LAD #8 Monroe Doctrine

In the opening of the Monroe Doctrine, President Monroe makes it clear that America will continue a foreign policy of neutralism. He specifically mentions from Great Britain and Russia. In the next paragraph Monroe states that America enjoys their liberty and happiness, and will remain neutral, however, if the American rights are invaded then defensive action will have to be taken. He says that we will not involve ourselves in the affairs of other countries; we will remain independent and do things for ourselves. The doctrine discusses that Spain and Portugal are upset that Europe is not settled, and that there are issues that concern the United States, but Monroe repeats that our policy, as held from the beginning, was to not make enemies by not involving themselves in foreign affairs. The Doctrine closes by remarking that other governments cannot involve themselves in anything without infringing on peoples rights. It is the best way, and the way of America to choose no sides and hope others will follow this precident.

LAD #7 Jefferson Inauguration

Thomas Jefferson opens his First Inaugural Address by thanking his fellow citizens for voting him to the position of President. Jefferson is very anxious to begin his Presidency and he is hoping to have the support and approval of the American people throughout his term in office. In his next paragraph, the President discusses how he hopes for National unity under the constitution and under a common law in an effort to benefit the country as a whole. He also wrote that all Republicans and all Federalists are the same; everyone is together in America even if their political views differ. Jefferson believed that his Administration should be base upon the most important principles of the U.S. government, such as equal rights to all, freedom of religion and encouragement of States rights. In addition he noted that it is important to keep the founding principles of the country close, habeas corpus and freedom of press are some examples. Jefferson closes his Inauguration by asking for lenience from the American people during his term, he realizes he will make mistakes. His mistakes would not be intentional but he still asked for some acceptance that some mistakes will likely be made. At the end Jefferson wrote that he will leave his position of President once the people feel it is best for the country that he leaves. His Presidency was purely for the benefit of the country.

LAD #6 Washington's Farewell Address

Washington’s 1776 Farewell address was written to inform the American people that he was not going to run for another term in office. In the opening of the address he makes it clear to everyone that he had to make a decision whether to continue as president or not. He then wrote that he had after a long time of thinking decided to resign. He wanted no hard feeling from the American people and wanted everyone to know that he loves his country very much and he did not want people to be mad at him for resigning. Washington continues by stressing the importance of maintaining the union. He realizes that the views of people in the North, South, East, and West all have a difference of opinion. However it is vital to the nation to stay together and to accomplish things for a common purpose. The President wrote that each part of the country benefits from each other, for example the South benefits from the North’s manufacturing and the North benefits from the South’s agriculture. In addition Washington states how important it is to follow the rules of the country. He said that it is the people right to establish a constitution and it is also their responsibility to follow all of the rules they set in place. Also a reason for his resignation was that he was becoming sick of the arguments in the political world. He felt that factions were dangerous and that they were not needed. He believed that the country should be a whole and should not divide amongst themselves. Towards the end of the address he repeats his earlier proclamation by telling how important it is to remain neutral in foreign affairs. He then closes his Farewell Address when he speaks his love for the county and states that it is always a part in his heart.

LAD #5 Neutrality Proclamation

In this proclamation written my George Washington, he addresses the issue of foreign affairs. The opening paragraph states that several countries across Europe were at war with each other. Washington wrote that he felt that America should peacefully stay out of the issues of other countries, we should remain neutral. What he meant by ‘peacefully’ staying out of the issues was that it is necessary to stay uninvolved without angering other countries. Washington continues his proclamation by warning American citizens to stay out of the affairs of other countries. If they are caught dealing with outside nations they would be held on trial and severely punished for their actions. The Proclamation of Neutrality closes with an official statement of American neutrality towards other countries and ends with a signature of George Washington.

Political Cartoon #2 Rise it Will

1) In the cartoon, the event that is represented is the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The issue was that only eleven states had signed the document and Rhode Island and North Carolina had not. This prevented the document from becoming ratified and to remove the Articles of Confederation.

2) The message that the artist is sending is that the ratification of the Constitution can still be saved even though those ‘pillars’ are falling. The cartoonist is supporting the constitution and the states that have already signed it. He believes that this document is the best thing for the whole country to accept.

3) The historical impact of the cartoon was that the artist told his view and showed others that the constitution would give freedom and it would benefit the arts, agriculture, commerce, religion, justice and peace. After the issue was addressed, the other two states eventually signed, ratifying that’s still in place today.