LAD/Blog #32: Wilson's 14 Points of Peace

Wilson opens his points by stressing that the entangling alliances got the world into this conflict, and that the US could not stay out due to threats to national security. His 14 points are:

No secret alliances
Freedom of the seas, naval freedom
Free trade between countries and the minimization of economic barriers between nations
Reduction of arms across the board
Just resolution colonial issues
Restoration of Russian lands effected
Sovereignty of Belgium
Alsace-Lorraine given back to France
Italian borders determined through nationality
Self Determination in former Austria-Hungarian territory
Self-Determination in the Balkan region
Self-Determination of territory on outskirts of turkey
Independent Poland
International peacekeeping institution (league of nations)

Wilson stresses the minimization of revenge upon germany to conclude his speech.

The UN was a byproduct of the league of nations' failure

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LAD/Blog #9: Was Columbus a hero or villian?

Was Christopher Columbus a Hero or a Villain? He was neither--what he actually was is incredibly, breathtakingly, extremely lucky...do you get what I'm trying to say? He was really just lucky, as he intended to go the . But in the context of your assignment, he was both a hero and a villain, but the discovery of a continent pales in comparison to any evil feat he could manage to counteract it. Christopher Columbus was a hero because: He was the first European to discover the Americas (no offense Leif Erikson, but yours really doesn't count) Introduced Christianity to the New World Enabled European control and colonization of the Americas Opened trade between worlds new and old (and Africa), eventually leading to the Columbian Exchange, which ruled the era's commerce Since I'm writing this from Washington D.C. , it seems wrong not to add that he indirectly lead to the formation of our great nation, the U.S.A. He made an innumerable profit for Spain, but als...

LAD/Blog #2: John Peter Zenger Trial

1.) Who was Peter Zenger? Peter Zenger was the printer of the New York Weekly Journal, and a critic of the governor at the time. 2.) What was the controversy over his charges? Zenger was charged between seditious libel. The judge overseeing the case, among others, intended to imprison Zenger despite the validity of the claims put forward. Zenger's lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, formulated the claim that what Zenger had been printing was not libelous if truthful. This was a nearly unbeatable defense and ultimately saved Zenger from imprisonment. 3.) What influence did his case have on American governmental traditions? Hamilton's successful defense of Zenger provided a precedent for and affirmed freedom of the press within the developing nation. This precedent remains in order to enable those to freely criticize government without the fear of punishment. 4.) What is the lasting significance of his trial? Zenge...

LAD/Blog #8: Washington's Farewell Address

As America's first president, many actions taken by George Washington are considered modern precedents in modern America. In his address, he set the precedent for a 2-term presidency to prevent abuse of power. Washington warns of the formation of factions in American politics, citing that it will lead to excessive disunity. He believed this would weaken the US as a people. He mentions the importances of taxes and funding the government appropriately, and that even though its resented it is still necessary. As he progresses, he preaches neutrality and isolationism, and not to get involved in the petty conflicts of Europe. Washington ends this speech with thanks to the American people, who enabled his success. Washington's Farewell address Another precedent Washington set was a farewell address, as President Barack Obama's address is pictured here.

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