Livia's APUSH Blog

LAD/Blog #26: William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech: On July 9th, 1896, William Jennings Bryan presented his "Cross of Gold" speech. This is to address the issue over the free coinage of silver at a ratio of silver to gold 16 to 1. He lays the foundations of his speech with " individual is but an atom; he is born, he acts, he dies; but principles are eternal; and this has been a contest of principle." Bryan is stating how running in an election has everything to do with humanitarian principles. He addresses how Democrats have proposed the issue of money, but ties and friendships are still disregarded. He speaks out against the dominating businesses of the time, and, instead, he states how they are all businessmen. Bryan also encourages to fight " in the defense of our homes, our families, and posterity." Bryan ends with if anyone tries to defend the gold standard, he will "fight" them because he believes people sho...

LAD/Blog #25: The Dawes Act: The Dawes Act was enacted by Congress in 1887. It was an Act to provide for the allotment of lands in severalty to Indians on various reservations. Therefore, the President can divide up common or tribal lands so an individual owns them. Some land is allotted to each head of the family, each single person over 18, each orphan under 18, and each single person under 18 who was born before the Dawes Act. This gives power to the American government and the President, who can reserve land when needed and can even give it to American settlers. Native Americans not on a reservation will be given an equal allotment. Also, the allotment holder will become a US citizen. However, the 5 civilized tribes were left out of this agreement.  The HomeStead Act of 1862 is similar to the Dawes Act in that it offered land to American settlers.

LAD/Blog #24: Populist (People's) Party Platform: In the Preamble, the populist party states how the people of America were demoralized and the public opinion had been suppressed. They pledge to fix two evils: the fact that the industries of America support only a few wealthy people or companies and that the currency is not adequate. In the platform, they voice how the union of labor forces will be permanent, wealth belongs to the individual who is responsible, and that there should be regulation of railroads. They also emphasizes the need for a secure national currency. They demand free and unlimited coinage of silver to gold, circulation increases, a graduated income tax, and that state and national revenues be limited. They additionally encourage that transportation is a public necessity and that land is a heritage of the people. In the Expression of the Sentiments, they list resolutions including free ballot, support for fair and liberal pensions for soldiers, limiting t...

LAD/Blog #23: McKinley's War Message: Although William McKinley had disagreed with the public's demands for war, he gave in. He realized he finally had to address the conflict and the concerns of the public. He recognizes that the insurrections in Cuba had happened often and Cuba is trying to escape oppression. Even though they have tried to avoid foreign involvement, trade was suffering, money was lost and people began getting angry. Attempts at peace were made, but Spain remained in control. McKinely looks to physically exhaust the Spanish, since a military victory seems impractical. Spain offered to leave the option of peace up to the preparation of the insular parliament. However, the Spanish did not plan to free Cuba. McKinley voices how his views have changed over time and now believes the intervention of the US is justifiable. He is lead to ask Congress because: It is America's duty to end the inhumane treatment, especially since Cuba is so close. America ...

LAD/Blog #22: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth: Andrew Carnegie's "Gospel of Wealth" voices how the difference between the rich and the poor have benefited civilization. Carnegie incorporates the idea of Social Darwinism, or survival of the fittest. He expresses that " while the law may be sometimes hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because it insures the survival of the fittest in every department." Therefore, Carnegie portrays how the imbalance in the society had been beneficial since the "strongest" citizens are the people who advance.  He says that the "good old times" were not really the "good old times;" that the capitalism that has grown in society has created an imbalance. Yet, this imbalance is not bad. It is good, in fact. It is better than a sense of comfort within the community. So, Carnegie asks, "What is the proper mode of administering wealth?" He states it can be either passed down thr...