LAD 30: Brown vs. Board of Education

Schools were segregated by race. However, the schools of the blacks were not as great as the whites. Linda Brown, an elementary student had to walk a great distance to get two her black school when there was a perfectly good white school around the corner. When the principal of the white school refused to enroll Linda, Mr. Brown asked the NAACP for help. Eager to challenge segregation, the NAACP and the Brown's took the Board of Education to trial. They argued that the segregation of schools sent a mixed message of inferiority to whites to the black children. The schools argued that the segregation was preparing them for their adulthood filled with segregation. Brown and the NAACP appealed their case to the Supreme Court and the final ruling declared that the segregation of schools was unconsitutional. While several other institutions like resteraunts remained segregated.

LAD 29: Truman Doctrine

The Truman Doctrine is concerning the aftermath of World War II in the Balkan States. Greece and Turkey both asked the United States for financial aid, as their nations crumbled under the economic and political pressures of the post-World War II world. President Truman asked Congress to not forget the need of these nations, after several requests from both governments for financial and also military aid. He stated, “I do not believe that the American people and the Congress wish to turn a deaf ear to the appeal of the Greek Government.” Truman’s main concern, however, was to keep Turkey and Greece free states, which would certainly change if their economies were completely devastated. Truman asked Congress to supply both nations with financial aid, but also military support, since Greece’s army was small and unequipped. Although Britain had been previously aiding Turkey, they were lacking in funds as well, and were in need of support from the United States, who was essentially the only nation capable of delivering such aid besides the Soviet Union. Truman ends by stating how this is a huge responsibility for Congress.

LAD#28:FDR 1st Innaugural Speech

FDR started by promising his sincerity in the current American situation. FDR started off his presidency in a time of depression and economic downfall. FDR later stated it was his goal to put people back to work, which will ultimately bring the nation back on its feet. He also stated that the land must be used in a proper way and most efficiently under the supervision of the correct people. He also proposed a "strict supervision of all banking and credits and investments." He was looking to find an "end to speculation with other people's money." He also mentioned his foreign policy tactics of being the "good neighbor," by respecting themselves and other nations.

LAD #27: Kellogg-Briand Pact 1928

This document dealt with the building up of arms of nations throughout the world. The United States and other world powers consisting of Germany, New Zealand, Japan, Italy, France, England, and others outlawed the use of war as a "political weapon." The treaty left room for future world powers to sign, in order to prevent war. The treaty left the United States in charge of, "telegraphically to notify such Government immediately upon the deposit with it of each instrument of ratification or adherence." They concluded by the nations agreeing and signing that they were against using war to settle international controversies, but only by "pacific means."

LAD# 26: Schenk v US

The document was dealing with the prosecution of individuals under the Espionage Act of 1917. The court case dealt with the constitutionality of the the act, yet Supreme Justice Holmes said that the documents and prosecuting evidence found under a search warrant were perfectly legal, stating that individuals went beyond their freedom of speech upheld by the Bill of Rights. They basically stated that things you say normally that are protected by the first amendment are not protected when it is in circumstances that "create clear and present danger," and therefore Congress has the right to prevent it.