Alex's APUSH Blog

What was the overall message to European powers and what were the conditions of this new American policy? James Monroe delivered this famous speech to Congress in 1823. The speech addressed the United States foreign policy, some of which remains true to today. Specifically, the doctrine stated that imperialism from European powers would no longer be tolerated in North or South America. It also stated that America would remain neutral in any foreign warfare, with the exception in warfare for the rights or public safety of Americans. Additionally, any attack on a nation in the Americas that was recognized by the U.S would be seen as a threat to the safety and rights, forcing the U.S to intervene and defend the nation. The Monroe Doctrine encouraged neutrality for all countries, prohibited further colonization and interference in America, and ultimately ended European supremacy in the Western Hemisphere.  Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality sim...

Jefferson's First Inaugural Address was on March 4th 1801. In his address he's presents several important points. He first stresses the importance of the American government, one he believes to be the greatest of its time. He also stresses that Americans must be united under one government by saying "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists". He also defines a good government as one that protects its citizens, allows them to pursue business freely or take away from those who have worked hard to gain their earnings. He also lays out the essential principals of our government. This includes protect the rights of citizens, democracy and suffrage. As well as addressing civil liberties such as support of agriculture, commerce, will of majority and the first amendment.  Washington's Inaugural Address is similar to Jefferson's. As years have gone on inaugural addresses have deviated from those of Jefferson and Washington. However the two addresses were s...

Christopher Columbus is a controversial figure in history and can be interpreted as a good or bad guy. While Columbus did many good things he was a villain to a greater extent. This is shown through he his very first impressions of the Native Americans journal "They would make fine servants.... With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want". From this line we can see that Columbus was mainly focused on using the natives for his own means. He planned on and actually enslaved many natives. He also was a brutal man, especially shown when he noted "I took some of the natives by force in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts". His use of force and brutality towards the welcoming natives shows his villainous nature. His exaggerated reports of the "fertile and beautiful land" allowed him more ships and men to explore with two aims in mind, gold and slaves....