LAD #16

The Northern Abolitionists had been waiting for a document like the Emancipation Proclamation, since the issue of slavery grew so large. Slavery, no doubt, caused the Civil War, so Lincoln sought not only to discontinue this dividing factor, but also to free all of those bound to slavery due to their skin color. The Emancipation Proclamation, although not a constitutional law, was still followed because it was considered a presidential power. The effect of this document was huge, as it ended the controversial issue of whether slavery should be legal; although it is a shame that such a decisive action was taken after the country was weakened by Civil war.

LAD#15

At the time of this speech, the South had lost the Civil War, and slavery had been officialy outlawed. Instead of celebrating, or scorning the south, Lincoln said that both sides should be ashamed of settling their differences violently. At the start of the Civil War, Lincoln had sought to preserve the union, and with his relatively neutral speech, he showed that he followed through his first term, with that intention in mind. He also made it clear that he thought slavery was evil, although he divulges this in the Emancipation Proclamation. Also, this historic speech defended Lincoln's views of reconstruction.

LAD #14

The case of Dred Scott v. Stanford is arguably one of the most influential supreme court cases in its era. Cheif Justice Taney addressed the issue of slave citizenship, and ultimately declared slaves as property. Since suing is a practice reserved for citizens, Taney ruled that Scott could not sue, because he was a slave, not a citizen. The most important deduction by Taney was his ruling that the government could only act within what the constitution allowed. Accordingly, the government could not hamper citizens in the pursuit of life liberty and property. Since Dred Scott was his masters property, the court could do nothing. Subsequently, the Missouri Compromise was declared unconstitutional.

LAD #13

In Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, he glorifies those who fought in the famous battle, saying that none of them died in vain. "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here", he says, ultimately setting the tone for a salutary, yet solemn speech.
In the midst of civil war, the Gettysburg Address was Lincoln's way of inspiring the nation to unite together as one force. The country had once fought together to bravely fend off the tyrannous English, yet a few hundred years later they are fighting each other over slavery. The Gettysburg Address was written to spark inspiriation in the American people, and to spark a rebirth in the ideals of the individual sections; from working against each other, to with each other.

LAD #12

In his first inaugural address, it is easy to tell that Lincoln knew that problems arising from sectionalism would not dissapate very easily. He is cautious with his words, but faithful in his ideas. It is also clear that Lincoln is willing to compromise with the Southern slaveholders.
The first topic touched on was the Fugitive Slave act, which required runaway slaves to be returned to their owners, even if they made it far enough North. Lincoln proceeded to say that the government would not involve itself in issues regarding slavery, unless it was required in his obligation as President of the United States. Also, he supported the Corwin Amendment, allowing slavery in the states which in it were already present. These mark three concessions made to Southern plantation owners, but more importantly mark Lincolns intentions of staying unified no matter what.
Lincoln's First inaugural address did a good job in outlying his agenda as President; to keep the country unified, and to fulfill his obligations in the executive office to the best of his ability.

LAD #11

In his speech, Calhoun is saying that the downfall, or seperation of this nation will be due to slavery. He says that it is necesary to understand in-depth what is causing the nation to separate, so that it can be cured. He makes an accurate prediction of what comes years down the road, in the Civil War. Calhoun also relays that the South is discontented with the actions of the Union as a whole. He calls upon those in power to alleviate such discontent, and says that the North, being the most densely populated, has command in government. It is made a warning, that the Northern and Southern sections disagree on every possible situation, furthering sectionalism. This impact is g eater on the South, who usually gets short-handed, due to lack of power in the government. Calhoun warns that something descisive must be done, to end this peacefully, otherwise, separation will inevitably occur.

LAD #10

In Polk's message, he blames the continuing problems with Mexico, on the fact that their government refuses to negotiate. Such problems include confrontation as well as land disputes. Polk relays that he desires to come to peace, and would like to settle any dispute left in the open, with Mexico.
Polk narrates that Mexico expressed their concern for the US Navy invading their territory at Vera Cruz.
Following the Mexican revolution, the US was concerned that the country may pose a threat to the United States, so appropriate preparations were made.
In closing, Polk assures Mexico that he desires a speedy resolution to any existing hostilities between the two nations.