Jack's AP American Blog

The Monroe Doctrine, written by Adams, is essentially a reaffirming of George Washington's proclamation of neutrality, but written by a powerful America with newfound national pride. It maintained the core value of Washington's proclamation in that it stated that "not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers". This meant that if it was a European issue that did not concern America then America would not become involved. However, with America's newfound power and expansionist tendencies our territory had increased. The Monroe Doctrine stated that European nations were no longer able to create colonies in the Western Hemisphere without US intervention. He also stated that the US would protect nations who were colonized by European nations. This effectively ended the European age of colonization, and ushered in an era with the US as the world's policeman. The Monroe Doctrine effectively took European global power and shifted it to the US with th...

Jefferson's speech has a humble and grateful tone to it. At one point he states that he is not as good as Washington, but that he will do his best for our country. In it he addresses his views on government, how he feels about parties forming, and his thoughts on the state of the country. He defines government as a small body to help the people rather than as a controlling force, sticking to his libertarian views. As for parties he feels that the differences between federalists and anti-federalists are based on opinion rather than principle and the divisions are not as large as they may seem. He believes America had the resources for prolonged happiness, and was in a good position overall. He ends the address on a hopeful note, asking god to bless america with peace and prosperity. Thomas Jefferson: Gary Johnson (modern day libertarian):

I know that generally there is no right or wrong answer to historical questions, and it is usually both but one to a greater extent. However, I feel that Columbus was a villain, and to no extent a hero. All "benefits" that Columbus supposedly bestowed upon the world are twisted interpretations of his impact, and are a prime example of revisionist history. Many of his accomplishments benefited Europe and his employers, the Spanish, allowing them to exploit a weaker native people for economic and territorial gain. Historians cite his greatest accomplishments as being the first European to set foot in the Americas, bringing Christianity to the new world, and spurring the Columbian exchange. Despite evidence that Leif Erikson, Thorvald Erikson, and Thorfinn Karlsefni all landed in modern day Canada, and set up Norse encampments, the European powers of the 1500's were able to expunge this from history, as to further their legacies as great explorers. There is also evidence of ...