Ava’s AP American Blog

In the Monroe Doctrine, it states that the United States will remain free and independent among European conflicts. America would also not partake in further colonization in the Western Hemisphere. Neutrality is established but if any European powers decide to violate America's rights or invade it's territory, they have the ability to fight back and defend themselves. Towards the end of the document, Madison Monroe acknowledges that it is impossible for the allied powers to contain themselves but if the United States follow a path of peace and keep to themselves, other nations might do the same as well.  These are two political cartoons depicting America separating themselves from the other European powers.

Thomas Jefferson starts off his First Inaugural Address by humbly thanking all the citizens for having him as president. He undermines himself by describing his presentiments as "anxious" and "awful", and his powers as "weak". He hopes he can help guide the people through the world, full of problems. Jefferson also refers to the Federalist and Anti-Federalist parties when he encourages everybody to unite together and put aside their differences, for the common good. He makes it clear that he supports the Constitution and the values within it when he exclaims, "   All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression". He dives into detail about the importance of justice, peace, religious/political freedom, and neutrality with other...

Was Columbus a Hero or a Villain? For a day in the year to be dedicated to him, he must've left quite an impact on Earth. That, he did, and though students bask in the glory of not attending school, others may have feelings of anger and sadness ignited. Those who view Columbus as a hero, often recognize his inhumane actions but justify it through all the events that have followed his arrival. A common mindset is that if Columbus never came to the Americas, then life would be drastically different and all the opportunities we know today may cease to exist. However, the "American dream" that many seek, of improving social status and providing a better future for their kids, is on land where families were torn apart and murdered. Columbus is a villain and his greediness overcomes any sense of empathy or compassion. A  yearly pension of 10,000 maravedis would be awarded to the first person to see land and one of Columbus's sailors spotted the Bahamas. Of course, the awa...