LAD#31- Wilson's 14 Points

Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points January 8, 1918

In Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points, he starts out by discussing Russia's plan for a peace agreement from the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. He then continues by saying that the main cause of WWI and the people that should be punished for the war are Germany and her allies. The United States has different views on how the countries involved in WWI should come to a peace agreement. Wilson's first point is that there should always be diplomacy between world powers. He then pleas for freedom of the seas in times of peace and war. He asks for the removal of all economic barriers and the establishment of equal and fair trade between all nations. He asks for a free and impartial adjustment of all the imperialist claims. He demands the evacuation of all Russian, French and Belgian territory. For land, he continues by requesting a readjustment of the frontiers of Italy. He asks for freedom for the people of Austria-Hungary. He wants Rumania, Serbia, and Montenegro to be evacuated and that all occupied territories be restored. He asks that Turkey and Poland have their own independence and sovereignty. His most famous and final point is his request for an association, or League of Nations to promote mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial rights to all countries, not just the world powers.

LAD#30- Schenck v. United States

Schenck v. United States

During World War I, Schenck mailed letters to draftees telling them that the draft was a monstrous thing and that the draftees should not "submit to the intimidation."Schenck continued to oppose the draft by protesting the Conscription Act. The main question that arose in his trial was "Are Schenck's words protected by the free speech clause of the 1st Amendment?" This became a difficult question because that freedom of speech clause said the freedom of speech is allowed unless it is libelous or harmful. Holmes, the lawyer on this case, determined that Schenck was not protected in this situation. Holmes references a "clear and present danger" in his final decision when discussing Schenck's actions. Schenck's actions were a danger to the United States do to the fact that he was trying to persuade people to not do their duty as an American citizen by honoring their country. Holmes felt that Congress has the right to dissuade Schenck's evil.

LAD#29- Keating-Owen Child Labor Act

Keating-Owen Child Labor Act

The Keating-Owen Bill banned the sale of products from any factory that employed children under the age of 14, from any mine that employed children under the age of 16, and from any facility where children under the age of 16 worked at night or more than 8 hours a day. This bill was passed by Woodrow Wilson. However, due to judicial review, it was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court due to the fact that is allowed the government to control interstate trade. This bill took an interesting way of handling the child labor effort. It didn't do anything for the rights of children, but it did hurt the companies that had children laborers, ultimately leading to rights for the kids.

LAD#28-Wilson's First Inaugural Address

Wilson's First Inaugural Address

To start his inaugural address, Woodrow Wilson discusses that he is the first Democratic president in 15 years so the country will experience a change. This new Party that is now ruling the country will bring about change. People will have to let go off their usual habits and start to accept new ways. He continues by complimenting the United States Government and discussing the legacy that has been set since the 18th century. I like his phrase, "But the evil has come with the good, and much fine gold has been corroded." This phrase discusses the Gilded Age and how the gold has been corroded and it isn't so shiny anymore due to the corruption that has occurred. Another great phrase that he says is, "With the great Government went many deep secret things which we too long delayed to look into and scrutinize with candid, fearless eyes. The great Government we loved has too often been made use of for private and selfish purposes, and those who used it had forgotten the people." This is a valid summary of the time of corruption and laissez-faire capitalism that the United States experienced. By saying this, Wilson is acknowledging that the corruption existed but he will not let that happen. Wilson continues to astutely describe the way of life, government, and economy in America during this time. He talks about Industrialism and Big Business and then continues by talking about the currency system. 

LAD#27- Clayton Antitrust Act

Clayton Antitrust Act

The Clayton Antitrust Act was an act that was passed to supplement other laws that went against monopolies. This act made it so that any person engaged in commerce cannot discriminate in prices against specific buyers who are intentionally discriminating so that they can lessen the competition or attempt to create a monopoly. No company can prevent specific buyers from buying its goods. And lastly, no corporation engaged in commerce can get any stock that is in the same type of commerce.