LAD #10; Monore Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine establishes “that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.” This means that no European power shall come to North America to colonize. The Monroe Doctrine also stated that existing colonies under countries such as Spain and Portugal must improve the conditions in where the colonists live. The United States wanted to protect smaller nation's freedom and independence, but really the main reason they wanted this was to limit the expanision of European powers on America's side of the Atlantic. It is also stated that the United States will continue to remain neutral unless “our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defense.” Essentially, the Monore Doctrine re-establishes a policy of neutrality in international affairs. Although it also warns the European powers that infringement upon American land and rights will not be tolerated.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Thomas Jefferson's first Inaugural Address was, according to The American Pageant, "a classic statement of democratic principles". Jefferson explained modestly in the beginning of the speech that the power is for the people. He refers to the Constitution at points, encouraging the people to "unite in common efforts for the common good". Jefferson also explains that "The will of the majority is in all cases to prevail", but he also guarantees that "minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression". Jefferson also inspired a sense of patriotism among the audience when he said "I believe this...the strongest Government on earth. I believe it the only one where every man, at the call of the law, would fly to the standard of the law, and would meet invasions of the public order as his own personal concern." At the end of the speech, Jefferson asks for the help of the people of the nation by stating, "I advance with obedience to the work, ready to retire from it whenever you become sensible how much better choice it is in your power to make. And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity".

Christopher Columbus; Hero or Villian?

Any elementary or middle school student knows that they have a long weekend because a Spaniard named Christopher Columbus in 1492 sailed the ocean blue. But what the schools lack to teach the students is that he was an arrogant man, thinking that he had the right to almost exterminate the Arawak race so he could be the hero on his return voyage to Spain. In Howard Zinn's bestseller, A People's History of the United States, he brings up the point that most Americans just accept the fact that Christopher Columbus murdered thousands of innocent natives for the name of progress. People can argue, saying that Columbus needed control of the lands and people he was conquering so he can achieve his goal of finding gold and receiving fame. But Columbus' total control over the native people led to total cruelty. One Spaniard wrote of the cruelties of Columbus' men, "two of these so-called Christians met two Indian boys one day, each carrying a parrot; they took the parrots and for fun beheaded the boys". Although this was not Columbus personally cutting off the boy's heads, the soldier's actions were probably reflected on the thoughts or own actions of their leader. Columbus treated the natives as an inferior race since they had no religion or few advancements in technology. He forced them to search endlessly for gold, though there was barely any to begin with. Zinn explains that Columbus cut off the hands of natives who did not find any gold or they were shipped back to Spain as slaves. Christopher Columbus, a celebrated explorer because he found the New World, should have his holiday removed from the calender for his horrid crimes.