Timeline:
Primary Sources:
Summary: Lewis and Clark ventured to the west coast of America and back by request of the government in order to gain new perspective of their land and research it for further settlement west. They officially began their journey on May 21, 1804, soon after the Louisiana Purchase. When they returned back from their expedition in 1806, they were told of misfortunes the country had undergone in their absence, including squabbles with the Spaniards and death of respected figures.
Significance: This is significant because it shows how in the few years they were off exploring, tensions harmful feelings had grown towards other nations, such as the Spaniards. It also illustrates the unrest between the British and Americans rapidly increasing from the British attacking American ships and killing good men. It is significant that Clark adds in his journal punishments Native Americans had undergone from disrupting America's peace because it demonstrates the uneasy feelings towards them. All of these things tie into the most significant event in the journal entry--the foreshadowing of the War of 1812. It is shown in the hatred between nations alluded to in his entry and the actions between the American, British, and Native Americans. Student: Megan J. Summary: The Alien and Sedition Acts was a Federalist attempt to stop foreigners, mainly Democratic-Republic, from entering America and weakening the Federalist party. They made acts that limited the people's rights as citizens as well as aliens of foreign countries. The people fought back, saying that they had all the right to say what they did to because of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution.
Significance: This is significant because this is when the people started to practice their rights as citizens. Although the founding fathers knew that the rights needed to be practiced, they did not think of it to that extent. This showed the Americans nationality and that the power as a citizen is stronger than the government. Student: Priscilla L. |
Summary: Washington's Farewell Address gives the people a thank you in the first two parts for giving him the opportunity to serve the country in war and doing a great service to america in setting the rules for presidency to enable no tyrant. In the second part Washington stresses the importance of the union in maintaing peace, independence, and liberty to enable a prosperouse government. There were specific points that he listed in his Farewell address that have occured now in our future such as the pformation of political parties, wars, and a problem in the balance of power. It was as if he knew these events- listed above- were going to happen and our ancestors as well as us would make these detrimental mistakes that would effect our economy and government in such negative ways causing problems with peace and order amongst the people, also making our system seem weak and incappable of making adjustements as needed. that would better our economical, political, and social standpoint in the world.
Significance: The significance of Washington's Farewell address is that it has taught our people/society to look beyhond the present and into the future. Also to incoorporate the ideas of others instead of just shutting them down. This gives us something to compare to because his idea was only based off of opinion and not experience, unlike our society today. We are living day to day wondering where we went wrong when "washington" knew way before it occured. This gives us the availability to learn from our past mistakes and move on in order to prosper. Student: Rilley R. Summary: These were a compilation of the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution, meant to protect the rights of the people. It protected every citizen's right to freedom of speech, press, religion, petition and to bear arms. It insured that soldiers couldn't be quarter without the permission of the house owner. It guaranteed a speedy trail, right to a trial by jury and outline other details concerning prosecution and punishment. It also clarified that not all rights granted to the people are specifically stated in the constitution and the rights of the state.
Significance: This document is significant because it was demanded by the Anti-federalists to make sure that the federal government wouldn't become a dictatorship over the citizens. It was one of the major requests by this group when the constitution was being ratified in 1787-1788. It was the first set of amendments to the constitution and was needed to ensure personal rights so they could not be taken away by the federal or state governments. Student: Melissa H. |