Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Summary:


According to The American Pageant,  Thomas Jefferson's first Inaugural Address was "a classic statement of democratic principles". Tom explained in the beginning of the speech that the power is for the people. He alludes to the U.S. Constitution at points, encouraging the people to "unite in common efforts for the common good". Jefferson also states that "The will of the majority is in all cases to prevail", but he also guarantees that "minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression". Jefferson also instilled a sense of patriotism, or positive expression of emotion towards one's country, among the audience when he said, "I believe this...the strongest Government on earth. I believe it the only one where every man, at the call of the law, would fly to the standard of the law, and would meet invasions of the public order as his own personal concern." Nearing the speech's conclusion, Jefferson requests the help of the people of the nation in declaring, "I advance with obedience to the work, ready to retire from it whenever you become sensible how much better choice it is in your power to make. And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity".

Columbus blog

Should Christopher Columbus be considered a hero or villain?

In my opinion, Christopher Columbus was a villain to a greater extent than he was a hero, but should still be considered a hero today. Christopher sailed the ocean blue in 1492, on a voyage across the Atlantic, in hopes of finding India. He never intended on "discovering" America but just so happened to veer off course and land here anyways. Leif Eriksson was believed to be the first one to sail and discover North America. Once Columbus reached land, after an excruciatingly tough journey, forced the natives into servitude, nd treated them with harsh punishments if they disobeyed or failed to yield enough gold for Columbus. On top of his relations with the natives, it was apparent that he struck a deal with England and Spain that allowed him all land that he came across, suggesting his intentions may not have been as pure as people believe, but rather selfish. Also, it was believed that Columbus proved that the world was round, even though the Aztecs has previously established that idea. Christopher merely wanted to prove that the globe could be circumnavigated, but he fell way short in his underestimations regarding distance. Although he wasn't the most ideal person, he did manage to create a bridge that connected the Old World with the New World, impacting how we came to be today, and sparking the Colombian Exchange, which allowed the spread of ideas, crops, and animals across the Atlantic. Additionally, his cause makes for a good holiday to celebrate today.