Meranda's AP American Blog

Woodrow Wilson ran for president in 1912 and was elected as the democratic candidate. Wilson acknowledges the change in government- how it had become democratic. Wilson addresses certain aspects of the nation, including individuals, wealth, and the government. He then goes on to explain the "inexcusable waste" of the Gilded Age. Wilson looks to cleanse and reconsider. As a progressive president, he is clearly looking inward and hoping to make reform. Wilson emphasizes the need for laws to protect US citizens. He then ends by urging the people to dedicate themselves to the cause of reforming. This is similar to JFK's inaugural address which says the US can meet any hardships, similar to the hardships of reform during Wilson's time. 

The Clayton Anti-Trust Act was passed in 1914 during Woodrow Wilson's presidency. The canadidates in the previous election all agreed that the government, especially the Supreme Court, had been too lenient with big businesses, so they believed the government needed to strengthen antitrust laws. The Clayton Anti-Trust Act of 1914 prohibited price discrimination and certain deal practices as well as expanded the power of private organizations to sue and obtain damages, allowed a labor exemption that permitted union organizing, and prohibited anticompetitive mergers. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890 was not enforced. The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice are the two federal agencies who enforce antitrust laws. Both the Clayton Anti-Trust Act and the Sherman Anti-Trust Act regulated big business. 

The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act was an Act passed in 1916 prohibiting the shipment of goods or products between states if the product was worked on by a child in the past 30 days. Children younger than fourteen cannot work on these items and children between fourteen and sixteen cannot work more than eight hours in a day, six days a week, after seven, or before six. This act contributed to the progressive movement by regulating the conditions in which employees work. However, the Supreme Court declared this law unconstitutional on the grounds that child labor was not involved with interstate commerce therefore, the states must regulate it. Similarly, in John Spargo's The Bitter Cry of the Children, he advocated against child labor. 

Martin Luther King Jr. was a well-known advocate of civil rights. His "I have a dream" speech clearly illustrate his support for integration between black and white communities. King references Lincoln and His emancipation proclamation saying that even after one hundred years of slaves being free, the black population is still suppressed by discrimination and segregation. He compares the struggle between the black community and a check. The check, in comparison to the Constitution, was meant to included both black and white citizens. Nonetheless, for blacks, the check was marked "insufficient funds". But, king does not believe "the bank of justice is bankrupt". He pushes for a fight against injustice but warns the people not to lose their dignity. This speech supports the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ended segregation of public areas and discrimination in employment/education. Just like King's speech, the Montgomery Bus Boycott was also a part ...

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. Don...