Meranda's AP American Blog

On July 9th, 1896, William Jennings Bryan presented his "Cross of Gold" speech. This speech addressed the issue over free coinage of silver at a ratio of silver to gold 16 to 1. He lays the foundation with "an individual is but an atom, he is born, he acts, he dies; but principles are eternal; and this has been a contest of principle." Bryan is stating how running in an election has everything to do with being a humanitarian principles. He addresses how Democrats have proposed the issue of money, but ties and friendships are still disregarded. He voices his disapproval of the dominating businesses of the time , and, instead he states how they are all businessmen. Bryan also encourages that people fight "in defense of our homes, our families, and posterity." Bryan ends his speech by saying that if anyone tries to defend the gold standard, he will take issue with them because he believes people should not "crucify mankind on the cross of gold."

The Dawes Act was enacted by Congress by 1887; it was an Act to provide lands to various Indians on allotted reservations. Therefore, the President can divide up common or tribal lands so an individual owns them. Some land was given to the head of each family, each single person over 18, every orphan over 18, and each single person under 18 that was born before the Dawes Act. This gives the President and government power, since they can reserve land and give it to American settlers when needed. Native American that were not on a reservation were given equal allotment. Also, the allotment holder is able to be a United States citizen. However, the civilized tribes were left out of this agreement.  The Homestead Act of 1862 is similar to the Dawes Act  in that it offered land to American settlers. 

In the Preamble, the Populist Party states how the people of America were demoralized and the public opinion has been suppressed. They promise to right two wrongs: the fact that the industries of America support only a few wealthy people or companies and that the currency is not adequate.  In the platform, they voice how the union forces of labor will be permanent, wealth belongs to the individual who brought it about, and that railroads should be regulated. They also stressed a need for a national currency. They demand increased coin circulation, a graduated income tax, and that the state and national income taxes be limited. They endorse public transportation and say that it is a public necessity, they also say that land is a heritage. In Expression of the Sentiments, they list resolutions including the free ballot, support for fair and liberal pensions for soldiers, limiting the president to one term, opposing national aid, shorter work days, and support of income tax. Donald

William McKinley did not support the war, but he gave in to the people's calls. He then realized he would have to address the conflict and the concern of the people. H recognizes that rebellions in Cuba happened often and Cuba was trying to escape oppression. Even though they have attempted to avoid foreign involvement, trade was suffering, money was being lost and people were becoming angry. Peace attempts were made, but Spain remained in control. McKinley wants to physically exhaust the Spanish as a military victory seems impractical. The Spanish did not plan to give up Cuba. McKinley voiced how his views have changed with time and he now believes Unites States intervention is justified. He asks Congress for four reasons: it is America's duty to end inhumane treatment, America should protect those who can not protect themselves, offenses to commerce, trade, and industry were made, and the affairs in Cuba could risk peace in America. McKinley also discusses demolition of Mai

Andrew Carnegie's "Gospel of Wealth" reveals how the difference between the rich and the poor have benefitted civilization. Carnegie incorporates the idea of Social Darwinism, or survival of the fittest when he expresses that, "while the law may be sometimes hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because insures the survival of the fittest in every department." Therefore, Carnegie displays the imbalance in society which had been beneficial since the most prepared citizens are the people who advance.  he started that this gap between rich and poor should be embraced because it will ultimately benefit society. This idea, though, only gives wealth to a precious few. The laws are biased toward the wealth since the government has a lassie-faire approach. He offers possible solutions for dealing with excess wealth, for the good of society. These solutions are: leaving money for families, the public can use it, or the wealthy can give it out and use it as

The Battle of Antietam gave Lincoln the victory he needed in order to issue his Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation declared all slaves in the South free. He says that the slaves are welcome to join the Union's military and navy; that they will be recognized as free people and should abstain from violence. Similar to the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared an end to slavery, Brown v. Board of Education declared an end to slavery.