Building a New Nation
Timeline
Trigger Words
George Washington: Inaugural Address
In Washington's inaugural address he wishes to lay the national government on a foundation of a free government. He wants to establish principles of private morality and he wants to establish a free government that is respected by the citizens and the world. Washington is trying to set a precedent of being a good, honest leader who has good morals and respects the will of the people. He wants to see this country prosper and grow because he loves it. Also, he wants to see liberty remain throughout the continuation of the United States.
This speech establishes Washington as a strong leader ready to do his best for a country he loves. Considering that he is the first president of the United States, he establishes a strong foundation for him and the presidents to follow him. This speech sets up an outline for future presidents on what it takes to be a strong and concerned leader of a country that is slowly finding its way.
Alexis S. |
Virginia Statute for Religious FreedomWritten by Thomas Jefferson in 1777, this law was largely ignored by the Virginia General Assembly until 1786.In the act, Jefferson wanted to make sure that "no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship" or "shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief", in favor of religious liberty. During this time, countries expected their citizens to pay taxes for the upkeep of the country's churches, put Jefferson introduced the principle of the separation of church and state;basically,no man should be forced to pay a tax to a religion he doesn't believe in.
Written before the Bill of Rights, this article was the first major law that promoted and safeguarded the natural rights of man.It ensured that no one would have to be persecuted or discriminated against for their beliefs, and kept the government unbiased towards all religions. Although not passed initially, it was a radical step towards total personal freedom and independence.
Bronte D. |
From Africa To AmericaThis poem is about being brought from Africa to America by a slave women named Phillis Wheatley who used her simple but powerful words to show her divided opinion on the middle passage. She says it was mercy that brought her from her pagan land but then she says that "they"scorned her black race which leaves the question of was she ignorant to the fact that they took her away for manual labor?
significance: The significance of this poem is to show the complexity of the mindstate of a slave coming from Africa. They didny know whether to be happy for being removed from a land where maybe they were living bad or being angry at the fact they were tricked into a deal where they are the victims in the situation.
David G. |
Washington's Black Address
These
are a just a few of the laws Washington wrote regarding certain
freedoms and restrictions placed upon free and non-free slaves during
the so called “Era of Good Feelings.” None of them really gave the
slaves freedoms, yet they still managed to place less restrictions on
them as well. The first law states that any kind of slaves are not
allowed to assemble in a house or building in a disorderly manner or
they could be punished or convicted by law or citizens. The second law
states that slaves are not allowed to play games as in dice or cards in a
public manner, if they are they would be considered part of the company
and forced to pay a fine or be arrested. The third law states that
slaves are not allowed to assemble or throw a ball or party without a
permit by the mayor, and if caught they would be fined, arrested or
forced to endure labor for a definite period of time. The last of the
laws states that slaves were not allowed to be out in a public place
past 10 PM, no exceptions or they could be returned to their owner,
fined, or even arrest and forced into labor.
This document shows that, despite the liberties and freedoms the Americans fought so hard over, many people, especially slaves, could not attain those freedoms. It also showed during that time when the citizens claimed they were more together and tolerable, they were still unfair to slaves, even in the northern states. These were some of the laws and documents that sparked the division of southern and northern governments and caused several other debates regarding the subject post-war and “Era of Good Feelings.”
Verick R,
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