LAD #8 - Monroe Doctrine

The end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 caused a breakup up of the Spanish Empire, primarily in South America. Many new countries gained independence, such as Argentina, Peru, and Chile. These countries sought and received recognition from the United States. President James Monroe and his Secretary of State, John Q. Adams wanted to remain neutral in conflicts between Spain and her lost colonies. The Monroe Doctrine was thus born in the form of President Monroe's seventh annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823. The United State negotiated with the Russian Imperial Government to arrange an agreement to recognize the rights and interest of the two nations on the Northwest coast of North America. The U.S. also made similar agreements with Great Britain, and Monroe also expresses his relief that this occurred on friendly relations. The Doctrine continues to state that during these negations certain issues regarding the American continents had arisen. These issues concerned newly freed and independent nations in South America. President Monroe and Adams felt that these nations should not be considered for future colonization by the European powers. This was directly more specifically at Spain, Britain, and France. At the last negotiations, Spain and Portugal said that hey were trying to improve the conditions of their colonists in moderation. Yet Monroe felt that the results fell short of what was promised by these two nations. The President stated that the U.S. had been “anxious and interested spectators” where Latin America was concerned. America has always been neutral during wars between the European powers and want to remain neutral. Only when American rights have been infringed upon will the United States make preparation for defensive measures. The Southern American nations, which have emerged, have done so by a great loss of blood and treasure. Monroe wants to make to clear that American is and will remain neutral if war should escalate between Spain and the new governments. He also acknowledges the independence of these governments and promises not to intervene for the purpose of oppressing them or controlling them. To further make a point of neutrality, Monroe repeats again, that even though he knows that American neutrality has “long agitated that quarter of the globe”, America will “nevertheless remain the same”. The Monroe Doctrine claims that it would be impassible for the allied powers to try and interfere in the Western Hemisphere without endangering American peace and happiness. If such countries did in fact intervened, it would be impossible for America to remain indifferent to their actions. It was deemed impossible that Spain would never subdue these new government because eof the distance between them. The closing statement of the Monroe Doctrine urges the Europeans to leave these nations to themselves following the lead of the United States.

LAD #7 - Thomas Jefferson First Inaugural Address

On March 4, 1801, Thomas Jefferson as the second President of the United States of America delivered his inaugural address. Right off the back he expresses his concern that the task was above his talents. He speaks of how the Constitution will help him "find resources of wisdom, of virtue, and of zeal on which to rely under all difficulties". That Constitution will help him lead the nation, and how the people should live their lives under the constitution. He urges the people to unite and restore harmony throughout the nation. Even though the nation is comprised of many different factions they are still under the same principles. Jefferson assures those who view the new government as weak, which in his opinion is the strongest. He continues to sum up the assets of the government, which make it one of the best. Jefferson had a strict interpretation of the Constitution, which he states: "I will compress them (the articles and amendments of the Constitution) within the narrowest compass they will bear, stating the general principle, but not all its limitations." This means that basically any law, which has not been stated in the constitution, is unconstitutional. Where as Hamilton for example, had a lose interpretation, and everything not stated in the Constitution is constitutional. He briefly mentions Washington when he states, "I have learnt to expect that it will rarely fall to the lot of imperfect man to retire from this station with the reputation and the favor which bring him into it." He concludes with that he will of his best ability do what he thinks is best for the people, and keep their best interests in mind. Retiring when the general public feels it best for him to do so.

LAD #6 - Washington's Farewell Address 1796

George Washington’s Farewell Address can be ranked as one of the best political papers. The first paragraph addresses the inquiry many had about whether or not Washington would run for president. Washington wrote that he had decided “to decline being considered among a number of those out of whom a choice is to made”. Thus pulling out of the presidential election. Therfore essentially senting a precedent of only running for two terms. He assured America that he has put great thought into this decision, taking into consideration his duties as a citizen and much more. He urged the importance of keeping the Constitution so that liberty and virtue remained for all citizens. Washington stressed the importance to keep unity throughout the whole country. This unity would make America a strong and successful force to be reckoned with. Those who try to weaken the unity of the country should not be trusted. Washington felt that sectionalism was bad, and left the country relatively unprotected. Since sectionalism could prevent, the states from coming together for the greater good and protection of the citizens of the United States. He warned how destroying the Constitution or breaking the laws could ultimately destroy the Union. Plus, if the Constitution was increasedly ignored more and more factions would arise slowly splitting the young country apart. An increase amount of factions would cause the great principles of democracy. Washington warned against the political difficulties and disunity created by political parties. At the time the two political parties, the Anti-Federalist and Federalist already made running the country a bit bumpier. If these parties gained more power and size, the government would no longer be able to guarantee liberty and a democratic government in the United States. He stated that religion and morality were most important to ensure political prosperity. Washington warned against the trouble that could be caused by allies. He felt the U.S. should focus instead on the affairs of their country free for the foreign influence of allies and other such foreign nonsense. By taking a neutral position, the U.S. was also had a basic guarantee to be safe from attacks from stronger nations. Washington asked the citizens of America to pay heed to his wishes, and thanked them for supporting him, and prayed for the continuing prosperity and liberty of the United States.

LAD #5 - Washington's "Proclamatin of Neutrality 1793"

Washington recognizes that increased tensions between Austria Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, the Netherlands and France have escalated into war. Since there are varying views to whom the United States should support, this proclamation expresses Washington’s opinion that he believes it would be in the best interest that the U.S. took no side. He warns citizens to avoid all acts and proceedings, which might in any way, convince one of the powers that the U.S. has chosen a side. Washington warns that if Americans were to aid or attack any of the said power, they would no longer receive the protection of the United States. Instructions were given to officers to prosecute those who violate the law of nations, with respect to the powers at war. The proclamation was signed in Philadelphia, on April 22, 1793.

Political Cartoon #2 - "Rise It Will"

1. Interpret the cartoon. What historical event/issue is being represented?
From 1787-1788, a series of prints were published to show which states had or had not yet ratified the Constitution. The third and final print, "Rise It Will" was published in the Massachusetts Centinel on August 2, 1788. This cartoon depicts thirteen columns which represent the thirteen original states of America. Inscribed on the first eleven columns are the names of the states in the order that they ratified the Constitution. The first state was Delaware in 1787, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virgina, and New York. The "erection of the Eleventh Pillar" refers to the ratification of the Constitution by New York on July 26, 1788. The issue portrayed in this cartoon, shows that North Carolina and Rhode Island have not yet joined the other eleven states in ratifying the Constitution. The title "Rise It Will" addresses the belief that all thirteen federal state pillars will soon rise together. The poem below the pillars speaks of eleven stars and eleven columns under a dome, this refers to the eleven states which had ratified the Constitution by 1788. Reference to a dome, is the Dome of the Constituion and the Nation which the pillars, representaing the states, support. The poem belows tells how this is a return of the "Saturnian Age" brings a time of freedom, wisdom, religion, justice, law, and peace. The "Saturnian Age" refers to Greece and Rome, the birthplace of the first representative governments.

2. What is the message that the cartoonist is trying to convey? Which side of the issue does he support?
In the year of 1788, the United States, are still waiting for ratification of the Constitution by North Carolina and Rhode Island. This cartoon predicts that North Carolina will soon join the other states in ratifying the Constitution. This is portrayed by a hand erecting the North Carolina pillar along side the other eleven. To the right of the North Carolina pillar is the crumbling pillar of Rhode Island. Next to this pillar reads, "The Foundation good - it may yet be Saved." This means that even though Rhode Island is "crumbling" there is still a chance that this last thirteenth state will ratify the Constitution. Rhode Island was last to ratify because it was disrupted by anti-federalist sympathies and had been content under the Articles of Conferderation. The cartoonist supports the ratification of the Constitution and has a very optimistic outlook for the future of an American federal government.

3. What effect(s) did this cartoon have on American History? What were the results of this issue being addressed?
This cartoon was correct in predicting that North Carolina would soon ratify the Constitution; on November 21, 1789, North Carolina joined the other elven states under the Constitution. Now only Rhode Island was left, still torn by anti-federalist sympathies it would be another year, till it ratified the Constitution on May 29, 1790. In total it took three years for all states to ratify the Constitution. Drafted by twelve states, the Constitution went into effect in March of 1789 before ratification of althirteen states. This was because delegates at the Constitutional Convention felt that ratification of nine states, would be sufficient enough to put the Constitution into effect. In reality, if all states had not ratified the Constitution, the young United States of America would have had a hard time unifying and enforcing the laws of the Constitution.