LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

     The Monroe Doctrine states that America does not want to become involved with other countries problems unless it directly affects their people. Only if the American peoples rights and liberties are threatened will America become involved with other countries. America feels this way because of all of the blood that has been shed when dealing with problems outside of their own country. America is already its own independent nation so therefore becoming neutral would help it grow further because then they would not have to deal with the problems of other countries while also building their own nation. The European nations would still be able to build their own nation without America's help and that they should not interfere with the development and ideals of America. Because Europe at the time was still unsettled Monroe stated that they should follow America's lead so that they too can have control of their nations. He says that if America is not going to try and change the way that other countries are being run than other countries should reciprocate by not trying to take control of America, colonize it or change the way that America is run. They also should not try to do the same with other countries and if they did do this than they would disrupt the peace and control of America which would not be good for any country. Monroe wanted other countries to realize that they could become neutral just as America and that they did not have to try and colonize America.

LAD #9

   

    Unlike some of the other inaugural addresses before that of Thomas Jefferson’s, his started out much more humble and he admits to being nervous about his new position and calls upon his peers to support him in this stressful time. Though he is nervous Jefferson makes it clear that he is ready for the huge responsibility of running the country. He also stresses how important it is for the country to become united along with following the laws that were established for the good of the people. He reassures people that the government is going to protect them but pleads with them to follow the laws the government created so every person is treated equally and help America become united. Jefferson then goes on to tell the people of America what he will do in his term to make America the best it can be. His promises include a well-developed and trained militia to protect the people of America, he also promises that the rights of the people would be protected he also encourages the people to continue in agriculture to provide commerce and add to benefitting the economy. Jefferson accepts the position he has been given, he thanks the people for their confidence in him and realizes that not everyone will agree with his decisions but assures them that he is ready and willing to take on the important burden of becoming President of America.

Columbus Blog #8

Christopher Columbus is seen by many as a hero because of his discovery of the new world. Sent out on a mission to find a faster route to India he stumbled upon America and brought back many new things to Europe. Because of this he has been widely praised for what he contributed to society, but what many people do not realize is that Columbus’s discovery does not make him as heroic as he may seem.

            Christopher Columbus did discover America, but he actually thought that it was India at the time which caused him to wrongly call the natives there “Indians”. Though this discovery did benefit the Native Americans by supplying them with horses and wheat, sugar and rice, it more greatly benefited the Europeans because it supplied them with much more produce along with gold and silver. Also Columbus’s encounter with the Native Americans caused a lot of devastation from diseases such as smallpox, measles and influenza which killed many natives. The Native American population decreased rapidly and on top of that the Spanish began enslaving the Native Americans. This of course diminished the Native American’s culture and because of Columbus landing in the Americas up to ninety percent of the Native Americans had died or been killed. Columbus ended up setting the way for entire civilization’s to be wiped out for the greedy desires of the European’s.

            Columbus’ discovery of the New World was a huge milestone in the development of the European and American countries. It brought many new items to Europe and also contributed to the Native Americans and because of this accomplishment he is celebrated on Columbus Day. Although Columbus found America unintentionally and was wrongly credited for this discovery when he did not even realize what he had discovered. On top of this Columbus treated the Natives with disrespect, taking away their culture and believes and enslaving them into labor. He also brought many diseases to the America’s which killed so many of the Natives that some civilizations were wiped out. Columbus did greatly enhance the Europeans way of life and in some ways the Native Americans as well, but because of his greedy and cruel ways Columbus can be seen more as a villain than a hero.