Chapter 9

In this chapter we are reading about the westward Expansion is beginning to increase. After the war of 1812 the Americans developed western culture. They came to the west for a better lifestyle. The west was growing power for many reasons for example the growing power of the federal government, the removal of Indians and increase prices of agricultural commodities. The west was booming and if I had a choice I would have chosen to live in this era. What I found interesting was how the western society developed and how different people from different areas brought their own customs.  They all formed a society among each other.  This chapter you can see the change within societies, they all coming together as one (in away) For example rural families join together for sports and festivities (men) and women also combining work with play. The west was developing its own character. Of course the Eastern didn't like the structure of the West. They state, “Western lack of refinement”. So obviously both Western and Eastern had different views. The section I found interesting to read was the removal of Indians. I learned about the “five civilized tribes” (Cherokees, Choctaws, Creeks, Chickasaws and Seminoles.)Whites had mixed within these tribes creating mixed bloods who embraced Christianity, practiced agriculture and they even owned slaves. That surprised me because the Indians knew how slaves were treated because they were slaves themselves. So hearing that they owned slaves was shocking. But that shows how the Indians assimilated into the Western culture very quickly. I liked how the book or author acknowledged the Cherokees civilization, how they formed their own language and built their own bilingual newspaper. A lot of history books never really go into depth to how civilized the Natives were. The Americans did civilized them, the Natives had their own way in forming a society but since it wasn't the same as the Americans it was seen as “uncivilized”. In 1827 the Cherokee adopted a written constitution declaring themselves to be a sovereign nation. They based this on United States policy; in former treaties, Indian nations had been declared sovereign so they would be legally capable of giving their lands. They also went to the Supreme Court. (Now tell me that they were “uncivilized people) The Cherokee people knew what they were doing, and knew how to go about saving their lands. In doing so the court was on their said and able them the right to self-government.  Once Jackson came to office he couldn't stand Indians having their lands he believed it was “ridiculous to treat the Indians as independent nations. So he decided to come up with the “Indian removal act” which gave power to the president to remove treaties with Indian tribes living east of Mississippi. This is what I dislike about history because it is unfair. Learning how the Americans basically took lands that weren't theirs makes me question their actions. What gives them the right to confiscate land that was already owned? What makes them think it was acceptable to do that? I will always have questions for Jackson and the people involved. 

War of 1812

As I was reading my section my first thought was "How did this war even start?" I could not find an exact answer in my section. So I read the previous section to get more information. I found several reasons why the War of 1812 started. The reasons all escalated and in the end President Madison (at the time) declared war. Some reasons were 1. The US was trading with France, the British did not like that because they didn't have no one to sale goods. So product price lowered. 2 France and Britain were seizing American ships they believed US was trading with both countries. Then the whole Impressement happen and pirating occurred. There were too many events in the previous section. That section broke down the reasons for this War. The countries involved were France, Britain and the US. The Americans had "Sunday soldiers" in other words unprofessional soldiers.( just like militias) The British is still in war with France so they decided to make alliance with the natives to scare the US. One of Britain's biggest successes was when they marched into Washington and burned the presidential mansion. The British was doing good at the time and they also defeated Napoleon. The US also had their victory against Britain. The US took control over Detroit, the British ended up pulling out. The treaty of Ghent was then created, from what I understood the US neither gained/loss territory and there was no decision on impressment. There was a major victory 2 weeks after the treaty; a British force landed in New Orleans and Jackson stood up against the British (very brave to do) and killed 2,000 English men and only lost 13 men. Jackson defeated the British. The only unclear or difficult to understand was the last section of the War of 1812, The Hartford Convention. I didn’t understand the context. I did some research and I read that it had to deal with New England Federalist. They were dissatisfied with the war, they thought that it was still possible that the British could win or at least drag the war a little longer. I learned that after 3 weeks of discussing the Hartford Convention decided to ask the federal government to supply financial aid to help New England's trade economy and new Constitutional amendment.

Chapter 7

Alexander Hamilton had a very big role in stabilizing the nation’s economy and national security. His ideas of the government led him to the republic form of government. He also was an advocate of ratifying the Constitution and also helped write more over half of the Federalist papers. Another big role he played was creating the first national bank (bank of the United States) due to the bad financial situation after the revolution. He also urged protective tariffs ( tax) on foreign imports. He wanted to make a change and help the US out of their debt. His financial program did rescue the nation’s credit but it also had a downfall to it for example for southerners and westerners it alienated commercial expansion and industrial development. Hamilton did his best to help the US if only transformation can happen that fast in the US today. Hamilton made moves and the nation did see improvement. Not only was the government system changing but economic transformation was occurring  It was transforming the working class (farm families) it  began to direct more of their surplus (excess of ) production towards a growing urban market. However for the Natives and Blacks it was a different story. It didn't change for them. The Native Americans population and territory decrease and trying to cling onto their traditions made the Whites think the natives were incapable of change. I also liked reading about the upraising of women in this era. Learning about the new ideology of "Republic Motherhood" Women educated themselves in the principles of Independence, liberty and democracy so they can teach the next generation. This did spark a debate over the role of women in the new republic and which led a great struggle for female equality in the 19th century. ( can’t wait to read more into that)

Constitution

As soon as I clicked onto the Constitution website, I was over whelmed.  I automatically scrolled all the way down the page to see how long it was. Then I started to read the intro and saw how the website was formed. I liked how it gave the readers the original text and then on the other side of it was the explanation of the text. The explanations helped me understand the sections. I must admit I didn't exactly know what the Constitution consist of. I knew it had to deal with our laws and executive branch. When reading the intro, it described the constitution in many ways but one descriptive detail I found interesting was, “More a concise statement of national principles than a detailed plan of governmental operation”. What I got out of this is the Constitution is more of guidelines to help or stable the government. There are no instructions on running a successful government hence today’s government system is far from perfect. In the Preamble it uses the word “perfect” I found that surprising and I think they should have used a different word because in the explanation it states how the preamble explains “the purpose of the Constitution.” If people believe that the constitution’s purpose is to aim for perfection they will be let down. They have high expectations that will not be met. I also notice there are lots of rules and requirements in order to be a congressman/woman or representative. I read a couple sections referring to the 17 amendment, I looked up the meaning and it states that “the US is composed of 2 senators from each state elected by the people”. What I liked reading is how everything the branch does involves voting. If they want to impeach the president, new senators/congress, or speaker they have a voting system and they all have a say in the matter just like the people get to vote for our president and propositions.

Section 2 talks about the president and his position regarding controlling military forces. This reminds me of what is happening today with the war situation. The president has to make rational decisions that are best for our safety and the states safety. However it can get complicated and it all comes down to what the president needs to do. Also reading the constitution I got confused and questioned myself the difference between Senates, House of Representatives, and congress since they all function in a different way. I looked up the difference and came to found out that Congress is divided into 2 parts (Senate and House of Representatives.) This makes it clear; the 2 subparts make up the congress. This websites also talks about the Amendments; over 10 of them. I know nothing of the Amendments (besides the most used ones) so when reading I did learn interesting facts and rules. For example, the first 10 Amendments comprise the Bill of Rights, the voting age (18) came to be during the Vietnam War, and basically talks about the rights of society (we, the people). I liked reading what rights we have in courts, taxes, and rules/violations.

To sum it up the constitution, it breaks down what is happening in our government system. I never really went into depth about the Constitution but this website did help me learn what kind of duties our government system has to carry out. Very eye-catching topic!

Common Sense Quotes

I searched up who Thomas Paine was and he published a book called "Common Sense" and in doing so it made the people want to fight for their independence from Great Britain. In reading the quotes it caught my attention. Not only do these quotes relate to their era back then but it can also relate in today's society. In one quote it states, " Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil" This is very true because the government is so corrupted and hides so many things from society it makes you wonder what kind of things they are capable of doing. The government has too much power and I believe they over use that power. Another related quotes to this one is " Society is produced by our wants, and government by wickedness." The quotes talking about the government makes you wonder and question what the government has to hide and what mischief they are planning to do. I know the government was built to help and speak for the people but at one point that went down the drain. The government has always been sneaky and I don't think it will ever truly be honest with its people. 

I enjoyed reading these quotes because at of them brought up good points and I understand now why it brought people to fight for their independence. These quotes have real good messages and brought ideas to the public. 

Chapter 5

My interest in Chapter 5 was reading about the Seven Years' war in America. I am confused on how and why it started I know it had to deal with many factors escalating but in reading it was hard to understand. However what caught my interest was during the war British officers complained that colonial troops didn't fight well and they tended to go home while the war was happening. But the colonial troops also complained about the British officers stating that the officers treated their troops a "little better than slaves".  To me I find that ironic and uncalled for. It is a very powerful quote to say because the troops are relating themselves to the slaves. The soldiers have no idea what the slaves had to go through. I am pretty sure they were not being treated a little better than the slaves. But at least they have a little knowledge of how it feels like being mistreat and unfairly. 

There was also tension within British officers and the colonial civilians. The officers complained how the colonial people were unwilling to provide them food or shelter and of course the colonial people did not like their arrogance. The war had its positive side to it; it brought profits to the farmers, artisans, and merchants. Of course there was a negative side to this war (not for the obvious reason) but money problems specially debt problems.  Another interest was passing the sugar act. This act caused lots of tension and change. The British Parliament placed new taxes and restrictions on colonist trade. They wanted to control trade by forcing the colonist to export certain raw materials through Britain instead of going directly to foreign ports. Of course there were people against this act and therefore had to take action. I like reading about the people who rebelled and went against a movement. John Locke believed in "natural rights” of life, liberty, and property. I agree with his belief and if I lived in this era I would have followed his beliefs.  The Parliament wanted control over everything; again this brings up the topic of greed. Greed is the major component in life a long side with money. The rich wanted to get richer and they will do anything to get to the top and have no worries. Little do they know they will be climbing the latter of success for a while. (People are still climbing as we speak).  

Chapter 4

In this chapter I read about the rise of Colonial Elites. In this era the Elites were of course white males who were large planters, farmers, attorneys, or clergy men. What caught my attention was in the 1700’s class structure was invisible because usually in society class structure is what define and categorized the rich from the poor. However after 1720 the display of wealth increased (didn’t surprise me). The wealthy men displayed their wealth by their fashion (happens today), carriages, books and furniture. What surprised me was the “less fortunate” weren’t that less fortunate. They had modest homes and wood frame houses. Unlike today the less fortunate barely owned their own houses let alone can pay their bills. The colonial politics was another interesting event to read because they had many rules to live by. In order to “qualify” to vote they had to be white males women, blacks and Indians weren’t allowed to vote. (of course the minority ) what I found shocking was in 7 colonies voters had to own land and when voting did happen the Governors called elections randomly. That to me is unfair and is very sneaky because the people who weren’t notified to vote are the people who lived in rural areas because the voting place took place in the county seat. (Long distance to travel for those who lived far out) the whole process of votes and running election was very different than today’s society. For example the voters stated their votes face to face often with the candidates. Today it is very private and inclusive. Also the people running nominated themselves and usually ran based on their reputation not on the issues. This is very different from our society today and I am glad it changed because back then it was very unfair and surreal to believe that the candidates basically had all the power. What was the purpose of voters (back then) anyway?

The Enlightenment era was fascinating to read about because it encouraged people to search for answers. Ask questions and be involved in the natural world. Of course it raised a red flag for the church. People challenged the beliefs of the church and questioned the church. This is when the Deists came to be. I have never heard of this group before but they believed that the universe operated by natural law. In this section the women gained more freedom, they gained religious freedom. They were able (or had the right) to vote and speak in church meetings. This was a big step for women since we all know they were seen as little minded people. 

Chapter 3

In chapter 3 there were several sections that were discussed, it was very over whelming and a lot of information to take in.  However it was very interesting to read about the development of colonies. What was very interesting was learning about the Puritans and their beliefs of being a “saint” and the creation of congregationalism. What I found interesting was the privileges of being a “saint”. Saints were the only ones who could take communion and baptized their children. However you can be seen as “halfway”; members who could not take communion or vote in church events but were permitted to be baptized. I just find it weird how the church had many strict rules I always question myself why would these church members come up with certain rules like these?  Another fun fact I found interesting was reading about Anne Hutchinson. I have taken several history courses throughout my years of schooling but I do not recall learning about her. She was living under Puritan rule basically for women it was very unequal. I would not like to live in this era; it was a time where women were seen as inferior and very much look down upon. She was seen as a threat to the clergy because she was challenging them. She was not intimidated by them and wanted to bring change. She challenged the church (which at that time was the unthinkable) preaching in her own home and believing that faith alone was enough to achieve salvation. She wanted freedom of religion and help women’s rights. I love reading about the people who challenge the system or thinks outside the box but it is more exciting when that person is a female. I went to an all-girls high school so we were very encouraged to know our power and worth as young females in this society. Back then women weren't seen as higher authority or people looking up to them so in reading about the females who stood up and used their voices as weapons is very exciting and remarkable. It grabs my attention when reading and that’s what makes it even more alluring. 

Chapter 2

I was intrigued when reading this chapter. I always find it fascinating learning about the discovery of the New Americas but I also find myself in disappointment when learning about the horrible mistreatment of the African Americans. I find it funny how the discovery of America was an accident, Columbus did not even know where he was going but yet he was found to be this intelligent, all knowing male. In my last blog I mentioned how the Europeans (in my opinion) destroyed the Indians rather than helping and/or supporting them. (Not saying that the Europeans didn’t make improvements) however they did bring foreign diseases that killed several Indians and the African slave trade developed. The conquest to the Americas brought forced labor and mass deaths. The conquest brought horrible events to the Americas; the most horrid event was the slave trade. The first day of class the teacher asked what are our likes and dislikes of history. I thought to myself about my dislikes and one of them was the mistreatment of the African Slaves brought to the new world. Yes, the Colombian exchange brought a new life, different foods, mixed population developed and new animals to the new world but it also had a negative side to it. It enrages me how humans beings can treat other human beings with no respect, no dignity as if they are dirt. I never knew that the Spanish power prevented other nations from establishing colonies in North America. Spain built an empire by violently conquering the Aztec, Inca & other Indian states. What I’ve notice in all history courses are that the power of greed took control and in the end achieved successfully. (Well for the superior group of society) this chapter had many events to cover but it was an attention-grabbing section. 

Chapter 1

Before I read chapter 1 I assumed the context was going to be similar to the readings from high school although in high school we never really went into depth about the Native Americans. So I was looking forward to reading what this Enduring Vision book had to say about the Native Americans. As soon as I read the book the topic I found interesting was how the Native Americans migrated. I did not know there was two theories to how the earliest migrates traveled to the new world. I do not recall learning about the Bering land bridge and how it linked Northeast Asia and far Northwest America. The other thing that I liked was how the book separated each different tribe into their own categories and describing each tribe. The book did not categorize all Native Americans into one tribe because they all had the same concept but different techniques to survive. I also enjoyed reading how the Archaic Americans developed their roles and techniques on their own. For example the men fished and haunted while the women searched for wild plant products and learned how to use different plants for medical reasons and food. I found it interesting how Men and women roles started from a long time ago and didn’t necessarily change throughout time. What I dislike hearing about Native Americans is how “uneducated” or “uncivilized” people they were. In my opinion they are very smart, sophisticated and organized people. Back then they did not have technology or examples of how a good society is supposed to run. They had to adapted to their environment and discover what the best way to grow crops was and which crops can grow in those weather conditions. They also had to develop their own government system for instances the Aztecs collected taxes, built an irrigation system, the Mayans created a calendar and the Inca’s were successful farmers.  To me it looked like the Native Americans had things under control and were living a civilized lifestyle. They all were equal, they saw themselves as a single people (: it was the Europeans who brain washed and emphasized the differences between themselves and the Indians. In my opinion the Europeans didn't civilize the Indians but rather destroyed and made it more complicated for the Indians.