10th and last blog post

Please write a 500-600 word response on how the 2nd Great Awakening affected U.S. history.

As the 1820’s dawned in America, new social reforms began to spring forth all across the new nation. This time period has also been termed the second Great Awakening because of the new religious fervor that spread across the states. As orators for Baptists and Methodist preached, religious movements such as the shakers and the Oneida community began to search for a way to create a better society. Although their Utopian societies did not last long other social reforms have had lasting influence on our present day society. The creation of asylums for the insane, more equal right for women and the ever constant issue of slavery were some of the major topics in the 1800’s that have influenced our society in the 2001 century.
Before America became industrialized, such social issues like the poor, orphans and the mentally ill were taken care of either by family members or the community. When the family became less influential in the rising economic culture it was unable to take care of those social problems that it had supported before. To deal with these issues society created poor houses and orphanages which before that time were unheard of. Insane asylums also became a new invention. Before that time the mentally unstable were put in jails along with criminals. In these new institutes, the insane were able to receive help and care.
Women also began to come into their own at this time. With the issue of slavery constantly before them, women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Susan B. Anthony began to question women’s status in society. “Woman is a slave, from the cradle to the grave,” asserted Ernestine Rose. “Father, guardian, husband—master still. One conveys her, like a piece of property, over to the other.” This idea of being slave to the male population gave rise to the women’s movement. Women began to press for equal pay, voting and property rights. They began to write literature and hold assemblies which was cause for ridicule at a time where the females most important place was in the home. Though their efforts had little affect during their time, because of their hard work, women have equal right today.
Slavery was an issue plagued 19th century. During the period between 1820-1840 the controversy began to climb leading to the civil war. Literature depicting slavery as a horrendous institution or, as a regular way of life, was mass produced for the public and the abolitionist movement began to try to sway the public into voting that slavery should be abolished. This movement during its time did not gain as much popularity as hoped but, created a tension that led people to choose between two options: whether slavery was right or, morally wrong. This conflict continued to separate the free north from the slave south until the civil war.
Because of the religious ideals civilians had during the second great awaking our society has become what it is today.

9th blog post

I really enjoyed the exhibit "Types and Shadows." It was so interesting seeing, sometimes, everyday objects turned into a reflection of Christ. It was also nice to have the tour guide with whom we could bounce our ideas off of. She also pointed out some of the symbolism that I didn't pick up on when I first saw the exhibit. The comments of my classmates were also insightful. Someone pointed out how the women with the bread looked like Michel Angelo's Pieta and the whole painting just clicked with me. Before I just saw an middle age women offering me bread I now saw Mary offering me Christ. I wish we had had more time to go through the rest of the exhibit.

8th blog post

I really like the movie Amistad. How in the beginning they have the dialog in the original language was a good reminder to me that not all the world speaks english. It is easy to forget how different people are from clothes, language to mannerisms. Having everything historically accurate brought these realizations home to me. The graffic scene on the slave boat brought home to me how terrible slavery was. It is different to see scenes in the movie in comparison with words on a page. I had read a lot about how cramped the slave boats were but, to see it is very different.

7th blog post

What was Adam Smith's contribution to the discussion on the 'Wealth of Nations'

Adam Smith, author of the Wealth of Nations, began a whole new way of thinking for the time period. Instead of a mercantilism economy, Smith argued that a market system would be better for a country as a whole. This was a revolutionary idea because up to this point governments had controlled all aspects of the economy and had influenced it to gain revenues. This free market economy system, Smith states, did not need to be controlled by the government and that self interest would be the defining factor. Also, instead of the money going to the government revenues would go to the people creating a better society to live in. Smiths book was published in 1776 and had a great influence on how the United States economy is run today. The founding fathers adopted Smiths plan because they believed that it allowed for greater freedom to the citizens.

6th blog post

The Crandall Printing Museum is a very quaint place. The men who work there are well informed about their topic and are very interesting to listen to. Watching these men work the machinery right in front of you is something that is not done in other museums. Seeing how the actually printing is done is my favorite part of the tour. They first carve the letter, then make a mold, cast the type, then they actually take a sheet of paper and print a page from the Bible. It is so interesting to me to watch how printing would have been done in the fourteen hundreds. The time and the effort put into the job is astounding and because of that I am so much more appreciative of modern technology.
After seeing how printing first started, you move on to the American influence. The analysis of the events that were happening in Germany and how they affected the founding of our nation is very insightful. In history classes it seems that we don’t often draw ties throughout history to see which event sparked another. The Crandall Printing Museum does a very good job of making these connections which gave the whole museum deeper meanings for me. The influence of literature always astounds me and I liked how the presenter emphasized the fact the pamphlets and newspapers where popular in America and how that affected the way our country thought about politics and other events.
The last presentation was my favorite. I loved to hear the stories of how the printing press actually ended up in Palmyra. I know the Book of Mormon was a miracle, but it always strengthens my faith when I hear about those miraculous circumstances behind its creation. Even though they may seems like coincidences to others, the fact that there was a printing press where Joseph Smith was living and that they were able to print so many copies in such a short amount of time, shows me that Heavenly Father had his hand in the printing of that book. Since the Book of Mormon is the most influential books in my life I always love to learn about its history.
One thing I did not like about the Crandall Printing Museum was how long the presentation was. Taking two hours to go through three rooms seemed a little extreme to me. I feel if they could shorten their program people would be more focused on what they had to say. By cutting out some of the side stories they would shorten their presentation. I also wanted to roam and read about the objects in the museum. I felt, because the presentation was so long, that I didn’t have any time to explore the museum by myself. Listening to the tour is great but actually reading about it and seeing all the objects up close would help me to remember what had been said. However, the Crandall Printing Museum is a wonderful museum and I was so glad I had the opportunity to go.

5th Blog Post

Throughout this first semester we have looked at opposing views of things like slavery and religion. By doing this I have gained a greater understanding of some subjects where I only had one opinion given to me. Looking at the founding fathers in a different light is one of those subjects. When we first began to look at the revolution we looked at the great things they had done (writing the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution), then explored how their reasons could have been completely selfish, then looked at how they made mistakes just like everybody else. These different views enabled me to create my own opinion about these extraordinary men.
First we understand that the founding fathers created our government to what it is today. They had to have a lot of foresight to create a stable government that has lasted as long as it has. They were creating something from scratch so they had to be creative and think of all possible problems that could occur. The intelligence displayed by the leading figures, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, James Madison and all the others, is shown through how they conducted themselves and how they are viewed today. The Declaration of Independence, and The Constitution are constant reminders of what the founding fathers did for our country. These men became hero’s to Americans and an ideal for what patriotism should be. Such articles as The Colossus of Independence John Adams, gave proof to how intelligent and inspired these men really were.
Since we were able to read the article, Founders of the Enlightenment, about how the founding fathers created the government to benefit their lifestyle, we gained another valuable insight into their lives. They all had a comparatively lifestyles that provided the luxury of education. By setting up the Constitution as they did, they were able to protect that lifestyle. They did not abolish slavery when they had the chance or, how they all spoke of freedom when many of them owned slaves. Their new government would protect the ideals they held that we do not understand in our modern setting or believe to be wrong; such as only educated men with land could vote, or you had to be a religious man to hold a public office. The founding fathers being so idealized as they are today, are hardly ever discussed in such a degrading matter. It was interesting to me to explore the selfish motives of these men as we did in this class. It added a new level to their personalities that I had not considered.
In some of our discussions we talked about the mistakes some of these great men had made. Thomas Jefferson had an affair with one of his slaves and was in major debt when he died; George Washington was a great leader but, made many mistakes on the battle field; John Adams was stubborn and not very open to new ideas. These men made mistakes and choices that would have been enough to ruin their careers if they were running for office today. However, they were held in such high esteem that they became great leaders of this country. As evidence of these mistakes come to life, their achievements tend to gloss over some of their imperfections. We as a modern audience also have a different view of our past leaders and we are willing to discredit them for such mistakes.
By looking at these many views about the Founding Fathers I was able to formulate an opinion of my own. The founding fathers were good men who made mistakes just like everybody else. That they were divinely inspired and created something good in the world which was completely new and unheard of. They had their faults and what they created was not perfect but, it was close as any man could get to a good government. I should not idealize them because they were mortal and prone to mortal mistakes but, honor what they did for the country I live in.

4th blog post reply

In first Nephi chapter 13 in the Book of Mormon, it tells of gentiles coming across the great waters to the land of Nephi's inheritance. Though vague about the particular dates and people we can infer who the passages are referring to and how God affected the founding of America.
Nephi is communing with an angel who commands him to look and behold the many great nations of the gentiles.(Ne 13:1-3) Nephi sees these nations and how they are a very covetousness people who want riches.(Ne 13:7-8) During this time Nephi sees a man among the gentiles being guided by the spirit to come across the many waters.(Ne. 13-12) At this point it can be safely assumed that Nephi is seeing Columbus crossing the Atlantic. An interesting aspect of this vision is how Nephi states that the man was led by the spirit to cross the ocean, giving god the credit for allowing the Americas to be discovered.
The angel then shows Nephi how other people were led by the spirit to come across the ocean to settle in America.(Ne 13:13) Nephi makes a point of saying that the people who came over were escaping captivity. Most people who migrated to the Americas from Europe were in what they believed captivity from their government. Either from position in society or religious conflict, most people felt that the would gain more freedom in the Americas.
As these people migrate to the Americas, Nephi sees how the gentiles affect his brothers descendent's. (Ne. 13:14) We know that the Indians were greatly afflicted with diseases and were driven from their homes. Nephi tributes this to Gods wrath with them.
The gentiles prosper in the new country and do humble themselves before the lord (Ne. 13:16) They then go to battle against the mother country on the gentiles. Nephi says they fight her both on land and on sea. (Ne. 13:17) However, since the power of the lord was with them, Nephi sees them being delivered by God out of the hands of their enemies.
Through Nephi's description of the founding of America, we can see that he believes that god had directly affected its creation. In contrast, it can be said that because of the vague detail that this could take place in any point in history, however, the situation described is so unique that despite the lack of detail you can pin point the time period this prophesy is taking place. Another argument that can be raised against divine intervention aiding the Americans in the Revolutionary war can be the fact that there was a war at all. In the scriptures, Nephi say that the gentiles were delivered from the hands of their enemies. Usually when one hears that statement, it is inferred that they escaped without blood shed. However, the founding fathers more than once attributed the creation of the United States to God. Also there are many circumstances in the Revolutionary War that could only have been coincidence or divine intervention.

4th blog post

Please write 500-600 words on the Book of Mormon description of the founding of America.

Revolution of Sober Expectations answered

The word sober mean: Not proceeding from, or attended with, passion; calm; as, sober judgment; a man in his sober senses. Revolutions as we know it are often the opposite of this definition. It tends to begin with a passion that turns into righteous anger as the revolutionaries try to create a perfect society based on their beliefs. The idealistic goals are usually never reached without bloodshed. The Founding Fathers did not form their new government in this fashion. They acted rationally and allowed for imperfections in the new society. Martin Diamond refers to this action as a “Revolution of Sober Expectations.”

The Founding Fathers had ideals that were based on realistic views about government. They set down a standard in the Declaration of Independence then followed it with a plan to achieve those standards in the Constitution. Their expectations of the new government were rational. They didn’t want to set up a Utopia because they realized that it was impossible to eliminate weakness. Men are not perfect and the Founding Fathers realized this and based their new government to allow for those weaknesses. Their sober view allowed their new government to stay intact for over a century.
Democracy was not a new idea when the Founding Fathers began to create the new government. The Ancient Greeks had a democracy. Neither was a republic, which had been used in the Roman Empire. However, the idea of a democratic republic was revolutionary. It still allowed for the people to have the right to vote on who their leaders would be. Also it allowed for a more solid foundation by giving the representatives more time in office. There by making the government more functional. This revolutionary combination has made it possible for the United States to remain a free nation.

3rd post

In 500 words or less, describe what you think Martin Diamond meant by his title, 'Revolution of Sober Expectations?'

John Adams answer

John Adams was born on October 30 1735 to John Adams, Sr. and Susanna Boylston Adams. John Adams Sr. Was a farmer, well involved in his community and a deacon in the Congregationalist church. John Adams was very religious and because of that his father hoped he would become a minister. Attending Harvard College at sixteen the young Adams took time in planning his career. After graduation he became a school teacher but, finally decided to enter into the law. He married Abigal Adams October 25, 1764. He had the highest opinion of his wife and their correspondences have become good insights into what John Adams was like.
John Adams lived in Massachusetts, and was a modest farmer. Living close to Boston he was asked to defend the British officers after the Boston Massacre. Adams believed this involvement would ruin his career. However, he held to his cause and defended the British. Unlike his cousin Samuel Adams, John Adams was not a radical leader. He believed that America should be separated from Britain almost from the first but, he did not have the leadership qualities to inspire men. He was involved in his community which led him to be a member of the delegation sent to the continental congress.
At the first Continental Congress Adams was one of the few that believed that America should separate from Britain. The Lexington and Concord battles had already been fought and he believed that the time for peace was over. His biggest rival in this belief was John Dickenson. Dickenson was a lawyer from Pennsylvania who believed separation was the worst thing that the colonies could do in such an early stage. Because these sentiments were held by most of the Continental Congress peace treaties were sent to Britain instead of a declaration of independence.
In 1776 during the second Continental Congress, John Adams elected George Washington to be the General of the American army. This was a tactical move besides being a logical decision. Washington was from Virginia, one of the most powerful colonies in the union and he had the most military experience out of the other leaders of the Congress. Because of this move, more support for the separation of the Colonies was given be the other delegates.
In June of 1776, the final battle between Adams and Dickenson took place. Dickenson still believe that to fight the British now would be,“to brave the storm in a skiff made of paper.” To counter Dickenson’s impressive speech Adams spoke for a full two hours with the zeal of his character about how important separation from Britain was to the American colonies. "These colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states," he argued and,” that there was nothing more important on this side of Jerusalem,” were some of his thought provoking statements in that speech.
Because of his great speech, the colonies sounded as one voice to separation from Britain. John Adams, and Benjiman Franklin helped Thomas Jefferson to edit the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson later recounted that John Adams had been, "the pillar of [the Declaration's] support on the floor of Congress, its ablest advocate and defender against the multifarious assaults it encountered."

John Adams

Please write 500 words on John Adams by using your out of text readings, text-book and the movie shown in class.

first blog post cont.

Since I have never been in that kind of situation it's hard to know exactly what I would be feeling. I imagine curiosity being the first emotion I would feel when the slavers came. They would be so different, so unlike me. Everything about them from ships, clothes, language and skin would be alien to me. It would be kind of like a Men from mars setting where the aliens come and start killing people for no apparent reason. I would probably be feeling like the people in those horror films. What in the world is going on? How can I protect myself? Can I find a way to make these aliens go away? Can they be killed? Since I had no way to stop the slavers, the feeling of terror and hopelessness would be almost tangible. The society I had known for my entire life would be crumbling around my ears with no way to stop it. Because they would take the strongest people from our tribe, the village would be vulnerable to another raid.
To be captured by the slavers would be any ones worst nightmare. I would have heard stories about the cruelties of what was going to happen, some exaggerated into myth but most true. Walking with chains for miles with no humane comforts, being taken into a large building that was unlike anything anyone had ever seen, shoved into a small dark room for days sometimes weeks, would be enough to break my soul. It would be dark and hopeless without any comfort. Life would pass by in agonizing seconds with anything human taken away from you. It would be an animal like existence, being unable to make decisions or even wash one’s self. And the diseases. People would be dying constantly from them. We couldn't give them proper burials so they were left to be eaten by wild animals. In the fort I saw a person die right in front of my eyes. I wished it was me. When it’s loading time they take you through tunnel after tunnel one at a time, making you bend down when you go through doorways. Then you would see the sun. It had been a long time since I saw the sun. It would be blinding. Blinking a couple of times would expose the terrible scene before me. I would never see my loved ones again. I saw the little boat that would carry me to the waiting ship. The people who go on those boats never came back. There were sharks in the water, I could see their fins. I could jump over board. No there are sharks. We could push the alien over. Then the other aliens would shoot and recapture us. We don't know how to row the boat. I got into the small boat, looked at my home land for the last time, and then was put on the white ship.
No more light. No more air. There were too many bodies for such a small space. They wouldn’t let you move much. I just lied there with chains connecting me to the people on my right and left. I urinated where I was. The stench was unbearable. Oh to die. It would be so nice to just give up, stop living to just be the gain of these cruel men. Besides what would happen after the ship took us to where we were going? There would be no hope for a better situation. I would just die.

H240 first blog post

Imagine that you live in Africa and have been captured by a slave trader and are being shipped across the Atlantic.

It is hot and humid.