LAD #37: Brown v. Board of Education

     The elasticity of the Constitution is clear when thinking of the cases Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education. The second case begins with Linda Brown. A 3rd grader who is forced to walk three miles along a railway to go the her "separate but equal" school in the Topeka School District. Linda was not allowed to attend a white school seven blocks away because of her race. Eventually the NAACP stepped into a case that had drawn significant attention. Many others faced these problems and soon argued that the segregated schools created an inferiority complex in the black children that was detracting from their education. The Topeka Board of Education then argued that the segregation was an sufficient representation of preparation for an adult life crippled by segregation. The case was reargued in the Supreme Court and they eventually ruled that it was creating idea that black schools were inferior to the one attended by white students. Therefore making the "separate but equal" decision from Plessy v. Ferguson unconstitutional. Despite this significant decision, the South would remain crippled with racism prevention blacks from achieving their full civil rights. 

LAD #36: Truman Doctrine

     Unlike the great wars before it, the Cold War would have a political impact. After a fallout between the Allied powers, the Soviet Union and the United States would engage in an idealogical battle. Truman addresses this battle in his doctrine, first addressing Greece. After WWII, Allied troops evacuated the rest of the German army from the country that left behind a desroyed Greece. Reconstruction was prevented by Soviet troops who incited, hostilities along the northern Greek border. Not much help came from Great Britain and the United Nations so Greece required the immediate aid from the United States in the form of supplies that would equip the Greek army. Truman also noted the dilemma of Turkey, whos modernization and developement required the aid of established nations like the United States. In assissting these countries, the United States would be fulfilling its role as a promoter of democratic freedom as well as becoming the protector of the free world against the spread of Communism. For this reason, Truman asked Congress to send 750 million dollars and a small military force to Greece and Turkey for reconstruction and modernization.

LAD #35: Executive Order No. 9066

    Franklin D. Roosevelt took the future of the nation when passing executive orders, and Executive Order No. 9066 is no different. He granted his Secretary of War, Military Commander, and other military officials under those the ability to maintain a residence in certain areas, foreign and local, for troops. These residences were equipped with adequate supplies to accomodate large numbers of troops. To maintain order, the officials also had the right to use Federal Troops or other local agencies. FDR also authorized and directed the aid of the military residents by Federal and independent agencies by providing food, transportation, hospitalization, and the use of land. To make sure the order would last, it  also included parts that declared its superior status to other orders or proclamations. It did not nullify the things that had come before it, but took the precedence when matters of control over "alien enemies" interfered with the military. It did not interfere with Executive Order 8972 or the work of the FBI.

LAD #34: FDR's Declaration of War

     December 7th, 1941, marked the beginning of the American involvement in WWII. The Japanese attack pushed FDR to declare war on the pacific nation, claiming that the military and the power of the nation backed by the people would ultimately win the war. He asked Congress to consider the danger caused by not punishing Japan, and based on other attacks, that the Japanese had warranted an American declaration of war and a break of diplomatic relations. To protect American interests and for the nation's protection, FDR pushed Congress to declare war. A war that would not have been won without American involvement.

LAD #33: FDR's First Inaugural Address

 

      The wasteland that the Great War left the United states was devastating. Although soon after, the nation would face a new challenge. The roaring twenties gave way to the harsh thirties as the Great Depression ravaged the American economy. Franklin Delano Roosevelt came into office during these tumultuous times, and would address tthe future of the American people. He spoke to the fact that life would not be easy in the next few years, but that people must stay optimistic and positive. As forgiving as Lincoln, FDR did not blame those responsible for the crash he did condemn the the lifestyle of the society that had caused the panic. Greed and self-gain had brought this upon the United States, not the people these emotions preyed upon. To change this mentality, he adovcated a lifestyle and society that would benefit the whole population rather than the individual. Others planned to redistribute the populations of crowded cities, reduce the cost of government, and raise the cost of agriccultural products. The United States had to focus on these problems before they could address the problems abroad. Collective action with self-sacrifice would have to be the new way of life if the state of the country were to get any better. As he summed up the problems that had been set before him, he looked forward to the future. A future filled with hope. As the prolific president said himself, "the only thing to fear is fear itself."

LAD #32: The Kellogg-Briand Pact

     After the gruesome war the defined the early 20th century, in 1928 world leaders met to discuss of the use of war in the future. The horror that countries committed on each other were to be outlawed, as these countries renounced the use of war "as an instrument of their national policy." At least three times, the countries and their respective representatives are listed and it then goes on to list three articles and the countries that signed the treaty. Article I, short and simple, condemns the use of war as a nation's foreign policy. Article II says that all disputes, no matter their origin, shall be decided by only by "pacific means." Article III, much longer than the previous two, lists the more logistical aspects of its ratification. Firstly it says that the treaty will be in accordance of the respective nation's constitutions and will be ratified when "all their several instruments of ratification" are in Washington. Secondly, when the treaty is finally ratified will remain open until all nations have adhered to its statutes. Thirdly, that each nation shall be furnished a copy of the treaty and shall notify each country when it is ratified. In its conclusion it ties up loose ends by reenforcing what was already stated and that the United States puts its seal of approval on the document.

LAD #31: The Fourteen Points

      As unprecedented as the beginning, the end of the Great War saw large talk about the future of the world. Wilson, in his address to Congress addressed the retreat of Russians at the end of the war and the consequences of this. With the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, Russia settled its problems with the Central Powers and left the British and French to fight. While applauding, Wilson questioned the thinking behind such a decision as they kept all land after the treaty. He became skeptical of the "democratic" process that was occurring largely because he was unsure of Russian motives and the German involvement. In order to protect democracy and justice, Wilson declares that it is now the United States' duty to join the conflict and present its own plan. With the conclusion of the fighting, Wilson hoped that the people of different countries could become more harmonious to maintain order and peace. Perhaps unrealistically and more so idealistically Wilson hoped to restrict the practices that had become normal in many countries. He suggested that secret treaties come to an end, freedom of the seas, end of economic barriers, self-determination for colonies, and the reacquisition of lost territory to Russia, France, Italy, and Belgium. As well as peaceful organization of Austria Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro and the other Balkan states that made up to "powder keg" as well as a League of Nations.

LAD #30: Schenck v. United States

        At the turn of the 20th century, the Great War was on the horizon and those oppossed began to spread their opinions. During these tumultuous times, Charles Schenck began to circularate material in opposition to the draft to draft prospects. They urged to "not submit to intimidation" and advised peaceful actions to petition the Conscription Act and hopefully have the statue repealed. Schenck was in turn charged with the attempt to cause insubordination in the military in violation of the Espionage Act. His case went all the way to the Supreme Court, where he argued that he did not committ a crime as he has the right to free speech. Chief Justice Holmes and the other eight judges decided that Schenck was guilty as in this particular case his circulars caused a "clear and present danger." By this, Holmes meant that in the circulars was being suggested an action that would lead to "evils that Congress has the right to prevent" or that the law had the right to arrest Schenck. The justices added that while his actions would not have been punishable in peacetime, in the midst of war these anti-war feelings were a danger to the nation.

LAD #29: Keating-Owen Child Labor Act

     With the Progressive movement reaching its height, the establishment of child labor was challenged. The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act basically outlawed by preventing interstate commerce of goods that used child labor in their production. In more detail, it said that any product made with labor from a person under sixteen years old would be prevented from being sold between states. Along with this, making a person between ages 14 and 16 from working more than eight hours a day for more than six days a week between six am and seven pm. It gave the Attorney General, Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Labor to make a board to create and publish uniform codes. The Secretary of Labor had the additional power of to inspect mills, canneries, and other industries to make sure all codes were being followed. If any provision of the act was violated, then  it was to be brought immediately to the district courts without delay of punishments. These laws did not apply to boys and girls cannery clubs that had been recognized by the Agricultural Department. A monetary punishment was set in place with a minimum fine of 200 dollars for the first offense, and a maximum fine of 1000 dollars or imprisonment for three months. If any false claims were made the same punishments could be applied.

LAD #28: Wilson's First Inaugural

       With his first inauguration, President Woodrow Wilson notes the change that has occurred in government. As the president stated, the government has become filled with Democrats. Despite this previously underrepresented party gaining power, it did not mean that it would be coupled with a transition of ideals. Quite to the contrary, the Democrats assumed the aspects of things that had become normal and familiar and were reinvigorated by new perspective. During this time, the United States was dealing with several problems including conflicts against the Progressive platform. Wilson then goes on to praise the morally strong and then lists the problems that had to be addressed. One of these was the need to preserve natural resources in the midst of hostile competition in industry. This mentality led to a lack of control in the corporate sector. Rather than perpetuate this harmful condition, justice should be the new goal of government. Before this can be realized, the wrongs that have been a result of this mentality including a tariff that violates the principles of taxation, a banking system that is poor at adjusting to changing times, an industrial system that does not had the rights of labor and natural resources as a top priority, and an farmers that have never been given the benefits of big business. To Wilson, government has become an instrument of justice where it will ensure equality of social classes and in the other areas that had been wronged. Despite this, Wilson remains practical and asks for the help of humanity rather than a party.

LAD #27: Clayton Anti-Trust Act

     As one of the most progressive of the Progressive Presidents, the Wilson Administration passed the Clayton Anti-Trust Act in 1914. Aimed at the elimination and control of unlawful business practices, the second prevented a business from unlawfully controlling the prices of goods. This can not be done by a business when its goal is to discriminate against the consumer based on "grade, quality, or quantity" of the good sold or when their intent is to create a monopoly. This may be allowed, however, when it is for competition among businesses. In the third section, it explains that granting rebates and other malpractices of this sort to force out competitors or to decrease the value of the prices of another company to create a monopoly is illegal. In the seventh section, it outlaws the consolidation of companies for the purpose of lessening or eliminating competition that would lead to a monopoly in any line of commerce.

LAD #26: I Have a Dream

             Perhaps the most well known activist of the Civil Rights Era, Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his powerful "I Have a Dream Speech" during the march on Washington. As Lincoln sits solemnly in his memorial, Dr. King begins by speaking of the accomplishment of the man who led us through the Civil War. "Four score and five years ago" President Lincoln passed the Emancipation Proclamation, and yet a hundred years later African Americans still are not free as they live in poverty and segregation and is still "languished in the corner of society." Referring back to our Founding Fathers, Dr. King declares that our government has defaulted on the promise they set forth in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as still today African Americans are denied their unalienable rights. Despite this King believes that the "Bank of justice" still can give them what they deserve as they come to cash their "check." Now is the time to stop taking the "tranquilizing drug of gradualism," but the time to "make real the promises of democracy." In mesmerizing rhetoric, Dr. King emphasizes that it is now the time for African Americans to finally become equals. If the nation returns to "business as usual" it will be shocked as African Americans are granted their full rights. Despite this promise, he also emphasizes that their protests shall not "degenerate into physical violence." We must march ahead, and never turn back and will continue to march until the rights of Africans Americans are met. He then acknowledges the journeys and suffering of those who were before him, and tells that when they return to their homes that this will be changed. It is here where he declares his famous dream that one day the United States will one day upheld the ideas that were written in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. A dream where all man can come together, a dream where the injustice of oppression will be soon wiped out, and a dream where one day his children will be "judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." With the faith of this dream man will stand together knowing that all will be free, and soon if African Americans and Whites work together they can "let freedom ring." When this happens, when freedom does ring, all people whether Black, White,  Jewish, Catholic, or Protestant will be able to sing that they are "free at last."

LAD #25: Dawes Severalty Act

           In February 1887, the Dawes Severalty Act was passed as a continuation of the policy or creating and populating Indian reservations. A system  of procedure was set up to allot tracts of reservation land to families to "own," while the land still fell in the domain of the United States. Rather than forcing Indians onto the land, land was to be allotted systematically. One quater of each section was given to the head of each family, one eighth was given to any person over the age of 18 and one sixteenth was given to people under the age of 18 who were born before the creation of this new system. There were many other parts to the Dawes Act that were beneficial to the landholder, including extra grazing land. To prevent conflict, provisional lines were drawn that ensured the total amount of land given to each person or family is equal to the remainder of the land they were entitled to during the original passing of the act. If suitable lines are not drawn in four years, they will be drawn by the Secretary of the Interior. The issue of an Indians not on reservations, they can still acquire land if they apply to the local land office. Patents can be handed out, ensuring land is owned by Indians within the domain of the United States for twenty-five years. The Secretary of the Interior regulates the extension, selling, and purchasing of land. The U.S. also holds the right to use sold land for redistribution of settled homes, immigration systems, or education. Also, religious organizations in the middle of the reservation will be allowed and given a tract of land up to 160 acres. Citizenship is offered to Indians who comply with the act. This does not apply to displaced Indians under Jackson's administration as well as the Seneca Nation in New York. The act also lacks protection of Indian land from being crossed by railroads, telegraph lines, or other public uses.

LAD #24: Cross of Gold

      In his speech to the Democratic Convention, William Jennings Bryan combines the platform of the Populist Party and his stance on bimetallism. Bryan begins by saying that the issue of money was a large one and exclaimed that Silver Democrats were at the convention to declare their stance on the issue and to publicize their ideas with the common man, which is the the group of people their are trying to reach. Bryan emphasizes the fact, although very hostile to Republicans, the Democratic platform was not as hostile as it really was and went on to defend it. To the Republicans who said that bimetallism was an attack  on business, Bryan said that Republicans stance was hurting the common man whose lives had been interrupted and thrown off course because of the use of gold. A graduated income tax that was allegedly "unconstitutional" to Republicans, Bryan quickly addressed this too. Staying firm on the fact that every man has to contribute equally to the nation so that each person can equally enjoy the protection the country provides. Republicans went on to condemn the Democrat opposition to the nations currency, which Bryan accepts as truth, and compared it how Andrew Jackson saved the nation from the B.U.S. Bryan then compares himself to Jefferson thinking that money is a function of the government, and not of the private banks. It was now Bryan's turn to attack the Republican platform, as he mentions the inconsistencies of its platform and of William McKinley. McKinley was elected saying he would soon convert the mono-metal nation to bimetallism, but then why were they saying that gold was more beneficial than a combination? Great Britain had a gold standard so perhaps this is where the influence came from, but Bryan questions why McKinley is following the Europeans. Bryan successfully explains his platform, by eloquently combining the Democratic and Populist ideals.

LAD #23: Populist Party Platform

    Similar to our nation's founding, the Populist Party included in its platform a preamble to gain appeal of the masses and to condemn the slums people called cities. Reacting to the heavy industrialization that was taking place, Populists represented the common man and would fight to protect him. One of the most powerful tools the worker had, the power to unionize, was prevented by many big businesses and the Populists stepped in. When they weren't sticking up for the little guy, they advocated the use of silver as a to back currency which was restricted by government to profit the wealthy. The stimulation from agriculture produced billions of dollars, and the current system prevented this process to be conducted. The workers and artisans of these products are then impoverished as they rely on a currency that is not recognized by the government. At the base of their platform, the Populists were seeking to return the power of the government to the "plain people."In the second section, where they include policies and resolutions, they further advocate for a value ration of 16:1 of gold and silver and also that the government should own and operate railroads, telephones, and the telegraphs. Further pushing their stance on supporting the common man, the Populists argued that land should never be monopolized by foreigners to be used of business speculation but should be given to the rightful owners to be used to create wealth. They also believed a fair ballot, fair and liberal pensions for Union veterans, and stood for sympathy with labor organizations and their pleas.

LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

       With hostilities between Spain and America reaching their climax with the Spanish-American War, McKinley addressed Congress. The atrocities Spain had committed on the Cubans needed to be stopped as they "shocked the sensibilities and offended the human sympathies of our people." The problems that arose from Spanish mistreatment were not only a detriment to Cuba, but to American interests. Trade and capital investments needed to be protected as the situation escalated and to do this the United States had to intervene neutrally, give Cuba its independence, and settle the dispute. Although a hostile intervention was not off the table, McKinley saw only four grounds in which the United States could do so. Narrowing it down to end "barbarities," protect the rights of Cubans, protect trade, and to protect America itself. The explosion of the Maine, to McKinley, was enough to satisfy this fourth ground and he sent a letter to Congress asking for war. The final straw of a conflict which had caused many American headaches, it was up to McKinley and Congress to establish a stable government and in ending this conflict avenge the destruction of the Maine.