Slavery and its Legacies in North America: George Washington help set the example early for freeing slaves and allowing them to reach a greater potential. He implemented an idea of training young slaves with useful skills that would help them thrive as opposed to serve another human being. George Washington had hopes and aspirations of abolishing slavery, but never was truly able to put forth an actual plan. In 1794 Washington made a powerful statement by releasing all the slaves he had under his name at the moment of his retirement. President Washington help set precedent to a different view of slaves.
Politics and Citizenship: The Residence Act of 1790 was an act which took the step in giving the president the power to decide where the permanent location of the seat of government would be. The act enabled the president the choice and authority to determine where things were going to take place and where a fine establishment would be. This particular act helped lead to the establishment of the District of Columbia or D.C Today D.C is a very prominent location and serves as our nation's capital.
War and Diplomacy: During his presidency a struggle/war broke out between Great Britain and France in the year 1793. President Washington was quick to try and establish neutrality and was successful in the end. With America in a neutral state they in a sense fell in the middle of these two nations. France had sent a representative to the U.S in order to describe and establish their reasons for engaging with Great Britain. Although the U.S wasn't that physically involved and remained on the sidelines, the war between the other 2 nations and the U.S's side involvement still served as crucial events.
American Identity and Culture: George Washington was one to open religion and the freedom of which you want to practice to the public. He envisioned a society where each individual would be able to feel safe and comfortable in practicing the religion that suits them best. In addition his generosity served as a factor in how society perceived him and accepted him as a president. Washington was well known for being extremely charitable and supporting a range of establishments financially.
Economic Transformations and Globalization: The American Revolution was extremely costly, and although most of the costs were unavoidable it was something that needed to be met. Funding for the cots of war was not an easy feat for Washington and required him to find different ways to maintain the army and their well being.
Environment: Prior to his presidency George Washington fought as a general in the American Revolution. As a general in the war he spanned across a number of states and land moving from location to the next constantly in the heat of battle. George Washington was well revered in the American revolution and aided our nation immensely.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Zachary Taylor 1849 - 1850
Slavery and it's Legacies in North America: With the newly acquired lands from the Polk presidency the new concern about slavery focused on whether or not it would be practiced in the west. With the opportunity to greatly increase their slave territory pro slavery citizens had a great desire to establish the practice in the western lands. Anti - slavery citizens viewed this potential act a threat and fought hard to prevent any expansion. Taylor took matters into his own hands and suggested to the lands of California and New Mexico to begin to establish themselves by instituting their own consitutions and possibly applying for statehood. President Taylor kept a close watch on the debate and regulated the possible statehood of the two locations.
Politics and Citizenship: During Taylor's time in office slavery was the main focus and remained that way due to new land. A compromise which arose during the Taylor presidency known as the Compromise of 1850 was brought into view in hopes of settling disputes. The compromise would focus on the constant conflict between free states and slave states and the struggle to maintain an equal number between the two. Although while many states were being transformed and labeled slave states there were also those who made efforts to be free. California for example had applied to the government to be a free state and later was accepted as one. California being so newly acquired was a focal point and it's acceptance as a free state was critical. The compromise would go on to impact slavery greatly by abolishing the slave trade in D.C and continued on to the Fillmore presidency.
Environment: Passed In 1850 the Clayton - Bulwer Treaty greatly impacted the surrounding area of the canal in Nicaragua as well as help maintain a sense of neutrality between the U.S and Britain towards its creation. Under the agreements made through the treaty it stated that no colonies were to be established in Central America, neither side would try to establish a stronghold near the canal, and that neither side would try to control the canal for themselves. Through this treaty the lands near the Nicaragua location could have been greatly altered if not for the limitations that were stated. The limitations did prove successful and a genuine compromise was reached between the two nations. It later served as a positive step towards the relation between the two as well as the protection of a expanse of land.
War and Diplomacy: President Taylor was in office only for a year before his tragic and unfortunate death, leaving some, but few critical movements or actions that he made. But prior to his presidency, Zachary Taylor was involved in the Mexican - American War. He in fact was considered to be a hero of the war for proactively fighting against the Mexican forces and being able to give the Americans a bigger fighting chance. This new found sense of prominence help to usher in his presidency by having a large support base for when it came time to vote.
Economic Transformations and Globalization: Being involved in the Mexican - American War meant a great deal of money being spent. From soldiers, to paying for weapons, materials, housing etc. the war as any other was extremely costly. The condition of the nation was indeed affected due to the war and weakened in as sense. Following the Mexican - American War came economic situations and reforms in order to compensate for the costs of war.
American Identity and Culture: The death of President Taylor was definitely out of the ordinary and he suffered greatly from what simply could have been fixed. At the misinterpretation of what actually was wrong with President Taylor's body, he ended up paying the cost by being tested on and had to undergo a series of painful and what could have been uneccessary tests. The death of President Taylor in a broader aspect reflects the nation/society as a whole and just how much we were still unaware of. The death itself caused a stir in the nation and influenced the minds of many.
Politics and Citizenship: During Taylor's time in office slavery was the main focus and remained that way due to new land. A compromise which arose during the Taylor presidency known as the Compromise of 1850 was brought into view in hopes of settling disputes. The compromise would focus on the constant conflict between free states and slave states and the struggle to maintain an equal number between the two. Although while many states were being transformed and labeled slave states there were also those who made efforts to be free. California for example had applied to the government to be a free state and later was accepted as one. California being so newly acquired was a focal point and it's acceptance as a free state was critical. The compromise would go on to impact slavery greatly by abolishing the slave trade in D.C and continued on to the Fillmore presidency.
Environment: Passed In 1850 the Clayton - Bulwer Treaty greatly impacted the surrounding area of the canal in Nicaragua as well as help maintain a sense of neutrality between the U.S and Britain towards its creation. Under the agreements made through the treaty it stated that no colonies were to be established in Central America, neither side would try to establish a stronghold near the canal, and that neither side would try to control the canal for themselves. Through this treaty the lands near the Nicaragua location could have been greatly altered if not for the limitations that were stated. The limitations did prove successful and a genuine compromise was reached between the two nations. It later served as a positive step towards the relation between the two as well as the protection of a expanse of land.
War and Diplomacy: President Taylor was in office only for a year before his tragic and unfortunate death, leaving some, but few critical movements or actions that he made. But prior to his presidency, Zachary Taylor was involved in the Mexican - American War. He in fact was considered to be a hero of the war for proactively fighting against the Mexican forces and being able to give the Americans a bigger fighting chance. This new found sense of prominence help to usher in his presidency by having a large support base for when it came time to vote.
Economic Transformations and Globalization: Being involved in the Mexican - American War meant a great deal of money being spent. From soldiers, to paying for weapons, materials, housing etc. the war as any other was extremely costly. The condition of the nation was indeed affected due to the war and weakened in as sense. Following the Mexican - American War came economic situations and reforms in order to compensate for the costs of war.
American Identity and Culture: The death of President Taylor was definitely out of the ordinary and he suffered greatly from what simply could have been fixed. At the misinterpretation of what actually was wrong with President Taylor's body, he ended up paying the cost by being tested on and had to undergo a series of painful and what could have been uneccessary tests. The death of President Taylor in a broader aspect reflects the nation/society as a whole and just how much we were still unaware of. The death itself caused a stir in the nation and influenced the minds of many.
James K. Polk 1845 - 1849
Environment: Polk was a strong advocate of the expansion of the U.S and had set his sights on a number of locations some of which were extremely controversial. Areas such as Texas, California, and the most controversial Oregon were all part of Polk's hopes to acquire land. The Oregon area was heavily locked on by Polk and was expressed through the series of steps and compromises he made to try and secure the land was his. The problem he faced with trying to gain Oregon was Great Britain and James K. Polk made a number of attempts to try and satisfy the Britains as well as achieve his purpose too. Steps like trying to present a solid idea of the land they wanted with the 54'50, to the later proposed idea of the settling along the 49th parallel, Polk was making the moves necessary to complete the deal. Although Polk may have ended by acquiring land that originally wasn't on his mind and signing a treaty on 1846, he ultimately made the valiant effort to increase the land in his power.
Economic Transformations and Globalization: In another attempt to try and gain land came forth this opportunity for a large money transaction between Mexico and the U.S Polk had the idea to offer Mexico a large sum of $20,000,000 in return for New Mexico and California. Offering a large sum of money like that was a bold and very prominent economic proposal and was viewed in both positive and negative manners. Some felt that the offered amount was too large and would affect the economy severely, while other felt it was a reasonable amount. In the end the deal was made in the year 1848, but surprisingly at a lower price for what they had originally proposed, Mexico had now agreed to a cost of $15,000,000. With this lessened price President Polk took the lands and was extremely successful in bringing in a vast amount of land.
Slavery and it's Legacies in North America: President Polk was definitely one for slavery, having not only slaves for himself, but fighting to keep it alive in other areas of the country. Polk took to the opposite of statements like the Wilmont Proviso and making amends to the Missouri Compromise in order tommeetvthe standards he believed were correct. On a more personal note, President Polk had been a slave owner himself for a majority of his life. It was clear that Polk was not ashamed of the practice and very publicly used slaves to work plantations that he personally owned.
War and Diplomacy: Alongside the attempts to purchase the lands of California and New Mexico was the Mexican - American War. After sending a representative to Mexico to try and propose the deal and then later being sent back rejected, Polk took to an offensive. Viewing the actions of Mexico as an act and reasonable cause for War, that is exactly what Polk planned to do. In addition Polk later received news that Mexico had killed American soldiers on American land he no longer had sympathy and the government agreed. Polk soon organized troops and generals for war looking to get revenge on the Mexicans.
Politics and Citizenship: The Rivers and Harbors Bill was a proposal to improve the rivers and harbors for the sole purpose of improving economy and the condition of the nation. Polk vetoed the bill which upset many of its advocates who believed the bill would have proved to be a very beneficial bill. Although Polk argued that the bill wasn't broad enough in the sense that it would only focus on those locations that had their own harbors or access to water leaving many others isolated. To avoid any location from being improved and another left to suffer and then later being accused of unfairness or corruption Polk left the bill unenforced. In this sense Polk believed the bill was unfair and stuck to his decision of vetoing it.
American Identity and Culture: With the acquiring of new land also came the negative aspects as well. This newly obtained land soon created a very heated conflict over the proper use of the land in terms of slavery. The North and the South were the two opposing sides each fighting for what they believed would be more sensible and beneficial.
Economic Transformations and Globalization: In another attempt to try and gain land came forth this opportunity for a large money transaction between Mexico and the U.S Polk had the idea to offer Mexico a large sum of $20,000,000 in return for New Mexico and California. Offering a large sum of money like that was a bold and very prominent economic proposal and was viewed in both positive and negative manners. Some felt that the offered amount was too large and would affect the economy severely, while other felt it was a reasonable amount. In the end the deal was made in the year 1848, but surprisingly at a lower price for what they had originally proposed, Mexico had now agreed to a cost of $15,000,000. With this lessened price President Polk took the lands and was extremely successful in bringing in a vast amount of land.
Slavery and it's Legacies in North America: President Polk was definitely one for slavery, having not only slaves for himself, but fighting to keep it alive in other areas of the country. Polk took to the opposite of statements like the Wilmont Proviso and making amends to the Missouri Compromise in order tommeetvthe standards he believed were correct. On a more personal note, President Polk had been a slave owner himself for a majority of his life. It was clear that Polk was not ashamed of the practice and very publicly used slaves to work plantations that he personally owned.
War and Diplomacy: Alongside the attempts to purchase the lands of California and New Mexico was the Mexican - American War. After sending a representative to Mexico to try and propose the deal and then later being sent back rejected, Polk took to an offensive. Viewing the actions of Mexico as an act and reasonable cause for War, that is exactly what Polk planned to do. In addition Polk later received news that Mexico had killed American soldiers on American land he no longer had sympathy and the government agreed. Polk soon organized troops and generals for war looking to get revenge on the Mexicans.
Politics and Citizenship: The Rivers and Harbors Bill was a proposal to improve the rivers and harbors for the sole purpose of improving economy and the condition of the nation. Polk vetoed the bill which upset many of its advocates who believed the bill would have proved to be a very beneficial bill. Although Polk argued that the bill wasn't broad enough in the sense that it would only focus on those locations that had their own harbors or access to water leaving many others isolated. To avoid any location from being improved and another left to suffer and then later being accused of unfairness or corruption Polk left the bill unenforced. In this sense Polk believed the bill was unfair and stuck to his decision of vetoing it.
American Identity and Culture: With the acquiring of new land also came the negative aspects as well. This newly obtained land soon created a very heated conflict over the proper use of the land in terms of slavery. The North and the South were the two opposing sides each fighting for what they believed would be more sensible and beneficial.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
John Tyler 1841 - 1845
Politics and Citizenship: With Tyler following the death of Harrison he definitely had a lot on his plate, especially since he had to adjust from being vice - president. Although President John Tyler did implement this entirely different view of the role of vice - president based on a personal interpretation of the Constitution. He believed that a vice - president should be allowed a greater sense of power in the absence of the president, where the vice - president plays the role of president to help serve the country and maintain a continuous flow of authority. This particular thought/belief wasn't accepted by all, but ultimately ushered a new definition for the role and political power given or is available to the second in command.
Economic Transformations and Globalization: During his presidency, John Tyler made his share of key decisions concerning the economy and which also affected his relations with the Whigs. John Tyler disappointed many of the members of the Whig party when vetoing Henry Clay's
attempts/legislation for a national banking act. Making such a serious decision not only left the Whigs disappointed, but in a sense also angered for not being able to achieve their goal. In addition Tyler later in his presidency was in a situation where he found it necessary to increase tariffs in order to meet a budget situation. The Whigs had strong opinions on trying to maintain the tariff rates and finding an alternate method, but Tyler had taken matters into his own hands. By making the decision to go with his idea, the Whigs had had enough with their continuous rejection and in a sense this was a final straw for them.
Environment: A goal Tyler had long envisioned and had hopes of achieving was being able to expand towards the Pacific Ocean and west in general. By expanding towards the Pacific he would be able to travel across the waters and establish a greater economic power opening up new markets and areas. It would him have the U.S present themselves in a much stronger suit and be able to compete with many other economic powers such as Great Britain. By expanding westward and gaining more land and more territory he would open the U.S to even more opportunities to thrive and prosper. The annexation of Texas was a major focus of President Tyler, with the size of Texas the U.S would benefit both economically and socially from the amount of land they would receive if they were successful. Ultimately John Tyler had hopes of increasing the nations status and power through the expansion of the U.S and made numerous attempts to do so.
War and Diplomacy: The Second Seminole War taking place from 1835 - 1842 took place during the John Tyler presidency and was a prominent concern for the government at the time. Taking place between the Seminole Indians and Americans the conflict arose from the turmoil over the Seminole lands in Florida. The Seminoles were extremely defiant to the American's proposition and were nowhere near willing to give up their land. With the two groups clashing heads and both unwilling to sway from their beliefs the groups went to war. The Second Seminole War was a very costly war in terms of money and the lives of soldiers. The war spanned on for a long period of time even after crucial blows to the Seminoles like the loss of their leader Osceola. Slowly the Americans began gaining the upper hand and the war slowly came to an end with President John Tyler there to make the final decisions.
American Identity and Culture: The Commonwealth v. Hunt case taking place in 1842 focused on the topic of labor unions. The case helped decide on the correct situation in which labor unions were appropriate and the rights they had open to them. With the case being sparked by a controversy between the Boston Bootmakers' Society and an employee, the controversy had quickly spread. An employee had been fired from the society and was left on his own, the employer fearing a protest of some sort tried to make amends. The employee had already set his mind and had formed a union in which he looked to get back on his employer.The case itself had risen when the employer made the statement that what the employee had done was a conspiracy act and was illegal.
Slavery and it's Legacies in North America: John Tyler personally owned slaves, but took to a different approach when it came to their treatment and his overall view of the practice. John Tyler was from a fairly wealthy family and from the start had experience with slaves, but unlike many other Tyler provided for better treatment of his slaves. He made it so the overseer of his slaves were not to abuse them physically through whipping as well as prevent the division of slave families. These steps towards the treatment of his own slaves set President Tyler apart from the many owners of slaves in the U.S during the time.
Economic Transformations and Globalization: During his presidency, John Tyler made his share of key decisions concerning the economy and which also affected his relations with the Whigs. John Tyler disappointed many of the members of the Whig party when vetoing Henry Clay's
attempts/legislation for a national banking act. Making such a serious decision not only left the Whigs disappointed, but in a sense also angered for not being able to achieve their goal. In addition Tyler later in his presidency was in a situation where he found it necessary to increase tariffs in order to meet a budget situation. The Whigs had strong opinions on trying to maintain the tariff rates and finding an alternate method, but Tyler had taken matters into his own hands. By making the decision to go with his idea, the Whigs had had enough with their continuous rejection and in a sense this was a final straw for them.
Environment: A goal Tyler had long envisioned and had hopes of achieving was being able to expand towards the Pacific Ocean and west in general. By expanding towards the Pacific he would be able to travel across the waters and establish a greater economic power opening up new markets and areas. It would him have the U.S present themselves in a much stronger suit and be able to compete with many other economic powers such as Great Britain. By expanding westward and gaining more land and more territory he would open the U.S to even more opportunities to thrive and prosper. The annexation of Texas was a major focus of President Tyler, with the size of Texas the U.S would benefit both economically and socially from the amount of land they would receive if they were successful. Ultimately John Tyler had hopes of increasing the nations status and power through the expansion of the U.S and made numerous attempts to do so.
War and Diplomacy: The Second Seminole War taking place from 1835 - 1842 took place during the John Tyler presidency and was a prominent concern for the government at the time. Taking place between the Seminole Indians and Americans the conflict arose from the turmoil over the Seminole lands in Florida. The Seminoles were extremely defiant to the American's proposition and were nowhere near willing to give up their land. With the two groups clashing heads and both unwilling to sway from their beliefs the groups went to war. The Second Seminole War was a very costly war in terms of money and the lives of soldiers. The war spanned on for a long period of time even after crucial blows to the Seminoles like the loss of their leader Osceola. Slowly the Americans began gaining the upper hand and the war slowly came to an end with President John Tyler there to make the final decisions.
American Identity and Culture: The Commonwealth v. Hunt case taking place in 1842 focused on the topic of labor unions. The case helped decide on the correct situation in which labor unions were appropriate and the rights they had open to them. With the case being sparked by a controversy between the Boston Bootmakers' Society and an employee, the controversy had quickly spread. An employee had been fired from the society and was left on his own, the employer fearing a protest of some sort tried to make amends. The employee had already set his mind and had formed a union in which he looked to get back on his employer.The case itself had risen when the employer made the statement that what the employee had done was a conspiracy act and was illegal.
Slavery and it's Legacies in North America: John Tyler personally owned slaves, but took to a different approach when it came to their treatment and his overall view of the practice. John Tyler was from a fairly wealthy family and from the start had experience with slaves, but unlike many other Tyler provided for better treatment of his slaves. He made it so the overseer of his slaves were not to abuse them physically through whipping as well as prevent the division of slave families. These steps towards the treatment of his own slaves set President Tyler apart from the many owners of slaves in the U.S during the time.
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