AJ’s AP American blog

The Kellogd Briand Peace Pact, also known as the Paris Act, was notable for attempting to make it so nations could not start a war for any reason other than self defense. It was created and named after Frank B. Kellogg, the American secretary of state, and Aristide Briand, the French Foreign Minister of Affairs. Originally signed by 15 nations, notable of which include America, Japan , Great Britain. and others, this list of signatories quickly ballooned to include more than 40 more countries. If this dream of foreign affairs was realized, it would mean the end of global warfare. Unfortunately this dream was shattered in 1931 during the Mukden Incident. During this incident, Japan decided to imperialize to help reduce the economic slump of the Great Depression. Because of vague definitions of "Self Defense" and a lack of initiative from other countries to enforce this pact, the pact failed. KB Peace Pact:   Iran Nuclear Deal The KB Peace Pact after the Paris Peace Treaty...

Woodrow Wilson was very progressive. As such, when he saw the fighting in Europe, he felt motivated to ensure peace. The Fourteen Points of Peace are an extremely idealized vision for creating global peace. A lot of these points were utilized within the Treaty of Versailles. He envisioned a future after the War which was lenient towards the Germans and Austrians. He also called for open treaties, open seas, self governance for colonies,  help for Russia, development of Austria-Hungary, evacuation of Rumania, Serbia, and Montenegro,  free trade, free passage for all Turks in the Dardanelles, Belgian sovereignty, justice for France as it had been mistreated in Alsace-Lorraine, fixing Italian borders, creation of a Polish nation, and the creation of a League of Nations. The last point, calling for the League of Nations, was designed to ensure that the Great War was the last big war. By having a unifying body among countries, Wilson believed conflicts could be diff...

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.