AJ’s AP American blog

During World War 1, Charles Schenck and Elizabeth Baer were responsible for the distribution of circulars, or leaflets against the military draft. The circulars called out the Conscription Act, and argued that it was in violation of the 13th Amendment. The Courts charged Schenck for violating the Espionage Act of 1917, but Schenck argued that the 1st amendment protected him. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes made the claim that during wartime, courts had to listen to the Government's rules.  The expanded powers granted to the government during WW1 which was arguably abused reminded me of how Trump threatens to declare a state of emergency to bypass Congress and build the wall.

During his first inaugural address, Woodrow Wilson shows his true progressive beliefs. He commits to making reforms. To do this, he acknowledges the advantage he has as the House and Senate are both Democratic, the same as him. He then talks about how the big businesses and industries have changed the country, but vows to regulate the businesses that have grown out of hand. He also vowed to take into account the wants and needs of the people, over business. Woodrow Wilson being sworn in with a special someone in the middle (old Teddy?) Woodrow Wilson's desires remind me of the progressive New Deal enacted by FDR

The Clayton Anti Trust Act was made as a replacement to the ineffective Sherman Anti Trust Act. The Sherman Anti Trust Act was vague and weak. It was abused by pro business governmental leaders, and was even used as an excuse to attack union strikers. The Clayton Anti-Trust Act on the other hand, accomplished a point for each finger. The 5 points included the restriction of price fixing, unfair tying and dealing practices, giving the power to sue corporations to individuals, allowing unions, and stopping anti competitive mergers. The Federal Trade Commission was also formed in 1914 which created a regulatory body, providing accountability to these big companies. The Anti Trust Division of the US Department of Justice also accomplished this goal. The act was passed during Wilson's Presidency

The Keating Owen Child Labor Act of 1916 was a law created in an attempt by the federal government to limit the interstate commerce of products created with the use of child labor. It specifically limited the sale of products created by children under 14 years of age, or coal produced in mines with workers less than 16 years old. It also limited children form working odd hours. By 1918 the US Supreme Court found it unconstituitonal. Minor Miners Child Labor is still prevalent in foreign countries

To kick off the speech, MLK jr. compares the treatment of African Americans during slavery to the treatment of African Americans in 1963. He then states his many dreams for the future, which include: Having equality for ALL men, just as the constitution states People from ALL races could become friends People would be judged not on their skin color, but instead on their behavior and character   Martin Luther King Jr. giving this legendary speech The civil rights movement reminded me of the women's Suffrage movement, since both movements involved oppressed people moving to remove the rules which constrained them Video This funny video by Key and Peele came out today which spoke to how great Martin Luther King Jr's speech was.

The speech was on July 9th 1896. Its about whether or not coinage should be silver since the exchange rate of silver to gold is 16:1. Bryan wanted the gold standard to be rid of, instead replaced with bimetallism which represented all of the US, especially those in the West. This was because he felt that the rich in the East were the people who were benefiting from the Gold standard, and the bi metal standard would bring prosperity to all of the US.  He also talked about how income tax is justified because of its benefits. To close he makes a comparison between the gold standard to the crucifixion, and says that having the gold standard would be to crucify mankind on a cross of gold, hence the name. William Jennings Bryan reminded me of Nixon, who like Bryan wanted a new form of backing for US money. Nixon successfully cancelled the direct international convertibility of the US dollar to gold, so now US money only was worth what people thought it was worth, and it was no longe...

The Dawes Act was enacted in 1887.  It granted the government the power to redistribute tribal lands from Native Americans. When redistributing, the government would give shares to individuals. Many socioeconomic factors are considered when giving the land, such as age and status. The government was allowed to do this with any land it considered good for farming.  The government was also allowed to sell the land for profit, and build roads, railroads, and other major infrastructure through tribal lands The Homestead Act was another move by the government to try to settle land and offer opportunities for Americans. There was also often friction between Native Americans and settlers, as settlers took over the "unsettled land".