off religious intolerance and oppression, and to have political intolerance would also be oppressive. Jefferson, an anti-federalist, then proceeded to bring the parties together by stating that we are all in fact republicans, and thus are all federalists. Jefferson continued by reminding the Americans that they were separate from Britain, and all of Europe, to do what they pleased and what would make them happy. In the next paragraph, Jefferson explained to the United States what his necessary principles were, the principles that shaped his administration. These principles were a mix of basic anti-federalist ideas and some which were taken from Washington. Principles such as freedom of speech, no entangling alliances, and states rights dominated Jefferson’s speech. These principles are also very similar to the Bill of Rights, which Jefferson and the other anti-federalists demanded.

LAD #6- Washington's Farewell Address

In his farewell address, Washington obviously stated that he would not be running for re-election, but he also gave valuable advice to the American people and his successor. To begin, Washington stated that he had considered not running for his pervious second election, and even drafted a farewell speech. Washington ultimately did not follow through with this idea, as there were numerous critical situations within the country, and the unanimous voice of his peers begging him to stay, made him consider otherwise. Washington thanked the citizens of the United States, and the country itself in which he governed. He also asked that the citizens make personal decisions carefully, for since the country is interwoven, the decision of one person could impact the Union as a whole. Washington’s greatest concern that he voiced to the people was the strength of the Union, which he hoped would be preserved after he left. Overall, Washington gave advice on many topics, such as the strength of the union, the dangers of geographical discrimination, which could lead to severance of states, the need to balance factions, and his policy of non-alignment with European nations. George Washington left a legacy of freedom and a plethora of advice to future presidents in his farewell address, many of which can still be seen today.

LAD #5- The Proclamation of Neutrality 1793

In this Proclamation, Washington stated that the United States would remain neutral in the conflicts in Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands. Also, President Washington stated that the United States would maintain a peaceful relationship with the powers, as to not get involved in the war. Washington also made it illegal to aid in any conflicts against any of the nations, and that violations of Washington’s order would result in the individual perpetrators losing the protection of the United States, and also would result in prosecutions of the individual. This statement was made mainly to appease the powers at war, as the United States could not afford another war with a major power.

Political Cartoon #2- Rise It Will

1. Interpret the cartoon. What historical event/issue is being represented?
In the cartoon, the ratification of the Constitution is being discussed. As each state ratified the Constitution, one ‘pillar’ is added. As more and more pillars are added, the structure, or the wall, becomes more stable. This is like the Constitution because it became a better form of government than the Articles, and gave more power to the Federal government.


2. What is the message that the cartoonist is trying to convey? Which side of the issue does he support?
The author is quite obviously in support of the formation of a united nation under a written Constitution. The quote on the top, the “Pillar of the National Dome” symbolizes the United States under the Constitution. The author is trying to convey the message that under the Constitution, the United States would be a solid nation with a well-grounded government.


3. What effect(s) did this cartoon have on American History? What were the results of this issue being addressed?
The impacts of this cartoon were significant. It encouraged the ratification of the Constitution. Although there only needed to be consent from seven of the thirteen colonies, in reality, all thirteen of them needed to ratify the Constitution because it could not be forced upon them if they were unwilling to adopt it and abide by its regulations. However, before the Constitution, the base for the country was not very strong as a whole. The Articles gave the majority of the power to the states, which left a weak central government, which lacked essential powers, such as the enforcing of taxing. With the ratification of the Constitution, the country could unite under a uniform set of laws, and become the powerful nation it is today.