Ava’s AP American Blog

The Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln was declared on September 22, 1862. He listed all southern states and declared all the slaves residing there are now free. There are a few exceptions to the states, as he excluded certain areas in Louisana and Virginia. The government will ensure the freedom of the slaves and protect it. Slaves will also not face any form of physical violence, except in situations where defense is necessary. Finally, they will not be unpaid for their work, for they will receive wages, like any other white man. Even though the slaves were freed, they faced discrimination and were not viewed as equal as the Jim Crow Era came.

Lincoln states that 4 years ago when he gave his first inaugural address, he had hopes of the country coming together and ridding themselves of the Union. However, those hopes are crushed as the country is entering the Civil war because both sides were stubborn and would not come together as one. Both of their goals were not war, but it was inevitable after years of straying from the path to unity. Lincoln acknowledged slavery's role in kickstarting the war and lastly states that this is not the end yet, for progress can still be made to return the country to its peaceful ways. Lincoln won the support of the North but not the South, who based their economy around slavery. This led to feelings of underrepresentation.

Dred Scott was born a slave to Mr. John Emerson in Missouri, which was ruled a slave state by the Missouri Compromise. Mr. Emerson would take Scott with him to different places, like Lousiana and Wisconsin, locations that are ruled free. Eventually, Scott ends back in Missouri when Mr. Emerson dies and is left with his wife. Scott is suing Mrs. Emerson for his freedom because he had once resided in a free state. However, Chief Justice Taney argued that there was a lack of jurisdiction, invalidated the Missouri Compromise and stated that the Declaration of Independence does not apply to black people. Ultimately, he refused to grant Scott freedom and suggested that property should not be able to sue or have any legal rights. Taney was evidently pro-slavery and this further emphasized the divide slavery had on the country

Sojourner draws the connection between women that are slaves and free. White women are typically aided since they are regarded by men as damsels in distress. However, black women do not receive the same treatment. Despite bearing children, Soujourner feels as though she is still not treated as a woman. She addresses a man claiming that women do not deserve the same rights as men because god was a man and refutes by saying a woman gave birth to god. The Seneca Falls Convention failed to include people of color

Frederick Douglass addresses the Fourth of July, by recognizing how it's purpose is to celebrate independence. Despite the Constitution promising liberty, it fails on delivering it to everyone in America. For example, slaves are not given that right and it's a flaw in the system. The Fourth of July shouldn't only be held applicable to white men, black people should experience it as well. Douglass is hopeful that with the growing abolitionist movement, slavery will soon come to an end. Slavery eventually does get abolished with the 13th amendment

The country was founded on the hard and grueling battles men had to experience, for the people to enjoy the liberties and freedom they have today. The Civil War is threatening to break up the country that struggled immensely just to reach the place it's at. The battles between the North and South are in vain because the country is merely moving backwards and erasing all the hard work and bloodshed former Americans sacrifriced for the country. Americans need to unite under one common goal, like many did in the American Revolution.

Lincoln first proclaims that there is aprehension in the South concerning their peace. He states that he is in no place to mess alter with it because the states have their own rights that he does not want to violate. By doing so, it would be deemed unconstitutional.  However, he also refers to a clause that argues citizens of each state will receive the same privileges as one living else where. Lincoln is focused on preserving the union and slavery is one of the dividing factors. Towards the end of his speech, he promotes unity and wants the North and South to coexist, instead of being enemies. Abraham Lincoln was unfortunately assassinated before he could fully see the country unite.

Calhoun feels as though the nation lacks unity, for the North and South are dividing farther and farther apart, based on political and economic factors. The South faced fewer benefits than the North, for they reigned over Congress and the federal government, causing the South to have little influence. Additionally, they opposed slavery, which the South depended on economically. For the Union to be preserved, the North must drop their disapproving views upon slavery. Sectionalism eventually led to the Civil War.

Mexico has invaded American territory, causing bloodshed. John Sidell was sent from Polk to discuss these occurrences with the Mexican government. However, a revolution occurred in Mexico before he arrived and the government was overthrown. Polk sent troops along the borders of Texas to prevent invasion but Mexican soldiers still attacked. Polk blames Mexico for the war because they were violated America's rights. Under Polk, the Americans won the war while Mexico faced defeat

The fight for womens rights is still an ongoing battle today. 1. All men and women are created equal with alienable rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 2. Women lack many rights concerning property, education, jobs, and marriage. Also, men aim to bring down their confidence in order to prevent them from seeking independence. 3. Women will put in efforts to bring change, recognizing the unfair treatment they have relentlessly received. 4. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Federick Douglass, Margaret Pryor, Harriet Cady Eaton, and Lucretia Mott signed it. However, a well-known suffragist, Susan B. Anthony, did not sign it.