True to Their Word

Anthony FitzpatrickThe American Institute for History Education

Important

• This power point presentation is for educational purposes. It may contain copyrighted material. Please do not post, redistribute or copy without the permission of the American Institute for History Education.

Using State of the Unions and Inaugural Addresses in your

classroom• These speeches are

excellent ways of inserting artificial benchmarks in history to provide peeks into the goals and vision of the United States of America.

• 2 places to look:• The Miller Center for

Public Affairs.• The American

Presidency Project

Why Inaugurals and State of the Unions?

• They happen (usually) regardless of history.

• Other speeches have historical reasons for their occurrence. While they can be used, we want a bird’s eye view of history – popping in the see how things are doing.

• It’s an EXCELLENT way for students to become less chronologically impaired without constantly memorizing dates. (more analytic than rote.)

Do I use this to teach the obscure?

• Not really. I can be modified to do so.• The reason I LOVE this resource is because it

can introduce the BIG HISTORY that I know I’ll cover.

• I go into my curriculum and figure out what events are BIG, then I go look in the speeches to see if there is an interesting comment.

WARNING• This activity is not used to portray

Presidents as liars or deceptive figures.– It is designed to allow their speeches to

serve as windows into administrative aspirations; the tone and mood of the American people; and the various challenges that government faces in enacting their plans.

Here’s how to start . . .• Begin with the broad topic that

you’d like to cover – American prosperity, war, economic troubles, significant social movements.

• Then pick the speeches during and around the events so that you get a sense of where the country was.

• You can examine foreshadowing, or a lack of seeing what is coming.

• Once you pinpoint a speech, take a look outward about 3 years to see how the world was before and after.

WARNINGBefore Woodrow Wilson; the State of the Union Messages are basically procedural. They are not the same type of speeches that we hear today.

YES – THAT MEANS BORING

And stay away from William Henry Harrison!

We all know the story of the inauguration and the rain and the death – but go ahead – try to live through the speech. I dare you.

The Federalist Era

March 4, 1801• During the contest of opinion through which we have

passed the animation of discussions and of exertions has sometimes worn an aspect which might impose on strangers unused to think freely and to speak and to write what they think; but this being now decided by the voice of the nation, announced according to the rules of the Constitution, all will, of course, arrange themselves under the will of the law, and unite in common efforts for the common good. All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression. Let us, then, fellow-citizens, unite with one heart and one mind.

Boo to Partisanship?

Thomas Jefferson March 4, 1801• But every difference of opinion is not a difference of

principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.

• What are the historical roots for such a statement?

• What are the events we can have our students look for in order place context and causation into their historical thinking?

Thomas Jefferson Virginia Democratic-Republican 73 52.9%

Aaron Burr New York Democratic-Republican 73 52.9%

John Adams Massachusetts Federalist 65 47.1%

Charles Pinckney South Carolina Federalist 64 46.4%

John Jay New York Federalist 1 0.7%

Tinkering with how we elect Presidents and Vice-Presidents.

The election of 1800.

Another supporting image :

What a difference 4 years makes!James Madison – March 4, 1809

• Under the benign influence of our republican institutions, and the maintenance of peace with all nations whilst so many of them were engaged in bloody and wasteful wars, the fruits of a just policy were enjoyed in an unrivaled growth of our faculties and resources. Proofs of this were seen in the improvements of agriculture, in the successful enterprises of commerce, in the progress of manufacturers and useful arts, in the increase of the public revenue and the use made of it in reducing the public debt, and in the valuable works and establishments everywhere multiplying over the face of our land.

James Madison – March 4, 1813

• On the issue of the war are staked our national sovereignty on the high seas and the security of an important class of citizens, whose occupations give the proper value to those of every other class. Not to contend for such a stake is to surrender our equality with other powers on the element common to all and to violate the sacred title which every member of the society has to its protection.

So . . .

• How about teaching the War of 1812 with a human voice instead of the typical introduction?– Look at causes and historical significance through

the speech to give students a research topic.

James Monroe – Inaugural Address 3/4/1817How does he view the American people? Are we True to his word?

• The Government has been in the hands of the people. To the people, therefore, and to the faithful and able depositaries of their trust is the credit due. Had the people of the United States been educated in different principles, had they been less intelligent, less independent, or less virtuous, can it be believed that we should have maintained the same steady and consistent career or been blessed with the same success? While, then, the constituent body retains its present sound and healthful state everything will be safe. They will choose competent and faithful representatives for every department. It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising the sovereignty. Usurpation is then an easy attainment, and an usurper soon found. The people themselves become the willing instruments of their own debasement and ruin. Let us, then, look to the great cause, and endeavor to preserve it in full force. Let us by all wise and constitutional measures promote intelligence among the people as the best means of preserving our liberties.

We all know the Monroe Doctrine:

• Well – look at his 7th Annual Message to Congress (1823)– The Four Principles are in that address.

• Future Colonization by Any European Powers• Neutrality• The Political System of the Allied Powers is Essentially

different. (highlighting the similarity of our political condition and the difference with Europe.

• The consequences of Europe not respecting the three above principles.

Andrew Jackson 3/4/1829

• It will be my sincere and constant desire to observe toward the Indian tribes within our limits a just and liberal policy, and to give that humane and considerate attention to their rights and their wants which is consistent with the habits of our Government and the feelings of our people.

Have students compare the words with the picture!

FASCINATING indeed!

Andrew Jackson’s Second State of the Union (1830)

• It gives me great pleasure to announce to Congress that the benevolent policy of the Government, in relation to the removal of the Indians beyond the white settlements is approaching a happy consummation.

• The consequences of a speedy removal will be important to the United States, to the individual states, and to the Indians themselves.

• It will relieve the whole state of Mississippi and the western part of Alabama of Indian occupancy, and enable those states to advance rapidly in wealth and power.

WOW

• That second State of the Union is INCREDIBLE!

And• Cherokee Nation v. Georgia - The Cherokee

Nation sued the State of Georgia for passing laws and enacting policies that not only limited their sovereignty, but which were forbidden in the Constitution. The Court's decision proclaimed that Indians were neither US citizens, nor independent nations, but rather were "domestic dependent nations" whose relationship to the US "resembles that of a ward to his guardian." In this case, the federal trust responsibility was discussed for the first time.

Andrew Jackson December 5, 1936

• The known desire of the Texans to become a part of our system, although its gratification depends upon the reconcilement of various and conflicting interests, necessarily a work of time and uncertain in itself, is calculated to expose our conduct to misconstruction in the eyes of the world. There are already those who, indifferent to principle themselves and prone to suspect the want of it in others, charge us with ambitious designs and insidious policy.

So – On to 1950Anyone venture to guess who this is?

Abigail Fillmore

• Millard Fillmore established the White House library – and due to her frail health, Abigail spent most of her time selecting books for that library.

– You really need to check out our currency. Such great history!!

Millard Fillmore First Annual MessageDecember 2, 1850

• The annexation of Texas and the acquisition of California and New Mexico have given increased importance to our Indian relations. The various tribes brought under our jurisdiction by these enlargements of our boundaries are estimated to embrace a population of 124,000. Texas and New Mexico are surrounded by powerful tribes of Indians, who are a source of constant terror and annoyance to the inhabitants. Separating into small predatory bands, and always mounted, they overrun the country, devastating farms, destroying crops, driving off whole herds of cattle, and occasionally murdering the inhabitants or carrying them into captivity. The great roads leading into the country are infested with them, whereby traveling is rendered extremely dangerous and immigration is almost entirely arrested. The Mexican frontier, which by the eleventh article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo we are bound to protect against the Indians within our border, is exposed to these incursions equally with our own. The military force stationed in that country, although forming a large proportion of the Army, is represented as entirely inadequate to our own protection and the fulfillment of our treaty stipulations with Mexico. The principal deficiency is in cavalry, and I recommend that Congress should, at as early a period as practicable, provide for the raising of one or more regiments of mounted men.

James Buchanan: Inaugural AddressMarch 4, 1857

• What a happy conception, then, was it for Congress to apply this simple rule, that the will of the majority shall govern, to the settlement of the question of domestic slavery in the Territories. Congress is neither "to legislate slavery into any Territory or State nor to exclude it therefrom, but to leave the people thereof perfectly free to form and regulate their domestic institutions in their own way, subject only to the Constitution of the United States."

• As a natural consequence, Congress has also prescribed that when the Territory of Kansas shall be admitted as a State it "shall be received into the Union with or without slavery, as their constitution may prescribe at the time of their admission."

• A difference of opinion has arisen in regard to the point of time when the people of a Territory shall decide this question for themselves.

• This is, happily, a matter of but little practical importance. Besides, it is a judicial question, which legitimately belongs to the Supreme Court of the United States, before whom it is now pending, and will, it is understood, be speedily and finally settled.

Dred Scott v. Sanford• On March 6, 1857, Chief Justice Roger B.

Taney delivered the explosive majority opinion. Taney ruled that:

• Any person descended from Africans, whether slave or free, is not a citizen of the United States, according to the Declaration of Independence.

• The Ordinance of 1787 could not confer either freedom or citizenship within the Northwest Territory to non-white individuals.

• The provisions of the Act of 1820, known as the Missouri Compromise, were voided as a legislative act, since the act exceeded the powers of Congress, insofar as it attempted to exclude slavery and impart freedom and citizenship to non-white persons in the northern part of the Louisiana Purchase.

Typically -

• In the early 1860s – we are covering the Civil War. BUT – if I look at Abraham Lincoln’s State of the Union Addresses – he devotes a significant amount of time to Native Americans – and yes – a ton in 1862.

Ulysses S. Grant: First Inaugural AddressMarch 4, 1869

• The proper treatment of the original occupants of this land – the Indians – is deserving of careful study. I will favor any course toward them which tends to their civilization and ultimate citizenship.

Ulysses S. Grant: Second Inaugural AddressMarch 4, 1873

• …and, by a humane course, to bring the aborigines of the country under the benign influences of education and civilization. It is either this or war of extermination: Wars of extermination, engaged in by people pursuing commerce and all industrial pursuits, are expensive even against the weakest people, and are demoralizing and wicked. Our superiority of strength and advantages of civilization should make us lenient toward the Indian. The wrong inflicted upon him should be taken into account and the balance placed to his credit. The moral view of the question should be considered and the question asked, Can not the Indian be made a useful and productive member of society by proper teaching and treatment? If the effort is made in good faith, we will stand better before the civilized nations of the earth and in our own consciences for having made it.

Rutherford B. HayesFirst Annual Message December 3, 1877

• The report of the Secretary of War shows that the Army has been actively employed during the year, and has rendered very important service in suppressing hostilities in the Indian country and in preserving peace and protecting life and property in the interior as well as along the Mexican border. A long and arduous campaign has been prosecuted, with final complete success, against a portion of the Nez Perce' tribe of Indians. A full account of this campaign will be found in the report of the General of the Army. It will be seen that in its course several severe battles were fought, in which a number of gallant officers and men lost their lives. I join with the Secretary of War and the General of the Army in awarding to the officers and men employed in the long and toilsome pursuit and in the final capture of these Indians the honor and praise which are so justly their due.

The Chase of the Nez Perce• "Tell General Howard I know his heart.

What he told me before, I have it in my heart. I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed; Looking Glass is dead, Too-hul-hul-sote is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say yes or no. He who led on the young men is dead. It is cold, and we have no blankets; the little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have run away to the hills, and have no blankets, no food. No one knows where they are—perhaps freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children, and see how many of them I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."

Grover Cleveland: First Inaugural AddressMarch 4, 1885

• The conscience of the people demands that the Indians within our boundaries shall be fairly and honestly treated as wards of the Government and their education and civilization promoted with a view to their ultimate citizenship . . .

The Nation’s Ward1885Grant Hamilton

Prosperity: the hubris of prosperity

Silent Cal Bill Clinton

American ProsperityCalvin Coolidge Sixth Annual MessageDecember 4, 1928

• The country is in the midst of an era of prosperity more extensive and of peace more permanent than it has ever before experienced. But, having reached this position, we should not fail to comprehend that it can easily be lost. It needs more effort for its support than the less exalted places of the world. We shall not be permitted to take our case, but shall continue to be required to spend our days in unremitting toil. The actions of the Government must command the confidence of the country. Without this, our prosperity would be lost. We must extend to other countries the largest measure of generosity, moderation, and patience. In addition to dealing justly, we can well afford to walk humbly. The end of government is to keep open the opportunity for a more abundant life.

Bill Clinton, Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the UnionJanuary 27, 2000

• We are fortunate to be alive at this moment in history. Never before has our Nation enjoyed, at once, so much prosperity and social progress with so little internal crisis and so few external threats. Never before have we had such a blessed opportunity.

The Great Depression/ New Deal(Which I guess isn’t that new anymore)

Calvin CoolidgeSixth Annual Message

December 4, 1928

No Congress of the United States ever assembled, on surveying the state of the Union, has met with a more pleasing prospect than that which appears at the present time. In the domestic field there is tranquility and contentment, harmonious relations between management and wage earner, freedom from industrial strife, and the highest record of years of prosperity. In the foreign field there is peace, the good will which comes from mutual understanding, and the knowledge that the problems which a short time ago appeared so ominous are yielding to the touch of manifest friendship. The great wealth created by our enterprise and industry, and saved by our economy, has had the widest distribution among our own people, and has gone out in a steady stream to serve the charity and the business of the world. The requirements of existence have passed beyond the standard of necessity into the region of luxury. Enlarging production is consumed by an increasing demand at home and ail expanding commerce abroad. The country can regard the present with satisfaction and anticipate the future with optimism.

Anchor this speech to a large event

• What comes next? • Examine the events during the Coolidge

Administration that caused the Great Depression?– It is a human gateway into history.

The Stock Market Crash

• October, 1929– What do we know?

• What were the causes?• What were the immediate effects of the crash?

• I would ask my students some basic leading questions:– Around when did it occur?– Were there significant events before and after that we can

easily identify?– Who was the President OR are there any Presidents that you

associate with this event?

Herbert HooverState of the UnionDecember 3, 1929

Fortunately, the Federal reserve system had taken measures to strengthen the position against the day when speculation would break, which together with the strong position of the banks has carried the whole credit system through the crisis without impairment. The capital which has been hitherto absorbed in stock-market loans for speculative purposes is now returning to the normal channels of business. There has been no inflation in the prices of commodities; there has been no undue accumulation of goods, and foreign trade has expanded to a magnitude which exerts a steadying influence upon activity in industry and employment.

Well – If my students did some digging . . .

– In fact – the Dow Jones Industrial Average did see partial improvement in November and December; possibly accounting for a rosier outlook than we would have imagined with the gift of knowing what comes next!

A New Deal for Christmas?

Give FDR Goalpoasts:Franklin Delano Roosevelt1st Inaugural Address: 3/4/33

• Finally, in our progress, toward a resumption of work we require two safeguards against a return of the evils of the old order; there must be a strict supervision of all banking and credits and investments; there must be an end to speculation with other people’s money, and there must be a provision for an adequate but sound currency.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt2nd Inaugural Address: 1/20/37

• To hold to progress today, however, is more difficult. Dulled conscience, irresponsibility, and ruthless self-interest already reappear. Such symptoms of prosperity may become portents of disaster! Prosperity already rests the persistence of our progressive purpose. Let us ask again: Have we reached the goal of our vision of that fourth day of March 1933? Have we found our happy valley?

The New Deal• Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

– Helped unemployed young men 18 to 25 years old• Agriculture Adjustment Act (AAA)

– Helped farmers by paying them not to grow crops• National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA)

– Helped business by requiring that businesses in the same industry cooperate with each other to set prices and output

– Started Public Works Administration (PWA)– Labor received federal protection for the right to organize.

• Federal Securities Act – Helped investors, restored confidence in the markets

• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

– Helped build dams and other projects along the Tennessee River and its tributaries

Roosevelt launched the Second New Deal in the spring of 1935.

• Emergency Relief Appropriations Act – stopped direct payments to Americans in need

• Works Progress Administration (WPA) – largest peacetime jobs program in U.S. history

• Social Security - Provided guaranteed, regular payments for many people 65 and older Included a system of unemployment insurance

Just a quick note about his first administration:

• The State of the Union in 1935 is very short and concentrates almost solely on domestic issues.

• 1936 begins with a rather lengthy assessment of international affairs and then delves into domestic economic and employment policy.– Even without knowing the specifics – students can

figure out shifting priorities.

The “Spiral” of Uncertain TimesFranklin D. Roosevelt 3 - Annual Message to Congress on the State of the UnionJanuary 6, 1941

• The first phase of the invasion of this Hemisphere would not be the landing of regular troops. The necessary strategic points would be occupied by secret agents and their dupes- and great numbers of them are already here, and in Latin America.

• As long as the aggressor nations maintain the offensive, they-not we—will choose the time and the place and the method of their attack.

• That is why the future of all the American Republics is today in serious danger.

• That is why this Annual Message to the Congress is unique in our history.

George Bush, Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on Administration GoalsFebruary 27, 2001

• Our Nation also needs a clear strategy to confront the threats of the 21st century, threats that are more widespread and less certain. They range from terrorists who threaten with bombs to tyrants in rogue nations intent upon developing weapons of mass destruction. To protect our own people, our allies, and friends, we must develop and we must deploy effective missile defenses.

• A strong America is the world's best hope for peace and freedom.

Listen closely and pay attention to the date it was recorded!!!

HMMMM – Multimedia Addition

You can even compare a president within the term of office.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, State of the Union Address.January 6, 1942

Exactly one year ago today I said to this Congress: "When the dictators. . . are ready to make war upon us, they will not wait for an act of war on our part. . . . They—not we—will choose the time and the place and the method of their attack."

We now know their choice of the time: a peaceful Sunday morning— December 7, 1941.

We know their choice of the place: an American outpost in the Pacific.

We know their choice of the method: the method of Hitler himself.

Civil Rights

• But America stands for progress in human rights as well as economic affairs, and a strong America requires the assurance of full and equal rights to all its citizens, of any race or of any color. This administration has shown as never before how much could be done through the full use of Executive powers--through the enforcement of laws already passed by the Congress-through persuasion, negotiation, and litigation, to secure the constitutional rights.

John F. Kennedy Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union. January 11, 1962

Let’s dig . . .

• What is happening in American History with regard to Civil Rights when Kennedy is giving this speech?

• What is Kennedy saying about the relationship between the Executive and Legislative Branches?

Don’t find yourself in a Ford

Lincoln Kennedy

INSTEAD OF USING THE COINCIDENTAL SIMILARITIES – USE CONTENT!

Abraham LincolnFourth Annual Message December 6, 1864

• At the last session of Congress a proposed amendment of the Constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States passed the Senate, but failed for lack of the requisite two-thirds vote in the House of Representatives. Although the present is the same Congress and nearly the same members, and without questioning the wisdom or patriotism of those who stood in opposition, I venture to recommend the reconsideration and passage of the measure at the present session. Of course the abstract question is not changed; but in intervening election shows almost certainly that the next Congress will pass the measure if this does not. Hence there is only a question of time as to when the proposed amendment will go to the States for their action. And as it is to so go at all events, may we not agree that the sooner the better? It is not claimed that the election has imposed a duty on members to change their views or their votes any further than, as an additional element to be considered, their judgment may be affected by it. It is the voice of the people now for the first time heard upon the question.

Let’s ask the same questions.• What is happening in American History with

regard to “Civil Rights” when Lincoln is giving this speech?

• What is Lincoln saying about the relationship between the Executive and Legislative Branches?

What is similar and/or different?

No More Tears?Andrew JohnsonFirst Annual MessageDecember 4, 1865

• It is one of the greatest acts on record to have brought 4,000,000 people into freedom. The career of free industry must be fairly opened to them, and then their future prosperity and condition must, after all, rest mainly on themselves. If they fail, and so perish away, let us be careful that the failure shall not be attributable to any denial of justice. In all that relates to the destiny of the freedmen we need not be too anxious to read the future; many incidents which, from a speculative point of view, might raise alarm will quietly settle themselves. Now that slavery is at an end, or near its end, the greatness of its evil in the point of view of public economy becomes more and more apparent. Slavery was essentially a monopoly of labor, and as such locked the States where it prevailed against the incoming of free industry.

Lyndon B. JohnsonAnnual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union. January 8, 1964

• Let me make one principle of this administration abundantly clear: All of these increased opportunities--in employment, in education, in housing, and in every field-must be open to Americans of every color. As far as the writ of Federal law will run, we must abolish not some, but all racial discrimination. For this is not merely an economic issue, or a social, political, or international issue. It is a moral issue, and it must be met by the passage this session of the bill now pending in the House.

What about tracing Civil Rights chronologically?

• Truman• Eisenhower• Kennedy• Johnson• Use the Inaugurals and

State of the Unions around the passing of key legislation or events to get a sense of how things play out.

You can chronologically hook your students in!

What about a non-textual way?

Cartoon from December 19, 1929

Find a cartoon just before or after these speeches are given

• How are people reacting to the President and his policies?

• What are the pitfalls of using the cartoons?– (not to say don’t use them – but make sure the

students get the bias and all that good rich information fit for a top-notch discussion)

– You’ve seen examples of this subtly throughout the presentation.

Yes Virginia, there are videos!

• The Miller Center for Public Affairs (located at the University of Virginia) has amassed a TON of video and audio files of these speeches. Some with that neat bouncing ball technology– Inaugurals, State of the Unions, White House

Tapes, policy speeches, etc.– http://millercenter.org/scripps– Credit to Dr. Marc Selverstone for this incredible

resource.

What about Extension activites?

• The American Presidency Project also contains the Party Platforms:– Has the President remained true to the Party

Platform?– What is the position of the opposite party? Is

there compromise in the actual politics? Who, What, When, Where, Why? (How)

FURTHER EXTENSION

• How about matching a President’s Speeches to their Vetoes to see if they have held to their beliefs?

• Social History through Speeches: In contemporary speeches, guests have been highlighted. Ask students to find out about these people and do research into their ESP and link them to the trending American values.

How can we alter this strategy to fit our classrooms?

• Modifications are where it’s at!!!• A Textbook Scavenger Hunt• Elementary teachers?

– Handing your students a lengthy speech probably isn’t something that you’re going to do . . .

• Based on the Presidents you teach: – stick to the inaugurals.– Use excerpts and link them to the big-ticket events of the

presidency– What type of activities can we develop????

One last quote (just because it is SO wonderful)

• In each generation, with toil and tears, we have had to earn our heritage again. If we fail now then we will have forgotten in abundance what we learned in hardship: that democracy rests on faith, that freedom asks more than it gives, and the judgment of God is harshest on those who are most favored.

• If we succeed it will not be because of what we have, but it will be because of what we are; not because of what we own, but rather because of what we believe.

• For we are a nation of believers. Underneath the clamor of building and the rush of our day's pursuits, we are believers in justice and liberty and in our own union. We believe that every man must some day be free. And we believe in ourselves.

• And that is the mistake that our enemies have always made. In my lifetime, in depression and in war they have awaited our defeat. Each time, from the secret places of the American heart, came forth the faith that they could not see or that they could not even imagine. And it brought us victory. And it will again.

• For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground. Is our world gone? We say farewell. Is a new world coming? We welcome it, and we will bend it to the hopes Of man.

Inaugural Address (January 20, 1965)Lyndon Baines Johnson

Thank You!!!!

• Questions?• Comments?

afitzpatrick@aihe.info