LAD #24 Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech

William Jennings Bryan delivered his famous "Cross of Gold" speech in 1896 at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, as he was trying to be the party's nominee. This speech regarded his opinion of the silver to gold ratio of 16 to 1 in the American economy. By doing this, farmers in debt would be aided because of an increase of currency in circulation. Bryan considered this to be a humane and just cause for Americans. He prefers to clear the waters rather than fight. He argued that America is a country for the people, and believes that he is representing the general people when he states his goal for the coinage of silver. He also supports distributing wealth and an income tax. He conceded that many city people support the gold standard, but reminded them that wealth comes from the poor.




President McKinley supported the gold standard, which Bryan opposed, saying "they will crucify us on a golden cross"

LAD #23 Populist Party Platform

The Populist Party was created in reaction to industrialization and big business abuses. It emerged from the Farmers Alliance in the 1800s, and was a third independent party, separate from Democrats and Republicans. They were primarily Southern farmers that struggled to compete with massive businesses. Populists believed that the working class was being denied basic rights and liberties, and supported the formation of workers unions. They opposed immigration because incoming immigrants took jobs that would have been available for Americans. They also believed in an increase in the power of the government and the free coinage of silver and gold in the ratio of 16 to 1. They supported an income tax, and increase in the circulation of wealth, and the formation of a permanent union of workers to oppose unfair business practices. All in all, they were fighting for more power to the working man.
Working unions across America found aligned political views with the Populist Party, such as the Utility Workers Union of America.

LAD #25 The Dawes Act

The Dawes Act, otherwise known as the Dawes General Allotment Act, was passed by Congress in 1887, regarding the Indian Policy. The law focused on how reservations would be divided into sections of land assigned to individuals. Each head of the family was fiven one quarter of a section. Each individual person over the age of eighteen, as well as an orphaned child under the age of eighteen was assigned one sixth of a section. Lands that werenot given to Indians were open to settlement by others, as well as the continued development of the railroad. Evem of a Native American did not live on a reservation, they were still entitled to their allotted plot of land, and would receive a patent for it, protected by the government. The act emphasized individual land ownership, which contrasted the unity and culture previously held by many Indians living in communal villages. In a way, The Dawes Act can be seen as an attempt to assimilate and further deprive the Native Americans of their land, and put it to use for infrastructure, roads, bridges, and railroads.



This is similar to the Indian Removal Act, because both were created in attempt to move Native Americans away from the land where they had currently resided to land that was convenient for the government, so that they could expand to land previously occuppied by Indians.

LAD#22 McKinley's War Message

McKinley originally sent a message to Spain begging that they cease war with Cuba. The American Ambassador in Spain replied with a message that Spain had accepted this. However, this did not last long, and the United States ended up plunging into the war on the side of the Cubans. Addressing Congress, McKinley said that the conflicts between Cuba and Spain had caused the US great annoyance and effort. Their trade and investments in Cuba had been lost as well. He recalled a previous address that he had made, and said that he understands now that a proclamation of neutrality in all worldly affairs may not be always the best choice. He asked to propose a "rational compromise" to both sides, then said that United States intervention on no particular side would be justified. He summarized the grounds of intervention in four points: First, to end war for the sake of humanity, and that it is, in fact, our business because it is our neighbors. Second, we owe it to Cuban citizens to grant them the freedoms enjoyed in America. Third, the halt of commerce, trade, and business is harmful to both the US and the people of Cuba. Fourth, conflict in Cuba directly affects US peace and is a threat to the protection of American citizens. He gave an example of this by reflecting on the tragedy of the battleship Maine in the Port of Havana. He concludes by saying that this conflict cannot be solved through present methods, and he asks Congress to authorize the President to take measures to stop the hostilities between Spain and Cuba.


The Cuban Missile Crisis is similar to McKinleys War Message because the United States was affected by the activities of Cuba, its close neighbor. However, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US and Cuba were distinctly against each other.

LAD #21 Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

Carnegie begins by addressing how civilization has changed from there not being a huge difference between the "chief" and his "retainers", but how the castles of todays billionaires versus the cottage of the laborer is vastly different. He considers this essential for humanity. He poses the question of "why is the wealth of few a good plan?" and promises to answer that, saying that it should be competence, not wealth, that people should want to acquire. A surplus of wealth can be acquired in three ways: left to the family, used for public works, or administered during the lives by the wealthy. He believed the first way was unjust and not beneficial to the family. He is not entirely supportive of the second either, because the wealth could be used in a way the giver did not intend, he has no power over it. However, he does support the taxation of a wealthy estate after death. This encourages the rich to distribute their wealth in their lifetime as opposed to leaving it to the state. This was Carnegie's preferred method of money management. He also supported the unequal distribution of wealth. The wealth of all the minority spread to the majority, which is beneficial for the masses. Overall, Carnegie believed that the duty of the wealthy was to distribute his wealth for the common welfare and set an example for his dependents.




Mark Zuckerberg is similar to Carnegie in that he made a fortune, but was very generous with his wealth, and is a known philanthropist.

LAD #20 Emancipation Proclamation

On January 1st, 1863, Abraham Lincoln stated that all slaves would be free in the United States, and everyone should recognize them as a free people. He also determined that any states or counties holding slaves would henceforth be in rebellion of the United States. He asked that people abstain from violence, and suggested that the freed slaves work for a fair wage. He also welcomed the newly freed slaves into the United States armed forces.


The Emancipation Proclamation is the dream of Frederick Douglas coming true. He desired a nation where the African American community was free, which was granted by Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

LAD#19 Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address was shorter and more blunt than the first. He said that the public was aware of the events in the country as much as he did. Both parties clashed and one would rather destroy the country with war and the other would accept war rather than let the country fail. He discussed how slavery was the primary cause of this war and had been worse than both sides had predicted. Then he talked about how both sides prayed to the same God, but he had not answered their prayers, and had his own plan. He concludes by promising to finish the war and repair the nation.






Franklin Delano Roosevelt was faced with controlling and comforting the country during WWII, just as Lincoln had to in the Civil War.

LAD #18 Dred Scott Decision

In the case of Dred Scott v. Sanford, the court originally leaned towards Sanford. They selected Justice Nelson to write the opinion of the majority, but upon its presentation, it was discovered that his "majority" was just himself. They then changed to have Chief Justice Roger Taney write the majority. First, Taney addressed the issue of citizenship. Saying that African Americans were never truly citizens, and the right to sue in a court of law was reserved for American citizens, Scott actually had no right to sue, as he was not a United States citizen. Taney then went on to say that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional because slave owners above the 36 30 line were being deprived of their right to property in the form of slaves. Finally, he said that Dred Scott was still not a free man upon his stay in Illinois, because he had brought suit in Missouri, a slave state. Taney dismissed the court for lack of jurisdiction and sent it back to the lower courts.





The Dred Scott decision is like the 3/5 Compromise because is reasoned that African Americans were not citizens, and could not be considered in activities reserved only for United States citizens.

LAD#17 Ain't I a Woman

In her speech, Sojourner Truth demands questions of the audience to deliver her point. One man had said that women deserve to be carried into carriages and over dirt, but she had never experienced that. Women should be granted good manners but she had never been granted this, but wasn't she a woman? She talked about how she could do the work of any man, and had birthed thirteen children only to see them sold to slavery, but wasn't she a woman? Overall, Truth questions how she could be any different that women everywhere else. Upon closing, she states that if God had created the first woman to be strong enough to turn the world upside down, then women now had to be strong enough to turn it back how it should be, and that men should allow them to do as such.





Like Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a women's rights advocate. She, along with Lucretia Mott, helped organize the Seneca Falls Convention, where the Declaration of Rights of Women was drafted.

LAD#16 5th of July Speech

Frederick Douglass begins his speech by directly questioning the white people in America. He asks them what their Independence Day, (4th of July), has to do with him, or the rest of the black community. He says that his people were not independent on this day, and has no relevance to them. The freedom and individual rights of the white community has no impact on the black community, and this further divides the two races. He highlights that blacks, especially slaves, are treated as subhuman, and do not enjoy the privileges that white people seem to take as a given. He ends by saying that black or white, "we are both men", meaning that there should not be such a deep divide between white people and black people, and the freedoms enjoyed by one should be enjoyed by all.




Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., like Frederick Douglas, was a huge speaker for black rights. Though slaves had been freed since Frederick Douglas spoke, segregation still existed and it was far from equal when Dr. King spoke.

LAD #15 Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

President Lincoln begins the Gettysburg Address by reminding the American people that "forescore and seven years ago", the nation was founded upon liberty, justice, and the principle that all men are created equal. Now, The nation is amidst a bloody civil war that brings those principles into question. Lincoln then dedicates the Gettysburg land to those that have fought and died to protect and preserve the American nation. He then goes on to demand that the US not let these soldiers die in vain. It is their duty to finish the job that these brave men started, and not let a government made for the people disappear.


Arlington National Cemetery was created to honor American soldiers that died in battles of various wars in American history, including the Civil War. This is similar to the Gettysburg cemetery created to honor American soldiers that perished in the Civil War,

LAD #14 Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

In Lincoln's first inaugural address, he began by addressing the hot topic of the time; the division of the North and South, particularly regarding slavery. He declared to represent and maintain the Union, even if it must come to the outbreak of war. To Lincoln, secession is not an option. He sternly, but not maliciously, criticized the south for secession issues, slavery, and the postal service He declared that the North would not be the first to strike for hope of maintaining peace. This was proven correct when the South struck first at Fort Sumter. His speech ends with an intent plea to the citizens of the United States to remain peaceful. He reminds them that it is not in the government's hands, but their own, and reminds them that they should be friends not enemies.




In Thomas Jefferson's Inaugural Address, he, like Lincoln, was responsible for easing the tensions of a divided nation. Lincoln had to ease the division of the North and South, while Jefferson had to address the division between the Federalists and the Republicans.

LAD#13 Calhoun's Speech

In Calhoun's speech, he discusses the dangers of the union, first of how it can be preserved, and then of the causes of the endangerment. The first cause Calhoun discusses is the encroachment of the North into the Federal government. This was to the point that the North had control of Congress and the overal government. This was more than the preconcieved notion that it was merely political factions. Northern involvement in government meant that the South had very little say, and had unfair disadvantages to the North. Finally, the South rely heavily on slavery, while the North generally opposes the practice. In summary, Calhoun says that to restore balance, the North should ease up on slavery opposition.







Like Calhoun, slavery was a big part of Abraham Lincoln's career. However, Lincoln abolished slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation.

Lad#12 Polk's War Message

In Polk's War Message, he first acknowledges that the tensions between the United States and Mexico needed to be resolved. John Slidell, an American diplomat, was sent to Mexico do discuss the issue of American citizens being killed on American soil by Mexicans near the Texan border. The Mexican government would not listen to Slidell, and the overthrowing government would not listen either. Polk put military forces near the Mexican border to prevent invasion. When they did not retreat under demand of Mexican military, the Mexicans attacked, resulting in several American casualties. At this point, commerce and diplomacy between the two countries had dissolved. Mexico declared war because they wanted Texas, and the United States had to respond to protect their citizens.


This is similar to the XYZ Affair because the foreign power would not negotiate with the United States.

LAD#11 Seneca Falls Convention

The Seneca Falls Convention was a gathering in Seneca Falls NY from June 12-20th in 1848, addressing the issue of women's rights. This event was organized by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. There, advocates created a list of grievances and demanded equal rights between men and women regarding several issues, such as voting, education, and property, known as the Declaration of Sentiments. This was signed by 68 women and 32 women including Frederick Douglas. The idea of equal rights for women was relatively new and caused an array of different debates to take place in America. However, this was a huge step forward in the path to equal rights for women in the United States.






The National Women's Suffrage Association came about after the Seneca Falls Convention, advocating for women's suffrage. This was founded by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony

LAD #10 Monroe Doctrine

1. What did the issuing of the Monroe Doctrine express from an American perspective post War of 1812?

A. The Monroe Doctrine expressed that Americans wished to be treated as an independent nation, equal to similar European nations. Due to the fact that even after the Revolutionary War, Britain still essentially controlled America's economy and continued to oppress them through the impressment of American ships and sailors, the United States was not recognized as an independent country right away. Additionally, neutrality in European affairs was reemphasized.

2. What was Secretary of State Adams' hope when he wrote the Monroe Doctrine?

A. Adams wished to see the United States be recognized as a world superpower, able to have colonies of its own, as well as become entirely independent from Britain. After the War of 1812, the United States was recognized as its own independent country. Furthermore, Adams wished to see neutrality with European affairs, though this never ended up happening.

3. What is the key phrase in the entire document that you need to remember as the cornerstone of American Foreign Policy?

A. Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers; to preserve those relations by a frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every power, submitting to injuries for none.








The Monroe Doctrine relates to Washington's Farewell Address because Washington preaches neutrality, and advises that the United States not become involved in European affairs, which is also said in the Monroe Doctrine.

LAD#9 Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

In Thomas Jefferson's INaugural address, all minds were focused on the rivalry between the Federalist Party and the Republican, or Anti-Federalist Party. Surprisingly, Jefferson, rather than insulting the Federalists, commended the fact that the differences in opinion of the two parties were allowed to be shared freely, regardless of confrontations. This settled the Federalists, as they were upset about losing power in the government. In the address, Jefferson spoke about how good, strong government would protect the people from injustics, and uphold the freedom of the persuit of happiness. Additionally, he promised that property of United States citizens would never be unjustly taken, and that equal and exact justice will be given to all men. In terms of foreign policy, he spoke of peaceful and honest relations with other countries, and, like Washington, talked about not being involved in entangling alliances.

Like Jefferson, Obama discussed important issues of the nation and his plans to fix the problems. Additionally, he payed respects to his competing candidate.

LAD #8 Columbus

Christopher Columbus should not be considered a hero. To start, his quest was originally to find Asia, and happened upon the Americas by mistake. His success was accidental, and he never creditted or payed the man who actually first spotted land. Secondly, his immediate response upon meeting the natives was that they should make fair slaves. ("they would make fine servants... with fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want"). In two years, he and his people managed to kill half of a 250,000 population of Indians. He gave them impossible tasks to meet false statistics that he had given to the Spanish royalty, and when the Indians could not meet these tasks, they were murdered in horrific ways, such as burning, bleeding out, hanging, and being fed to dogs. Additionally, once the encomienda system was implemented, he and his men went to extensive and unnecessary efforts to dehumanize the Indian population, by forcing them to carry the Spaniards everywhere, and keep them cool by fanning them with large leaves. Spaniards murdered Indians for little to no reason, or just for fun. Regardless of the fact that these acts of subjugation occurred with other men, Columbus's accidental success and what he did with it give reason to credit him as a villain, rather than a hero.



Lewis and Clarke were explorers similar to Columbus. Like Columbus, they explored the New World, however for them, it was only the United States. Additionally, their relationship with the Natives were quite good, as they relied on them for navigational help, unlike Columbus.

LAD #7 Washington's Farewell Address

In his Farewell Address, Washington informs United States citizens that he will not be running for President again. He expressed hope that the public would elect another qualified man to take his place as President. He expressed thankfulness for all that America had given him and gave parting advice. He stressed that a unified government was responsible for the protection of liberty, people, peace, and prosperity, as well as emphasizing that when all sections of the country work together, great things can be achieved. He also warned against competing political parties that could divide the country and lead to the oppression of a single group. Religion and morality is necessary in leading a successful country. Finally, he said that alliances with foreign powers could be beneficial, but to be careful because other foreign powers influence could be disastrous.



The 22nd Amendment restricts the President to 2 terms in office. This was created in example of Washington's 2 terms, to prevent one man from having power for too long.

LAD #6 Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington, noting that the United States was not in a good position to take part in European conflicts, decided that the US would be neutral to any European affairs. He instructed citizens to adopt their neutral status and not make any move to make their country look like it had sided with any European power. And hostile action towards European powers by US citizens would be met with punishment.

Similar to Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793, The United States decided to remain neutral in European powers upon the outbreak of WWII. However, later in the war, the United States joined the Allies.

LAD #5 Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?
A) The factions are difficult to eliminate because they are based in liberty and the collection of a common interest. To eliminate them, you would have to generalize the population to have the desired opinions and aspirations, or eliminate their liberty to form their own. However, liberty to form individual opinions is what America was based upon.

2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?
A) Factions can be controlled by limiting their effects. The effects of a smaller faction is controlled because they would be outvoted by a larger faction. In this way, a democracy is ideal because the majority always wins.



The Bill of Rights was passed after the Federalist #10 by the same men. However, The Federalist Papers were originally opposing the Bill of Rights because they were afraid that it would be misinterpreted that the rights listed on the Bill of Rights were the only rights that the people had.

Republican Motherhood

1. What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?

The new values instilled by the Revolutionary War transformed the role of women and motherhood. The contributions of women during the war did not go unnoticed, and were appreciated, as was mentioned in Document C. Additionaly, it was now expected of Republican mothers to raise the sons of the Revolution. The women were responsible for the upbringing of future legistators, brilliant minds, and proud Americans (Doc A).

2.  What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?

Republican Motherhood, while having many benefits, has a few consequences. Where education is concerned, women are expected to know only as much as necessary for basic activities, like reading (only certain books) and writing (Doc B). Women were still extremely domesticated, and in charge of raising the future generation. Should this generation fail, the blame would be on the Republican Mothers.

3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women’s socialization?

This progression to Republican Motherhood was a huge step in the socialization of women. Mothers were more valued in society because they were appreciated for raising the patriots of the new nation. Education for women became expected, rather than a luxury for few. Additionally, women were integrated into politics, as they were expected to encourage civic duty in their sons. This was a huge step for women for the process of socialization.



This poster was popularized during WWII as women were required to work to help with the wartime economy. This was another step for women, as Republican Motherhood was.



1.      Describe the setting.

The setting is the modest living room of a home. The family is privileged, but not among the "rich" class in America. This can be inferred by the way the woman and her sons are dressed, in addition to the room they are in.

2. Who serves at the center of the portrait and why?  How does the woman look?  How is she “republican” rather than aristocratic?

Mary Gibson Tilghman is the center of the portrait, representing that she is the leader of the family and the focus of the portrait. The woman looks content, most likely becauase of her new position in society as a respected member. It is clear that she is republican rather than aristocrat because of the way she and her children are dressed, as well as the simplicity of her hair, or the scenery.

3. What values do her sons exhibit?

The sons exhibit competence and manners, showing rhat they have been trained well so far. They are already being groomed for the future politics of America, as was expected of young boys at the time. While they are still children, they have been taught at an early age to understand what is going on around them, and be polite.

4.  Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham’s arm?

The positiong of Mrs. Tilgham's arm is symbolic of the power she holds in the household. It is layed over her son, indicating that he is her responsibility to raise and mother. This power is representative of classic Republican Motherhood, as the mothers were now responsible for the proper upbringing of her children.

Revolution Article

1. To Revolutionarys, The Revolutionary War started as a revolution and became a war. Citizens and Founding Fathers had more democracy and human rights in mind when writing the Declaration of Independence.  They only conceded to war when Britain gave them no choice.

2. Focal points of the war include colonial resistance, rather than actual battles. The Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre motivated citizens to take part in this war to a greater extent than battles one the war had begun.

3. Because the Revolutionary War was fought at such close range, battle often resolved to hand to hand combat and vicious bayonette charges. Veterans who had fought in Europe claimed that in the Revolution, they had never experienced war at such a close range and severe fire.

4. The violence and death of the Revolutionary War was overshadowed by the death toll of the Civil War. While thousands of men died in the Revolution, 6 times as many died in the Civil War.

5. Loyalists who survived the battles after a continental victory still faced a horrible life as a prisoner. An order had to be issued to stop the killing of loyalist captives. After the march to captivity, many loyalists were executed anyways.

LAD #3 Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence begins with the democratic principles of the newly declared country. These include deriving governing bodies from the consent of the governed, and that it is the right of the people to do what they please with it if they are dissatisfied, including abolish it. Additionally, it guarunteed the rights of life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness.
The Declaration also included grievances they had with the British Empire. These included the refusal to assent to laws of pressing importance, the repeated disolving of representative bodies for the colonies, and the keeping of standing armies in a time of peace without the colonies' consent. Other grievances were the quartering of troops among the colonists, unfair taxation without representation, cutting off international trade, and subjecting them to trials without jury.
In the conclusion of the document, the states firmly declared their independence from Great Britian, and their legitimacy as a new free country, with all rights an independent country has, such as the right to trade with whoever they so chose, the right to declare war, and contract alliances.
Ordinance of Secession of the Confederate States

LAD #2 Peter Zenger

1)Who was John Peter Zenger?
A) A German immigrant who published the New York Weekly Journal. This publication spoke harshly about the royal government, claiming that he swayed elections and allowed the French (an enemy) to roam about the harbor.

2)What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
A) Zenger never denied printing the journal. However, Hamilton argued that he should be free to do so, rather than denying that Zenger ever printed it. He claimed it was a battle for liberty rather than a case about a poor printer.

3) What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
A) This case influenced American governmental tradition by convincing the founders of the government that the freedom to print any opinion was vital, as this right was not available under royal rule. This influenced the First Amendment of the United States Bill of Rights.

4) What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
A) This trial was significance because it argued censorship in the British government. This showed the founders of the American government that in a truly free country, freedom of the press is significant. Additionally, the trial brought on great support for freedom of press and led to more opposition to royal rule.

Plessy v Ferguson, a significant trial that questioned racial segregation and led to greater freedom of African Americans, similar to how Peter Zenger's trial led to freedom of the press

LAD #1 Mayflower Compact/Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact? 
A) Members of the Mayflower are settling in the new colonies in the name of their home countries. They choose to be a government that agrees to the majority of the people so as no select few people gain too much power.

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
A) The Mayflower Compact reflects the Old World because they are settling in the name of their countries and King James of England. The New World is reflected by their new concept of government. They chose to be governed through the will of the majority rather than the monarchial rule they came from.

3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
A) The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut explicitly layed out the laws of the government style they would follow. The Mayflower Contract simply stated that they would colonize the land in the name of the king, and follow a government run by the people.

4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to the government? (written constitution)
A) The threat of one person gaining too much power influenced the colonists to create a constitution. Many settlers had recently come from a place where they were discriminated against due to the opinion of one leader. The colonists did not want to be forced to take part in a law in which most of them did not support.

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?
A)The constitution demanded that a representative be chosen every year, without one serving more than a year. This guarantees that one individual does not remain in power for too long. Additionally, any decision that affects the public must be discussed with a general council first, preventing one individual from ruling the public alone.

Composing the Constitution of the United States