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.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, October 12, 2009
4th blog post
Please write 500-600 words on the Book of Mormon description of the founding of America.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, October 5, 2009
3rd post
In 500 words or less, describe what you think Martin Diamond meant by his title, 'Revolution of Sober Expectations?'
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