LAD #21: The Gospel of Wealth

Andrew Carnegie addresses the benefits of a seemingly unbalanced system of Big Business within a capitalist America in his "Gospel of Wealth." Carnegie acknowledges the increasing gap between the poor, unskilled workers and the prosperous industrialists such as himself as a fundamental component to a growing society, downplaying his title as a corrupt robberbaron. He then goes on to offer solutions for the promotion of a distribution resources among the wealthy and to improve the administrations that would monitor this in order to ensure the prosperity of the human beings around him during his lifetime. First addressing the European policy of primogeniture, he says that the limited cash-flow that this encourages is rather nullified by the reality that iot is narrow-minded, limiting the guaranteed passage of a father's wealth to his first born son, thus disturbing and probing conflict in regards to a constant competence among individuals within a state due to deprivation of money. Carnegie subsequently addresses that after a man's death, death taxes should be placed on his estate and tangibles so that his wealth is not wasted on another generation but rather redistributed among the public. Ultimately, Carnegie argues that men should not hoard their money, but rather invest it in development and infrastructure to aid those less fortunate, a virtue that he upheld through his support of libraries and the establishment of the Carnegie Institute of Technology, with Carnegie-Mellon bearing his name.

LAD #20: Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation declares two primary things. Firstly, it requires that any black persons currently bound by the institution of slavery in the Southern states is to be forever free in the Northern Union and that they are to be fully respected and deemed as such by military personnel. Secondly, it provides a list of states in which this proclamation applies. Although some regions throughout Louisiana and Virginia (such as New Orleans) do not have to comply to the contents of the legislation, a list of states composed of Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia must adhere to the proclamation. In these regions, claims Lincoln, the slaves once indebted to the institution of slavery are now fully freed of servitude and have rights to be fully maintained in the North.

LAD #19: President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

Throughout his Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln addresses the issues that Civil War has brought upon the security of the Union. He asserts that prior to the war neither the Union nor the Secessionists truly wanted war. This is due to the reality that there had been many motions for peaceful diplomacy between the two sides that would not result in bloodshed in order to attain what the South was seeking. However, a minute extremist view soon infected both sides and spurred into warfare. With the war starting, neither side truly saw how long the armed conflict would take to resolve, and this precipitated into the main similarity between the North and the South for years to come. Individuals from both sides, seeking to be victorious in their wartime endeavors, sought the aid of God in order to attain this goal. Lincoln claims that this is useless because none of the nations prayers have been answered thus far. Lincoln is unsure about what will happen in the end for this war, and designates this uncertainty as God's plan for the course of the nation. Conclusively, his speech is meant to drive the people of the North to continue their efforts to maintain a coherent, unified nation.

LAD #18: Dred Scott Supreme Court Case

In the appealed case of Dred Scott vs. Sanford, the Supreme Court decision brought forth by eighty-year old Chief Justice Roger B. Taney agreed with the side of Sanford. These agreements were made on the grounds that Scott, as a slave and a child of parents that were forcefully emigrated from another country to the United States, was not a citizen of this sovereign nation and was thus not entitled to the numerous liberties engraved within the Constitution. Glancing solely at the Constitution for his guidance, Taney claimed that their was no contrast between an enslaved individual and any other piece of property. In accordance to this, not only was Scott wrong in his pursuit of equal protections and liberties under the Constitution, but also that he had no right to sue either a State or Federal court. Also, Sanford was, under the Constitution and his God given rights, entitled to treat Scott as nothing more than a material possession. Too, because Scott was indeed the property of Sanford, Taney had no choice but to ensure his ownership over the enslaved man. This action challenged the entitlements possessed within the Missouri Compromise as Scott lived in Illinois, a free state, but was still considered to be property. Likewise, this took away any chance for Scott to be able to sue in a court controlled by the state of Missouri. Conclusively, Taney deemed the Missouri Compromise as nothing more than unconstitutional.

LAD #17: Sojourner Truth Speech

Sojourner Truth delivered her speech to the Ohio Women's Convention in Akron to address formally the two primary issues of racist and sixist prejudices which currently plagued the nation. Although some reforms to the rights of women were being made in the North, Truth genuinely exposes the opposition to these reforms and their flawed methods, stating that their are individuals who seek to aid women out of carriages and over ditches, but no one has ever helped her. This, in turn, brings about her moral question; "Ain't [she] a woman?" Primarily she is addressing the issue that these conservtionalists are indirectly attacking minorities through acts of racism. Thus, these individuals do not deem her to be a true woman because she is of a supposedly inferior race. In her defense she cites specific examples that qualify her as a lady, such as she is knowledgable in plowing, farming, and can work, eat, and be as strong as any man, even exceeding these male "superiors" by bearing and enduring the trials of slavery and child bearing. She further qualifies her claim by claiming that the assertion for a supremacy of male intelligence is flawed and should not hold bearings on the universal rights and liberties of a human being. Conclusively, her personal claim completely countered the arguments that any man could ever raise, stating that Christ, the savior of mankind, was spurred from God and a woman, with man having no influence.

LAD #16: Frederick Douglass' 5th of July Speech

Frederick Douglass, in his speech for the "5th of July," addresses the moral question of what the 4th of July truly means to an African American slave. Immediately Douglass expresses his utter disgust for the practices of the United States in celebrating their historic claims to independence, as it stood for a false sense of successfully terminating tyranny throughout the nation. Here he finds it rather urgent to remind the country that despite their joyous actions more and more enslaved blacks are being neglected and forgotten, allowing them to grow in their beliefs against the injustices throughout America. The idea that these enslaved men are lesser than their white brethren, to beat and whip and starve and alienate and destroy their rights to liberty, their freedoms as Americans are only continually denied. Douglass asserts that such a nation cannot be unified considering the vast success that many of these African American people have had in holding occupations such as whaling, being a father, building houses, constructing bridges, and even developing their faith as a devout believer in God. Conclusively, Douglass claims that despite the noble actions taken on behalf of this nation for independence, a truth not yet paralleled by any other nation, their has also been numerous atrocities against slaves which have occurred within its borders that have not seen anywhere else throughout the world.

LAD #15: The Gettysburg Address

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address held the importance of addressing two primary points; it served to both commemorate those who lost their lives to preserve the Union during the Civil War as well as to stress the importance of this action. However, Lincoln understands that merely words alone are not enough to truly acknowledge the value of the lives lost for the restoration of America. By laying their lives on the line for the North, the preservation of a divided nation was again discovered. Lincoln states that in order to truly commemorate the dead, the living must carry out the ultimate goal of these fallen soldiers. That goal is to protect a free governmental system created by, of, and for the people, one that will undoubtedly represent the same ideals and liberties generated by this nations founders "four score and seven years ago."

LAD #14: President Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

Throughout Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, the primary issue that is examined is the continual division of the North and South through ideological differences regarding slavery. The President wisely refuses to take either side for the conflict, stating that the preservation of the Union is his only goal. He looks towards the United States Constitution in order to guide him to make a decision and, after consideration, he firmly believes that he has no lawful right or inclination to decline the Southern States' rights to slavery. As stated in the Constitution, if an individual is held to labor or service in one state they cannot free themselves from this bondage by entering another. This, clearly, does not make slaves free if they desserted the South to enter a new life in the North. Yet, this does not incline the North to return all fugitive slaves back to their respective owners, for many Southern plantation owners dependent upon slave labor have participated in illegal international trade to acquire such resources. Although Lincoln asserts that this fundamental issue may never be solved, he states that the division of the Union over this issue would not only increase hostilities between the regions, but also make the problem never able to be solved. In this, Lincoln once again stresses the Union of the United States, the very thing that has brought this sovereign nation through a revolution as well as the creation and ratification of the Constitution. The states must interact in a manner that is beneficial to both aspects, regardless of hostile or amicable relations with one another, in order to prevent anarchy from occuring within the states. Lincoln concluded by stating that the North and the South iof the Union must remain friends and refrain from becoming enemies with one another.

LAD #13: John Calhoun's Speech

John Calhoun focuses primarily on the issue of slavery in regards to the unity of the nation throughout this speech to the Senate. Despite the original effectiveness of the 3/5 clause in balancing governmental representation due to population, Calhoun has come to recognize that the North has now gained the upper hand and is thereby in a position to secure control over government action. Calhoun boldly states that all that is necessary to control the government of the United States is a populous majority and a control over most states found in the Senate. This issue is primarily due to the fact that the Union is on the eve of admitting five new Northern states into the nation by recently acquired lands in Oregon, Minnesota, and land from the secession of Texas from Mexico. Regardless of this, no new land has been offered to the southern states. With regards to population Calhoun believes that the tariffs of the past years on imports have been geared towards favoring the upper class, aristocratic elites of the north, giving little in return to southern farmers, thus drawing hopeful immigrants to settle in regions under northern influence. Lastly, the issue of slavery is continually straining national unity due to different ideological views. With the northern abolitionists proclaiming the immorality of slavery, Calhoun defends it as a key component to the social and economic well-being of the South. If slavery were in fact to be abolished, so would the economy of an otherwise prosperous South. He asserts that the only way to preserve the unity of America is for the largely favored North to protect the rights and liberties of the South in representation throughout the new territories, returning fugitive slaves, and halting their efforts to abolish slavery throughout the Union. In this, balance will be restored to an otherwise lopsided democratic system, largely decreasing the threat of secession from such an integral component of the Union.

LAD #12: Polk's War Address

Throughout Polk's War Address, the causes surrounding America's engagement in war with Mexico is explored. Originally, Polk sought to identify a diplomatic solution to the issues surrounding border disputes as well as the many falicies of the Mexican government against American settlers throughout the southern regions of the country and Texas. He ultimately sent an envoy of peaceful negotiators to devise peaceful solutions with the head of the Mexican government, General Herrera. However, a revolution in Mexico precipitated from a shift in power and the thoughts of Mexican government in terms of diplomatic relations with the United States. In this, the Mexican government chose to not accept nor delegate with John Slidell, the American envoy, and no proposals were made between the two nations. Too, Mexico began to engage in hostile attacks with American troops that were sanctioned between the Rio del Norte river and the Nueces in Texas, a region that had become an official piece of the Union following annexation in 1836. Uncertainties between the two military groups grew and resulted in the casualties of 16 U.S. troops, along with Mexican hostility increases, permitting Polk to justify War against Mexico given their history of civilian violence in the past.

LAD #11: Seneca Falls Declaration

An ideal example of an individuals claim to their own right to public respect and civil liberty is embodied in the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. This example was modeled around the contents of the Declaration of Independence describing that both men and women have inalienable rights, being that they are created equal. It repeats the Declaration of Independence by stating that a governmental system serves the purpose to protect these rights from oppressment and allow for the betterment of the public. According to the Seneca Falls Declaration, both society and government as a whole has ultimately failed at effectively doing this for women, a necessary and integral part of the American community. In this, a similar list of grievances is devised here which explicitly states the injustices found throughout sexist and tyrannical acts towards said women. Some of the grievances provided are that women are denied the right to vote, their rights to property and fair wages, creating a different moral code for men and women, denying women proper education, and supporting the idea that women are mainly morally unjust beings. Conclusively, the Seneca Falls Declaration ends with a list of proper solutions to these issues, citing examples for the equality of men and women, further asserting the rights that these women seek to enjoy.

LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

In the Monroe Doctrine, in order to satisfy the agreements made with the governments of imperial Russia and Britain, President Monroe initially declared that the American continents are free and independent of any chance of being colonized. From this, Monroe then transitions onto the issue of international alliances given the Civil Warfare in Spain. The United States is ultimately forced to once again choose neutrality, while recognizing the claims of the Spanish rebels for independence while also justifying that they are not a legitimate government in themselves. This, in turn, allows America to not interfere with the concerns of "de-facto" governments. Too, this neutrality guarantees that this still vulnerable nation will not become absorbed in the conflicts and allied systems throughout the European Union, as the policies of the Eastern hemisphere often do not parallel those of the Western world. Monroe claims that this is because America now holds the power to act only when individual rights and liberties are no longer being protected under a governmental system on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, America is allowed to prepare their defense against such oppressions. Lastly, Monroe designates that any involvement with the allied systems throughout the European powers will only result in conflict and unhappiness, allowing neutrality to be the only logical option.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Thomas Jefferson modestly accepts the task as president in his first inaugural address. In this, Jefferson remains adamant that this duty may be far too great for his talents as a politician. Yet, he continually promises the people of America that he will discover resources of zeal and wisdom through which he will be able to resolve the physical, commercial, and industrial issues presented through the countries recent expansions. Defined by Jefferson, in order for the nation to be successful the people of this sovereign land must unify their efforts for the common good of American society. He continually advocated tolerance, stating that, although individuals within the nation will undoubtedly differ in their opinions, they will at least uphold the same ideologies in respect to virtue. Even with issues to this tolerance movement being proposed by social opinions idolizing Republicanism, as will inevitably occur with minorities present, Jefferson states explicitly that they are entitled to disagree with the viewpoints of others. In this, the examples and experiences of history, rather than the actions of a current era, would act as the model for which changes to society could be made. With European influence being suppressed by a unified movement towards social independence rather than simply the Atlantic Ocean, individuals could now make significant strides towards the development of Republicanism and Federalism. Now, sovereign in its truest form, America has been placed into a state of political growth, forever forging a sort of "religion" through political expression in favoring the virtues of honesty, gratitude, temperance, and love for all of man kind. Every man is now guaranteed "equal rights to the use of their faculties"but, despite the viewpoints of many, honor and confidence are not something bestowed upon you at birth, rather they must be grown through these civic virtues. Too, the government now has been given the responsibility to ensure these liberties are not denied to any man. With these virtues of the public in mind, Jefferson then transitions into a state of promise. Expressing his own political priorities, Jefferson seeks to provide for the social equality and liberties of all men despite their opinions regarding politics or society; he seeks to support the domestic policy rights of State Governments while also offering support for the Federal Government's efforts towards peaceful foreign policy; he seeks to offer his full agreement with the wishes of the majority; he seeks to maintaining a well trained militia until a full time army can be established; he seeks to advocate for the supremacy of an agricultural society while also ensuring that an individuals rights to speech, trial by a jury, and press are not infringed upon; finally, but all the more importantly, he promises to uphold all of the ideals stated above to the best of his ability but, in his humility, seeks the forgiveness of the American people if he, despite all of his positive initiatives, fails. In the end, despite any ill judgments that he may make, his primary concern is to provide for the liberties and happiness of the American people.

Columbus Blog #8

Upon Columbus' arrival in the New World, a truth that would ultimately lead to the prosperity of numerous world powers for centuries to come, was paralleled by the demise of the unsuspecting Arawak Indians. The vast atrocities committed by this early explorer, a truth often overshadowed by the celebration which is placed upon his accomplishments, exemplifies the essence of human nature in regards to history. Now, there are multiple opinions on this rather controversial issue; either we, as individuals of a nation who celebrates a national holiday in the name of this nation's "founder,"are far too half-hearted when it comes to punishing those who made developments for this country or we, once again, just feel as though the atrocities committed in the name of progress were necessary, a reoccurring reality which has plagued history since its initial documentation. Despite the reality that the world as we know it would be vastly transformed from the one witnessed today without Columbus' contributions, is that enough justification to permit the praise of such a villainous being? I cannot and will not submit myself to such uninformed conclusions. For, although many often view this historical figure as a discoverer and a founder of this sovereign nation primarily out of their neglect for the truth, I desire to erect for all to see the facts regarding the life fulfilled by this man. According to Zinn, Columbus and all of his deeds were equivalent to that of Pizarro and Cortez, for, through his own internal greed for gold and kleos, forever glorifying himself in history books, this man enslaved and killed entire Native American populations. In the name of God he conducted these treacherous acts, setting this precedent for all explorers of this new frontier to do the same. Ultimately, reality set in for Columbus; his ambitions and imaginations of locating vast gold reserves for the benefit of his European brethren had failed and soon he turned to a new source of riches for his nation. This new source, obtained through loading his ships with kidnapped Indians proved to be inefficient as many of them died on the way back to Europe through disease and mistreatment. Again, in a desperate and pleading attempt to find the gold, he made orders for the natives to follow. He ordered them, as his slaves, to locate the gold in return for the payment of copper trinkets, in turn freeing them from the harsh punishment of losing a hand for their disobedience. However, when little gains were made and the punishments proved far too harsh to endure, many of the natives fled inward where they were often killed by the Spanish seaman and their dogs. If these truths do not solidify this highly exalted individual as anything other than a villain, a man so possessed by greed that he was willing to commit actions of malice and ignorance towards a native population, it is then that I will truly fear for mans judgment of character.

Republican Motherhood

1. What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?
The role instituted following the Revolutionary War for a woman, although exempifying some transformations, was one derived from previous statures of the male mind. Woman, although now guaranteed some educational opportunities as seen in Document B, were more so being prepared for a lifetime servitude to their family. For, "next to the obligations which woman owes directly to her God, are those arising from her relation to the family institution" (Document A). In this, women were now guaranteed a "higher" duty in society, although their influence did not often spread beyond the confinements of a traditional home as it is made to sound in Document D. Rather, women were now supposed to be aptly equipped to rase their children, sons or daughters, into a Republican individual living for God.

2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?
Consequences of Republican Motherhood, ranging in both positive and negative aspects, gradually shifted the roles of women in society. Firstly, women were not able to find work outside of domestic work in a traditional family setting because this is what was expected of them. Although unfair, the role of a Republican Mother was often romanticised during this era, being made up to be training as a proper citizen in America, is witnessed in Document A. Too, women were now guaranteed some education such as knowledge of the English language, basic hjand-writing techniques and skills, an acquaintance with geography and chronolgy, and knowledge of bookeeping (Document B).

3. What is the significance of the idealogy of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women's socialization?
This newfound idealogy, forged through an increased reliance on the family following an era of destruction through armed conflict, gave women a rejuvenated hope for social improvement. Women were now seen as being "born for liberty, disdaining to bear the irons of a tyrannic Government... forged by tyrants in times of ignorance and barbarity" (Document C). Women, experiencing difficult times, bound together in a Republican faction in order to pursuit this ever present dream of social equality. Now, with a sovereign nation beneath their feet, they could instill these same values into their children, ones of piety, religious morality, and knowledge of all aspects of life, in order to ensure for the continuance of this Republican movement. In this, at least for now, "the influence of woman is not limited to the domestic circle. Society is her empire, which she governs at will" (Document D).



1. The setting of this photo appears to be that of an ordinary home during this time period, with the background illustrating a common place such as a sofa in a living room for traditional family interactions.

2. The center of this portrait, centered about the mother figure in the painting, exemplifies the growing emphasis on females within American society following the Revolutionary War. The woman, looking well made up but not of an aristocratic stature, rather exemplifying a woman favoring the way she looks while still maintaining some modesty, exemplifies her Republican nature. Her reliance on her children illustrates her favoring nature towards her children, including them fully into the portrait.

3. In the portrait, her sons exhibit that of a common love for their mother, exemplifying a child's reliance on their mother during this era. This truth sums up the Republican Motherhood era; children idolize their mother, thus learning all from the ever important family figure.

4. Mrs. Tilgham's arm, rather than wrapping around both of her sons in the portrait instead only encompassing one of the children, exemplifies societies emphasis on caring for the younger children within a family as to develop their mind into that which favors Republican ideals.

LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

In Washington's farewell address, this ideal American president not only gave much thanks to the people of this nation for their support of his numerous policies, the key components for his success, but also makes note of certain political virtues against the dangers that they present and, if left unscathed, ultimately will lead to the downfall of this newly independent nation. He reiterates the point that the American people are essentially one body, differing only slightly in their perspectives regarding their desires for liberty and their common political beliefs. Too, Washington believes that there are lines of both communication and economic natures that connect the four sects of the American frontier, devout in his thoughts that these lines, brought together under one governmental system, is vastly more powerful than that of individual alliances. In light of promoting this unity, Washington also makes note of the dangers of foreign policies. These foreign ideals can easily spur into factions, organizations of similar people under a zealous leader that can come to control the liberties of its people, through which it gains its power. Too, Washington expresses his concerns for the ever present obstacle of dissension, primarily spurred through an individual with power exemplifying strong opposition to the Constitution. This truth would in turn transform the impact of the Constitution. In order to suppress these threats, Washington stresses the points of religious piety and the spread of knowledge, further promoting his themes of political morality which are the key to success in any democratic government.

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington, in order to prevent the American people or its governmental system from engaging in the wars that placed the belligerent powers, consisting of nations such as Britain, Sardinia, Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia against a France engulfed in revolution, made a distinct declaration that his nation would act in neutrality as to prevent unnecessary conflict. In this declaration, Washington cautions his citizens at making attempts to engage in the warfare in Europe, for this would result in their loss of protections provided by the American government. Finally, any individual who did in fact seek engagement with the armed conflicts on the European continent were vastly persecuted, becoming liable to forfeit any and all rights through punishment by the laws of the nation.

LAD #5: Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?
The reality that factions remain difficult to abolish lies with one simple concept: they are an unavoidable, natural component of society. As each man of a society is treated differently, these unmet desires and wants of the people will undoubtedly form their perceptions of the world around them. It is in these perceptions that multiple parties are formed, each designated to fulfilling this common need (i.e. faction). These common interests can find themselves rooted in nearly anything, whether it be wealth, social stature, land possession, manufacturing interests, and far more. The only means by which these factions could be effectively ended would be to either deny the people their unalienable rights, thus contradicting all that the American Revolution was fought in search of and forcing the government of this nation into hypocrisy, or give each individual equal rights, a rather inconceivable notion due to the fact that each individual is an individual of their own creation, being forged through experience and conscience.

2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?
The people of this nation, being themselves inadequate judges of their own efforts being made in cooperation with their ideals, often times hinting towards a certain level of bias on their part, make for a democracy devout in protecting the rights of the people inadequate to put out the flames of a faction based society. However, a democracy favoring representative governmental strategies would ensure the that they conduct themselves in a manner that is beneficial for the state, often times seperating themselves from the "zeal" or enthusiasm of a faction. Although power, when placed into the hands of an individual, often corrupts, the number of representatives within a democratic form of government, elected by a vast population of people from various factions within a given area, would aid in neutralizing these factional opinions. Too, due to the presence of numerous factions within the United States, it becomes far too difficult for one faction to monopolize the field in which it resides. In this truth, it is commonly known that equal representation can be guaranteed without the fear that one will infringe upon the rights of an opposing faction.

Blog #4: Revolution Article

Facts Regarding the Revolution From the Provided Article:

1. Many of the military historical figures from the Revolution came to be known for something other than their exploits, however long lasting they may have been, during the war. For instance, Benedeict Arnold is known to be a traitor to this nation, George Washington is known as our first president, and John Paul Jones is known for sparking Theodore Roosevelt's desire to have America become one of the world's most powerful navies.

2. George Washington, being the prudent, wise man that history has portrayed him as, made very few remarks about the rebel soldiers. Even though he clearly respected their efforts by that no other force parallels the actions taken by these men and that they conducted themselves in a peculiar manner, never once did he establish a national day or event in which their efforts could be commemorated.

3. Due to the regions in which the war was fought, many civilians were killed as a result. With the unsanitary environment of the time, illness and disease spread rather quickly, turning numerous private residences into public hospitals for soldiers at war. Too, with guerilla warfare and Native American involvement, many civilians in towns or on the streets were killed simply because they were in the line of fire. Coastal raids by the British and home invasions by the redcoats also contributed to a growing colonial dissatisfaction with their colonizers war efforts, ultimately leading to an increased war effort by the colonists. In Connecticut, five towns felt these realities more so than many other regions, with British soldiers storming shipyards, warehouses, and plantations.

4. Some of the most brutal and retaliatory forms of warfare were between revolutionaries and loyalist Americans right here on the North American continent. Loyalist Cavalrymen, under the rule of Banastre Tarleton in 1780, slaughtered already surrundered rebel troops in South Carolina. Later, rebellio0n officer Colonel Henry Lee retaliated to this by killing ninety loyalist soldiers in March of 1781 in North Carolina.

5. Aprroximately half of the prisoners of war during the Revolutionary period were killed or left to die under the observations of their capturer. Due to this reality, a policy against killing captives was soon instituted upon the rebel forces by their commander. Yet, with supplies running low and resources being scarcely found, prisoners of war were often ravaged for their clothing and other supplies which were in high demand due to the times of warfare. In the harsh winter months, this resulted in many prisoners dying from a lack of food or lack of sufficient clothing. Roughly, the percentage of prisoners who died during the Revolutionary War in America rivaled that of the Japanese interment camps during World War II.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

1. In the Declaration of Independence, the Democratic Principles Section clearly dictates that a government exists solely to the overall happiness and rights of the people and derives its power from those it governs. If a series of actions by the governmental body infringes upon an individuals unalienable rights for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, then the people of that nation thus have a right to abolish the current regime in cohesion of one which will undoubtedly provide those liberties. As this reality held true during colonial times under the tyrannical rule of King George, then the American Revolution is undoubtedly justifiable.

2. Acting as justification for a revolt, the List of Grievances clearly exemplifies numerous occasions in which the King acted unjustly against the populations residing in his colonial possessions. An example of one such crime against an individuals liberties is his dissolution of colonial assemblies, thus removing the colonists' rights toward representation and self-government. Too, the King, when he stationed his redcoat armies throughout the American colonies during times of peace, of who gained numerous rights such as being free of trial and being permitted to stay in private homes, ignored the rights of those assemblies. Finally, the King is charged with burning towns, ravaging the coasts, and was also charged with terminating many colonial charters and legislations.

3. In conclusion, the Declaration of Independence states that, in their failure to find peace with their British opponents, who have time and time again turned their backs on justice and liberty, in order to create "free and independent states" they must first break away from the oppression that Britain has placed upon them. In doing so, the United States of America, in being now its own individual country, reserves the rights to declare war, make peace, create alliances, and establish commerce with foreign nations. Ultimately, the conclusion of this patriotic and wonderful document states that America is both declaring independence from and war on Britain as a liberated, unified nation.

LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?
During the early eighteenth-century, John Peter Zenger, originally an emigrant from the country of Germany, was a printer for a New York Magazine known as the New York Weekly Journal. Upon publishing an article which clearly criticized the actions of Governor William Cosby, actions were made by this government official against his criticizer. Due to this, Zenger was thrown into jail and later placed on trial for the things which he had printed against Cosby in the journal segment.

2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.Despite the accusations against Zenger for his public criticisms against Royal Governor Cosby, Hamilton presented his defense clearly and precisely to the jury upon the trial's opening. Hamilton, stating that even though the articles were rather harsh in stating that the Governor had wrongly prosecuted an Interim Governor and removed a Chief of Justice, the accusations were none the less accurate. Furthermore, because of the truths which lay within Zenger's article about the Governor, thus giving the jury no reason to charge Zenger with libel, the jury made a final decision to name Zenger not guilty after only about fifteen minutes of conversing on their verdict.


3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
The ruling in this case by the jury set many precedents for future cases such as this. In order to maintain a non-tyrannical and rational state of being in all publications, the ruling here of Zenger as being not guilty for his actions, of which is completely justified, exemplified to the American people that, in a court of law, a citizens liberties and God-given rights are to be guaranteed and protected.


4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
The primary significance of this trial, at least one which has lived on into the realms of history today, is the protection of a citizens right to free speech. If the ruling had been guilty, a libel charge against Zenger which clearly infringes upon his liberties as a citizen due to the truths of his accusations against Cosby, tyranny and unjust trials could have been made the precedent for many trials to come. However, because of the not guilty ruling, forever exemplifying the freedoms guaranteed by numerous American documents, a citizen of this great nation can now feel solidified in their liberties under the Bill of Rights and a court of law.

LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
Primarily the main purpose of the Mayflower Compact was to define the basics of a colonial civilization, creating discussions of life as well as laws, that would be either thought up or enacted through meetings. Too, this Compact officially instituted the creation of a colony in America by outlining the basic ideals and beliefs of that newly generated colony. These ideals, with equality being one of vast importance, ensured that any piece of passed legislation would be fair and just, as well as the frequency of meetings for the people of the colony.


2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" Worlds? 
Due to the reality that under the Mayflower Compact pilgrims were still subservient to the rule of English King James back in the colonies' mother country of Britain, the "Old" World is undoubtedly exemplified. Despite this one instance of representation for the "Old" World in the colonies under the Mayflower Compact, this agreement also reflected multiple views of the "New" World as well. Firstly, the colonies are separate entities from England, despite loyalty to the crown, and secondly colonists were permitted to enact new laws and hold meetings, both of which made for equality of the people, regarding life and issues throughout a colony.


3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
In contrast, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut is a vastly long and specific article, differing greatly from the condense Mayflower Compact, which, towards the end, has nothing but a list of names. Primarily, the Mayflower Compact represented nothing more than an agreement between the people to set up an organized colony, setting forth laws, regulations, and times for frequent town meetings in order to ensure the continued success of the colony. In the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, however, detailed specifically the framework for all governmental bodies within a colony, giving recognition to responsibilities, increased voting rights, length of political terms, and elections.


4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
The fundamental prompt of the colonists of Connecticut for approaching government in this way was their devout religious ties. The colonists, wanting written laws and order, did so in a manner which expressed their continual obedience and faithfulness, in both life and government, to the words of God. The article clearly dictates that in order to ensure the prosperity, peace, and union of a colony, that its governmental system should mirror the organization and decency of God.


5. In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?
Because of the fact that the Fundamental Orders repeatedly refer to God and his attributes, of which they wish to institute into their colonial governmental body, it is clearly exemplified that these colonists were religious individuals. Too, on top of this continued reliance on God's order and protection, this agreement also allows for a system of checks and balances to be made; between the Governor, the Magistrates, the Secretary, the two General Assemblies, and nearly all individuals involved with government decisions. More specifically, balance was kept by delegating responsibilities, limitations on the length of a governmental term, and individuals in position to fulfill duties otherwise left unfulfilled by government peers. 

Initial Blog: Confirming Creation

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