Test Essay

During Andrew Jackson’s presidency he was known to some as “King Andrew” and to others as “The People’s President”.

Those who did not support Andrew Jackson’s actions referred to him as “King Andrew”, implying that he acted like he had absolute power. Jackson fired enemies and hired friends sometimes regardless of qualifications. This is better known as the Spoils System, which Jackson used to reward supporters. Jackson threatened to use the army to collect tariff of 1812 taxes. Not only did Jackson favor local banks that supported him, his veto of the Bank of the United States charter resulted in an economic crisis. Jackson forced the migration of Native Americans during Indian Removal. He refused to enforce the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of the Cherokees saying that, “The Supreme Court has made their decision. Now let them enforce it.” The Supreme Court may have ruled in favor of the Cherokees, but Jackson is the one with the army, not the Supreme Court. Jackson will not support the Supreme Court’s decision.

Andrew Jackson was from the backwoods of the Carolina’s. He was more relatable to the middle class than other candidates, which is how he gained the nickname “The People’s President”. Jackson even used the slogan, “Vote for Andrew Jackson who can fight, not for John Quincy Adams who can write”, showing how he believed strength was more important than education. Jackson created his legacy of defending the United States during the War of 1812, meanwhile making a name for himself in battles with Native Americans. Jackson’s popularity with the people was seen in the Election of 1824, in which Jackson led in both the popular and Electoral College votes, but didn't have the outright majority and lost. There was an outrage over his loss, which just increased his popularity. During South Carolina’s fight against the Tariff of 1828, Jackson kept revolutions at bay and kept the Union intact by preventing South Carolina from nullifying the tariff. Jackson also believed in Manifest Destination, and promoted western expansion.

I believe that the title “King Andrew” would have been more fitting for Andrew Jackson. I agree that at times Jackson’s decisions benefited the people, but only when it also benefited him. Jackson overstepped his power by continuing to pursue Indian Removal after the Supreme Court ruled in the Cherokees favor. Jackson did not want the National Bank because he thought it would be detrimental to his reelection. Jackson fired enemies and hired friends sometimes regardless of qualifications. He kept a “Kitchen Cabinet” in which he used personal friends for advice. He let his personal experiences influence his decisions. He fired the members of his cabinet that wouldn't socialize with Peggy Eaton because his wife endured the same harassment and he could relate to the Eatons. Jackson at times acted for the good of the country but most times his actions were motivated by selfishness.

I believe that the title “King Andrew” would have been more fitting for Andrew Jackson than “The People’s President” because at times he acted for the good of the country, but more so when it also directly benefited him.

If the Monroe Doctrine Was Applied Today...

The Monroe Doctrine was a major element of American foreign policy for decades, and can still be applied in some ways today.

Elizabeth Barber, a writer for Time Magazine, wrote the article, “Top U.S. Commander in Africa Is Optimistic on Liberia’s Battle With Ebola” describing the international effort provided by the American military to aid in the recovery of countries affected by Ebola. United States Army General David M. Rodriguez serving as the Commander for United States Africa Command told reporters that if progress reports for Liberia’s condition continue to show improvement, U.S. troops deployed in Liberia may be shifted to other countries in the region or sent back home. The Ebola virus has infected 17,14, and has killed 6,070 people. Around 2,900 U.S. troops have been deployed to West Africa to try and help contain the virus.   The World Health Organization said that cases in Liberia are “stable or declining”.  Liberia has reported 43 new cases over a five-day period, which has decreased from the 78 cases the previous week.

The Monroe Doctrine has three longstanding principles; separate spheres of influence, non colonization and non intervention. If the U.S was following the principles displayed by the Monroe Doctrine the decision of aiding Ebola stricken countries would have had a much different outcome. If separate spheres of influence was applied, the U.S would not have deployed troops. Soldiers would have stayed in the United States, and those infected with Ebola would stay in their countries. Non colonization cannot be applied in this situation because no one is trying to taking countries affected by Ebola. I think if non intervention was applied there would have been a debate. Non intervention implies that the U.S. won’t intervene unless the issue affects us directly. Some might say that because Ebola hasn't spread to the U.S we aren't directly affected by it, but I disagree. If we were to ignore the issue, then there is the chance that someone infected with the virus could enter the U.S and spread the disease here.  I believe that Ebola is serious enough, and affects the U.S enough for the need of intervention.

In the case of Ebola, the Monroe Doctrine could have been used to decide the U.S’s plan of action to ensure the safety of the citizens of the United States.

http://time.com/3617511/ebola-liberia-us-general/

Race & Identity in Latin American Revolutions and Today

Race and identity were factors in the Mexican Revolution and continue to be factors in the United States today.

The Mexican Revolution began with the famous speech delivered by Father Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic Priest. The speech, known as the “Grito de Delores” or “Cry of Delores”, which called for the end of the three hundred years of Spanish rule in Mexico, redistribution of land, and racial equality. Hidalgo was eventually defeated, captured and executed. His attempt at revolution sparked many more peasant uprisings, such as José María Morelos. In 1820 liberals took power in Spain, promising to appease the Mexican Revolutionaries. In 1821 Agustín de Iturbide, the leader of the loyalist forces, negotiated the Plan of Iguala. Under the plan, Mexicans of Spanish descent would be seen as equal to pure Spaniards, but Mexicans of mixed or pure Indian blood would have lesser rights. Another racial divide was created by only certain ethnic groups supporting leaders. Hidalgo was supported by Indians and Mestizos, but not by the Creoles. If Hidalgo was successful in his revolution the Creoles would have equal rights with Indians and Mestizos, and the Creoles did not want that.

The current event I chose to find an article on is racial profiling. The article, by Robert King, “Racial Profiling Reaches Up Social Ladder, too”, discusses personal stories from people of color and their encounters with law enforcement. Reverend Theron Williams recalls taking his Corvette out for a drive in Indianapolis and being stopped three times by separate officers. The officers checked whether the car was stolen, cautioned him on his speed and asked him if he had taken part in any afternoon drinking. He drove home without a ticket, believing that his only crime was being a black man driving an expensive car. Williams tells Robert King, “It is just part of the black experience, it just happens when you are African-American.” It is unfair and unacceptable that people of color have to experience any racial profiling. Amp Harris, a promoter handling events for celebrities such as Jay Z and 50 Cent, was pulled over on suspicion of driving a stolen car. He was not driving a stolen car. Harris said that he “wouldn’t dare” be on a dark street to let a cop pull him over. He would have them follow him onto a main street because, “You just don’t know nowadays.” No human being should have to feel in danger near a police officer, someone who is meant to protect them.

I believe that race does continue to affect politics. Someone’s attitude towards a certain race can affect how they vote. For example: A person of color is running for mayor, or governor, and that person has good ideas on how to help the economy, the environment, and the town or state as a whole. But, this person will lose voters based solely on the fact that he or she does not have white skin.

Race continues to be an influence even hundreds of years after the Mexican Revolution.

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2014/11/22/racial-profiling-reaches-social-ladder/19428725/