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.