Gavin's AP American Blog

The Monroe Doctrine was read to Congress by James Monroe in 1823. It stated that the American continent would no longer be considered a possibility for any future European colonization. America had stayed out of European wars unless American safety had been threatened, and the United States would stay neutral regarding events between Spain and Portugal, though the situation was being closely monitored. America would continue to not interfere with European powers and would treat any ruling government as legitimate. Monroe Doctrine Synthesis: Woodrow Wilson's policy of neutrality during World War 1

Summary: After being selected by citizens to lead this country, I will find wisdom and leadership in the Constitution and govern based on rule of law. I will use the Constitution as a guide through difficult times. After an election filled with differing opinions, it is time for citizens to unite and create a common goal. Differences of opinion are not irreparable, and it is clear that Americans are still a united people. If anyone wants to dissolve the United States, they should be countered with reason instead of persecution. The government of the United States is one of the strongest on Earth, and citizens should confidently pursue the goals of an elected government. A wise government with restraint is important, and will leave citizens to often make their own regulations. There are many essential principles of government, including the pursuit of justice, friendly relations with other countries, and a right to democratic elections. People need to retrace their steps and begin on a

Christopher Columbus was both a hero and a villain, but he was slightly more of a hero than a villain. For one thing, he was a skilled navigator and explorer. He made four separate trips across the Atlantic Ocean, all on dangerous and . He also had advanced knowledge of Atlantic currents and was willing to take incredible risks. Most people believed that attempting to sail to Asia would be suicide, yet Columbus was still willing to lead an expedition. While Columbus was not the first European to discover America, he was the first to actually explore the continent. By becoming the first European in America, Columbus shaped history and directly led to the foundation of the United States. In the long run, Columbus created a bridge between the Americas and Europe, where plants, medicine, culture, wealth, and ideas could be spread across the continents. Christopher Columbus was a hero due to his success in uniting the European and American continents. To a lesser extent, Columbus was also a

Washington's Farewell Address laid out what Washington believed that country could become, as well as listing out pitfalls and how to avoid them. Washington specifically mentioned several things to avoid: 1- The formation of political parties. Washington believed that this, as well as factions, would lead to the "ruins of public liberty." 2- Washington warned that unity among the states was important, and that everyone had to notice that the North benefited from the South and the South benefited from the North. 3- Washington stated that having a system of checks and balances was important, as it prevented one person from gaining too much power. Washington's Farewell Address Thomas Jefferson's Inaugural Address

Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality stated that if there were any wars between European powers, America would not become involved to any extent. This also made it illegal for American citizens to directly support any of the causes of the European powers. This Proclamation likely had the goal of maintaining stable relations with European powers and avoid dragging America into a war. Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality Woodrow Wilson, who declared that America would remain neutral during WW1