LAD 8- Monroe Doctrine

Monroe Doctrine LAD

The Monroe Doctrine served many purposes but manly was an excuse for the United States to work towards a trading monopoly with many of the newly independent Latin American and even South American countries. It warned against the extending of new European power into the hemisphere and quickly recognized it as a possible threat to the safety of our country. It did however allow for the current European colonies to remain colonies until overthrown or removed. The doctrine also made the point as to that the United States has stayed out of the current and past wars and Europe and therefore the European nations should do likewise in the western hemisphere. Also the point being made is that no European power can control a nation properly from across the Atlantic Ocean. Clearly the United States is a prime example of this theory as they realized the ineffectiveness of there trans-Atlantic parent. All in all this doctrine was clearly a disguise and legitimate front for the United States to work towards the establishment of a firm trading grip with these new nations.

LAD #7- Jefferson's Inaugural

Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address


In Thomas Jefferson’s first inaugural address he addressed the issues of free speech, political disunity. He talked of freedom of speech and how minorities should have the same rights as everyone else. This is a direct reference to the Alien and Sedition acts. He talks about how political clashes must stop and that the nation must work together, thereby affirming Washington’s views, his saying “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists” captures this perfectly. He also vaguely mentions his policy of Laissez-faire and how taxes and industry controls should stay low and flexible. In addition, Jefferson states his objectives as President and acknowledges the fact that he will probably come out of the office of President less popular than he came into it based on past experience. This was due to what he called an attempt at fixing the precidency.

LAD 6- Washington's Farewell Address

Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington set the precedent of not to run for a third term as President of the United States when he stepped down and he also issued an address giving advice to his country. This address included Washington’s concern over the increasing disunity of the United States because of the growing factions, or political parties. These factions mainly included the on-going conflict between the Federalists and anti-Federalists, and the conflict between those that were pro-British and those that were pro-French. The pro-French were mainly ignited by the war between the two that the French Revolution had touched off. According to Washington, no respect would be earned from the European nations unless the states were united. Washington also urged that America should henceforth stay out of European affairs, "to have with them as little political connection as possible", for fear of being dragged into war, and because of the fact that Europe was very far away and had different interests than the United States. He urged America to not “entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rival-ship, interest, humor or caprice”. In short Washington urged the United States to follow a path of neutrality and most importantly, to be united or else war would not be needed to tear it apart.

LAD 5- Washington's Neutrality Proclamation

Washington's Neutrality Proclamation

George Washington’s neutrality proclamation of 1793 mainly covers the importance of the neutrality of the United States and announces their neutrality, saying that it will not be involved in the war going on between various European nations including, but not limited to, France and Great Britain. Washington also declares that any American citizen found to be involved with any of the warring nations “by committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities against any of the said Powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations” will be punished and/or not protected from punishment by other nations if caught. He signed this on the 22nd of April 1793. This proclamation mainly urged the U.S. to stick to affairs on their soil in order to keep their country in-line. This would allow the U.S. to build up its economy with not much worry or regard to other nations and their affairs.

Political Cartoon 2- Rise it Will

Political Cartoon 2- Rise it Will

1. Interpret the cartoon. What historical event/issue is being represented?

The event being depicted in this cartoon is the ratification of the Constitution by the 13 states. This shows how after the big states such as Virginia and New York ratified the Constitution the smaller states such as Rhode Island and North Carolina really had no choice but to ratify considering the amount of influence the bigger states commanded based on their size and population.

2. What is the message that the cartoonist is trying to convey? Which side of the issue does he support

The cartoonist is trying to show that once the remaining states ratify the constitution the nation will form a very strong nation that will be incredibly prosperous. The line “The foundation good - it may yet be saved” implies that with the ratification of the constitution comes the salvation and formation of a great country.

3. What effect(s) did this cartoon have on American History? What were the results of this issue being addressed?

This cartoon helped drive Virginia to ratify the constitution and in turn help push the remaining states to ratify the constitution as well. This made for the formation of a great foundation to a government where the states and federal government had apparently equal power and say.