LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Adress

 The document is Washington's good bye to the world of politics--his retirement.  Firstly, Wasington gave thanks to the American citizens for being strong supporters of his policies which in turn led to their success.  He recommended various things for the well-being of the Americans.  For instance, he encouraged them to avoid the creation of political parties. He believed that they would eventually split the nation and destroy the existing union, something essential for the success of the country.  He additionally advised Americans to remain neutral--to not make any friends or enemies.  Isolation from all foreign affairs was highly encouraged.  War was plainly discouraged and he made a point that the military should not become too strong and take over the government.  Washington furthermore claimed that the continued obidence to the constitution must occur, and that Americans should never lose sight of its importance.

LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

While war between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, the United Netherlands, and France was occurrring, Washington advised The United States to not become involved in this conflict. American citizens who attempted to participate in the war in any way whatsoever were be punished for their actions.  Those who were punished will not be protected by the United States and Washington deemed appropriate the prosecution of the persons who went against the law.  This document was signed by George Washington on April 22, 1793

Republican Motherhood Blog

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

During the revolution, while men were away at war, it was the responsibility of women to run and maintain the home. During this time, they took on new responsibilities that typically weren't "womens' work" thus expanding their horizons beyond the typical home chores.  They became educators and intellectuals, whom supported the cause of the revolution by leading education in the home.  "It is here she can best serve her country, by training up good citizens, just, humane, and enlightened legislators" (Document A).  They thus changed roles from caregivers to patriots.

2.      What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?
To some extent, republican motherhood limited women to carry on obligations of the household.  It is stated that obligations of the household are woman's duty to God to fufill them.  This is described in the following quote "Our chief aim throughout these pages is to prove that her domestic duties have a paramount claim over everything else upon her attention—that home is her appropriate sphere of action; and that whenever she neglects these duties, or goes out of this sphere of action to mingle in any great public movements of the day, she is deserting the station which God and nature have assigned to her." (Document A).

3.      What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women’s socialization?
The ideology of Republican Motherhood led to a greater respect of women.  They were now depended on for responsibilities other than keeping up the home. "The state of property is America renders is necessary for the greatest part of our citizens to employ themselves in different occupations for the advancement of their fortunes.  This cannot be done without the assistance of the female members of the community." (Document B). Women were given the new duty of protecting their husband's property. They were also expected to teach their children a knowledge of the English language, the writing of a fair and legible hand,      Some knowledge of figures and bookkeeping, an acquaintance with geography, and some instruction in chronology… to read history, biography, and travels (Document B).

1.       Describe the setting.

The picture takes place within her dimly lit home, featuring the family upon a dull orange sofa.

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

The mother, Mary Gibson Tilghman, is located at the center of the portrait because during the revolution she became the center of the household while her husband was away fighting in the war.  She does not appear to be particularly wealthy.  Her clothing is not supreme, her hair not flawless.  Therefore, she appears to be more of a laborer than an aristocrat.

3.      What values do her sons exhibit?

Her sons appear to be obedient and tidy, both neatly dressed and presentable.  The are depicted to be calm as well as content, showing that Tilghman has served her role in raising them to be America's next intellectuals.

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

Yes, her arm is positioned in a manner to protect the young child on the left of the photo.  By keeping him near to her, she can provide protection and nurture, not only of the typical mother, but of an educator who is raising a child to be well-educated, well-rounded, intelligent, and overall successful.

LAD #5: Federalist #10

1.  Why are factions so difficult to eliminate? Factions are difficult to eliminate because in order to do so, one would have to eliminate liberty, from which factions stem.  The task of ridding liberty, a beloved aspect of American society, would be extremely difficult and unlikely.  The second option would be to give make sure that everyone has the same opinions.  Again, this is a task that cannot be done.  No matter what, people within a society are always going to have different beliefs and thoughts from one another to some degree. 2.  If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?

 Although factions cannot be completely eliminated, they are controllable.  For instance, if the faction consists of the minority, then according to the republican principle, they will not be able to succeed above the majority.  Factions can also be contained by limiting their growth in popularity and making sure that they do not spread further and encompass more people--keep the issue isolated.

LAD #4: Revolution Article

1.) Some people saw the revolution as less painful, less costly, and less vital than the civil war.  Prior to reading this article, I also shared this opinion and didn't realize how grueling the revolution actually was.

2.) Famous publications durring or about a war can cause it to become more memorable and influence how the war is recalled or opinions about it.

3.) The American revoluiton lasted eight years and was America's longest declared war.

4.) On the American side, about 30,000 perished.  On the British side, more than 50,000 were killed. 25% of British soldiers, American loyalists, and German mercenaries died.  These numbers are not quite accurate but are the best estimate of the results.

5.) In the civil war the most remembered figures were military men including, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and William T. Sherman.  However, in the revolution, the best remembered figures are civilian leaders like John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Ben Franklin, and Sam Adams.  I find this very interesting because typically when I think of wars, my attention is immediately drawn towards military leaders rather than political or other civilian leaders.  The author brought up a very interesting point.

LAD #3: The Declaration on Independence

Summary:

1.) democratic- the declaration establishes that all men are created equal and entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  It also states that if the government becomes too destructive the people have the right to alter or abolish it.

2.) grievances- the declaration illustrates the absolute tyranny that was exercised over the colonies as a major grievance.  The king refused to assent laws that were necessary for the public good, dissolved representative houses, destructed the administration of justice, passed unfair laws (quartering his troops, cutting off colonial trade with the rest of the world, denying trial by jury, imposing taxes without colonial consent, taking away colonial charters, abolishing colonial law). Lastly, he stopped protecting the colonies and in fact, waged war against them.

3.) conclusion- The documents concludes by stating that the colonies declare themselves free and independent states.  They are no longer tied to the British crown and any political connection between them is dissolved.

LAD #2: The Zenger Trial

1.Who was John Peter Zenger?
John Peter Zenger was a newspaper publisher in New York who was brought to court in 1734 for voicing his opposition to the newly appointed colonial governor, William Crosby, in the New York Weekly Journal. He was charged with seditious libel.
2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
The prosecution argued that the fact that the statements against the governor were published at all was enough to convict Zenger whether the statements were true or not.  Zenger's defense lawyer, Alexander Hamilton admitted that the stories opposing the governor had been published by Zenger, but he denied that it was libel since the statements made were not false.  At the conclusion of the trial, Zenger was found not guilty.                                   
3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
The Zenger Trial greatly influenced American governmental tradition because it impacted all future libel suits.  Truth was now a defense against libel.  In other words, if a statement of opposition againts a public official was true, then it could not be libel
4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
The lasting significance of this trial was the advancement of the freedom of the press as well as an achievement for the health of democracy. After the trial, newspapers eventually were able to print criticisms of officials.  Concern about going to trial for libel was no longer necessary as long as the information printed was true.

LAD #1: The Mayflower Compact and The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The concepts included in the Mayflower Compact include the formation of a crude government,  as well as the agreement to pass laws, ordinances, acts, or constitutions for the good of the colony.  It also expressed faith and belief in God. Religion was a critical aspect of the Pilgrims' life.

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?

 The Mayflower Compact reflected an attachment to both the old and new worlds because in the document, the authors pledge loyalty to King James and native England, which is characteristic of old world society in which subjects were expected to worship their monarch and nation.  However, the document was also a step towards self- government and included some democratic ideals.  For instance, all citizens (in reality just the white males) were given the opportunity to participate in government.  It also established a system in which the majority would rule, not just the aristocrats and monarchs.  

3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact differed from the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut because first of all, it was drafted by Separatists, while the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was drafted by Puritans. Also, the Mayflower compact was not actually a constitution, but only a simple agreement to form a government.  On the other hand, The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was an actual written constitution that had specific rules and regulations that were  enforced and expected to be followed. 

4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?

The colonists of Connecticut were prompted to take this approach for numerous reasons. The Puritans believe that it is God's request for them to set up an orderly and decent government established in order to keep the peace and unity of the people. Also, the Fundamental Orders brought together numerous towns into one single body, so therefore there was a need for a stronger government to control and regulate the affairs of the new unified region.

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?

 The Fundamental Orders reflected a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few by enforcing democratic principles.  The people, for example, elected the officials.  Various restrictions were also placed on rule therefore no single person could become too powerful. For instance, the governor could only serve for a maximum of two years.

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