Livia's APUSH Blog

Blog #11: The Monroe Doctrine expresses the desire of the US to have European powers respect their rights and interests. Therefore, the United States will no longer tolerate colonization by these European structures and will intervene if colonization continues. The Doctrine states that America has not taken part in European affairs unless their rights are put at risk and they have to defend themselves. Since the Allied Powers have government systems that differ from that of the United States, Americans must defend the government which the US has fought to achieve. Colonization is a threat to the peace and safety of the US, and the US has declared neutrality and plans to obey it unless there is a change in the "judgement of the competent authorities" of the US government. The Doctrine addresses the fact that the US has remained neutral and it hopes that foreign powers, in a similar manner, will follow the same path. The overall message to European powers is that the US pla...

Blog #10: In  Jefferson's first Inaugural Address, Jefferson opens by talking to "Friends and Fellow Citizens." Jefferson is humble and responsible as he is about to take on the role of president and he will abide by the Constitution and protect the rights of citizens.  Jefferson's first Inaugural Address demonstrates Jefferson's view on political parties. Jefferson's election had been focused on the rivalry between the Federalists (John Adams) and the Republicans (Jefferson). Nevertheless, Jefferson goes onto say in his address that "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists," which connects his speech to a much larger audience. Although they were opposing parties and have their reserves and concerns about each other, Jefferson hopes they can "pursue [their] own Federal and Republican principles." Jefferson's Inaugural address also ensures the rights of the people. He safeguards justice, freedom of religion and press, civil ove...

Blog #9: Columbus Was Columbus a hero or villain? Columbus is a hero, right? Well, that's what everyone says. That's what all the children books say, and why today (Columbus Day) is a celebration. But, why? How do you know he is a hero? Yes, in 1492, he sailed the ocean blue and it is quite possible that, if it weren't for Columbus, we wouldn't be here today. Columbus made progress. However, who's point of view is this told from? Not, the Indians who barely survived this encounter, but the Spaniards, who, of course, thought Columbus was heroic. Also, progress is only an excuse. Columbus's progress camouflages the genocide, that was "necessary" for such progress, the cruel subjugation, and the ruthless exploitation. Columbus murdered, mutilated, and drove people to commit suicide. Now, tell me he is a hero. His progress was at the expense of the Indians, making him, to a greater extent a villain. Columbus described the natives as...