LAD Blog #22 McKinley's War Message

McKinley opened his war message with "In the name of humanity...The war in Cuba must stop." Given after Cuba revolted in 1895 against their Spanish rulers. He gave his speech in April 11 1898. McKinley stated that his main reason for going to war is because of the "crisis that has arisen in the relations of the United States to Spain by reason of the warfare that for more than three years has raged in the neighboring island of Cuba. . . ." Believing that the war between Cuba and Spain should be ended as a soon as possible. McKinley seems to be using the raging civil war almost as an excuse to attack the Spanish and place the island of Cuba under control of the United States. McKinley argues that the United States has had problems keeping their promise of neutrality with the crisis in Cuba, and that Spain has offended the United States with its "exercise of cruel, barbarous, and uncivilized practice of warfare". McKinley wanted an armistice to the war between Cuba and Spain so America could regain its lost economic assets in the country and try to revive the ailing economy. McKinley also wants to put an end to the atrocities that were taking place in Cuba under the Spanish government. He also states that the sinking of the USS Maine was a clear indicator of the conditions in Cuba and that direct intervention is necessary to protect American interests. Finally, he mentions how Spain notified America two days ago that they were suspending hostilities in Cuba, and includes that he hopes Congress will take this fact into account. He closes the speech by saying " this measure attains a successful result, then our aspirations as a Christian, peace-loving people will be realized." Showing America's growing role as big brother in the Western Hemisphere. However, the final decision is left up to congress. 

LAD Blog #21 Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Carnegie begins his Gospel of Wealth by stating that the main problem of his age is the distribution of wealth and keeping the ties between the rich and the poor. Over the years human life has changed and the different between the wealthy and common man has increased. However, the change is beneficial because "ssential for the progress of the race, that the houses of some should be homes for all that is highest and best in literature and the arts, and for all the refinements of civilization". Saying that there needs to be a difference in peoples wealth for society to thrive. A big question during Carnegie's time was, how would the wealth be administered? Carnegie says there are 3 modes of administering wealth- passing it on through the family, giving it to the public, or having it administered during their life through those who possess it. He thought that the first and second mode were improper as it did not helpfully spread  the wealth. Some of his other beliefs were that the wealthy should not try to show too much extravagance but instead be modest and put their community’s needs before their own. Andrew Carnegie had many interesting views on how the wealthy should use their wealth to the fullest and his beliefs would not be expected from a wealthy man by being modest and not selfish.

LAD Blog #20 Emancipation Proclamation

The President used this document to free all slaves in the nation. Stating the the government of the United States with use of the mililtary will work to maintain the freedom of such persons. Also, they will not repress anyone from having such freedoms. Lincoln goes on to add that he will stop any rebellion or uprising against this. He list the areas in which slaves will now be free. Making a strong point that he stands by this by saying "And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service." Believing this act is an act of justic and warrented by the constitution, as well as his duty as president.

LAD Blog #19 Lincolns Second Inaugural Address

Lincoln begins his Inaugral address stating he does not know what the future holds, but he has high hopes for it. Also, that his previous address was directed towards the impeading civil war and efforts to avoid it. However, it was not avoided as a major result of slavery. Also, that there is a large population of slaves and they are mainly located in the South. Thus, causing the division between the North and South. Lincoln states that there is not a huge difference between the people of the North and South. Finally, he believes that we need to finish the work we started to fix the nation and take care of those who have been effected by this war. Cherishing a lasting peace with ourselves as well as with all nations.

LAD: Blog #18 Dred Scott vs. Sanford

In the Dred Scott vs. Sanford case Chief Justice Roger B Taney sided with Sanford. Taney stated that the court concluded that because Scott was a slave whose parents had been born in another country, he cannot be recognized as a citizen and therefore cannot legally receive any American liberties as written in the Constitution. He went on to add that he believed that Scott should be recognized as a lesser person, or a piece of property. As a result, Scott can neither receive protection through the American Constitution nor receive the liberties of a common white man, confirming the fact that Scott has no right to fight for his rights in the judicial system. This court decision contradicts the Missouri Compromise because Scott had lived in slave free Illinois, but he can still be recognized as property. As a result of this decision Scott once again became a slave and the precedent Taney further put the north and the south against each other, adding to the tension and ultimately leading to the Civil War.

LAD: Blog #17 Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman" speech

In her speech, Truth discusses her problems not only with the unequal treatment of blacks, but of women in America as well.  Sojourner states that the way woman are supposed to be treated is as a lady, being helped over puddles and into carriages. Known as a hard worker all her life, she believes that she deserves respect as any man. Battling slavery, the grief of losing her children, working as hard as she ever could so why is she not treated as any white woman would be treated like or respected as much as any man. She believes that respect should not be based on intelligence and that without woman there would be no christ. She says that women are strong enough to make decesions, changes and if the woman is black, it does not make a difference.

LAD: Blog #16 Frederick Douglass' "5th of July"

Frederick Douglass gave a speech in Rochester discussing the imporatance and meaning behind Independence day. Questioning the true freedom and liberty that is brought to citizens because of this day. Stating that black americans do not get to experience the same joy and freedom that white americans do on Independence day. Further adding that it merely mocks blacks of their lack of rights. Douglass then denounces slavery in the name of humanity, the Bible, and Constitution as the greatest sin in all America. He then says  "I will not equivocate; I will not excuse"; I will use the severest language I can command; and yet not one word shall escape me that any man, whose judgment is not blinded by prejudice, or who is not at heart a slaveholder, shall not confess to be right and just." Closing that the Fourth of July to a slave is injust and that this celebration of nationalism is a cover to hide the despictable crimes of the country. However, Douglas hopes that America will one day outlaw slavery because of its democratic principles.