Abraham Lincoln
He saved the Union and freed the slaves.
Lincoln's election in 1860 was the most immediate cause of the Civil War. As president, his leadership would guide the Union to Victory in the Civil War. He helped create the National Banking System for wartime purposes (which lasted until Wilson's time), as well as spurring wartime industry. Also, he would spearhead the successful effort to end slavery in the United States with the Emancipation Proclamation and later the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Finally, he essentially founded the Republican party that continues today. Multiple polls rank him among the greatest presidents in United States History, including Mr. Morrow's favorite, Arthur Schlesinger (Schlesinger Sr. conducted a scholarly in 1948, while Schlesinger Jr. did one in 1996). Andrew Jackson
His victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 would secure the young nation. He would later become president and found the Democratic Party. As president, he would have a huge influence on the country and the executive branch of government. Jackson resolved the Nullification Crisis by amending the Tariff of Abominations and exercising federal power against South Carolina. Jackson's name has been associated with Jacksonian democracy or the spread of democracy in terms of the passing of political power from established elites to ordinary voters based in political parties.
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan was arguably the most influential conservative of the 20th century. He swayed borderline voters in 1980 and 1984 to his side by calling them "Reagan Democrats". He had been a TV star before running so that put him on a whole other level from his opponents due to his popularity. He started off being a democrat but as time went on he dug deeper and made the transition to being a republican. His policy of Reaganomics helped a lot of Americans prosper throughout the 80s. His patience and poise helped America safely come out of the Cold War as a winner over the then Soviet Union. He was an icon for American prosperity and helped make America great again. He was the fuel that ignited the revival of right wing politics. He had the gusto to draw in independents and he won both of his elections by landslide numbers. He also helped California as its governor prosper. Reagan today still stands as the ideal model for a modern day conservative. Even his opponents (many liberals and progressives today) are forced to acknowledge his undying influence on U.S. politics and life today.
Albert Einstein
One of the greatest, if not the single greatest physicists of all time. His theory of relativity revolutionized the way humans think about space, time, and the universe. His other famous fields of study include mass-energy equivalence (E=mc2, the most famous equation in the history of the world), the first mathematical proof of the atom's existence, and the photoelectric effect, crucial in the understanding of quantum theory (for which he would win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921). Finally, his letter to President Roosevelt in 1939 spoke of the possibility of nuclear weapons and recommended the Manhattan Project, which would lead to the hugely influential atomic bomb.
Henry FordThe first to widely used the automated assembly line, Henry Ford's innovation ushered in a new age of transportation. The usage of the assembly line increased the efficiency of workers, allowing prices to decrease, production increase, and increased wages. The model T, the first of the cars produced under the Ford Motor company, cost only 825 dollars ( 21,730 today). This low price allowed the average worker to purchase one, leading to 26 million motor vehicles being registered by 1929. This was 1 car per every 4.9 Americans, far more then anywhere else on the world. In addition to producing affordable automobiles, Ford paid his works fair wages. Those working at the Ford Motor company would earn $5 dollars a day ($120 today), significantly better than the average wage per day, at the time. The innovation of Ford was one of the largest factors in shaping America as it is today. By making the automobile so affordable and wages high, he set a standard that allowed the average American a new level of prosperity and freedom that they never had before.
Thomas Jefferson
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His words "all men are created equal" in the Declaration of Independence would set the lofty goals for the new Republic and inspire generations of activists. As the third president, Thomas Jefferson would also have a huge impact on history. He led the Democratic-Republican party in opposition to the Federalists, paving the way for the modern two-party system. He championed both states' rights (as in the Virginia Resolution), which would contribute to the lead-up to of the Civil War, and individual liberties (as in the Bill of Rights). His vision of agrarian democracy with liberty for all would inspire many generations of Americans to come. Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States and the Supreme Allied Commander in World War II was chosen for our slate as he won the War for the Allies, was a major advocate for the desegregation of the armed forces and also signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which included a number of important provisions for the protection of voting rights.
During his presidency, Eisenhower also decided to initiate a proposal of disarmament with the Soviet Union after they tested a Hydrogen bomb for the first time and also during his presidency he signed legislation that provided additional benefits to the American people such as the expansion of social security and an increased minimum wage.
He also saw the creation of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and supported government construction of low-income housing.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Beecher Stowe's influence came with her book, Uncle Tom's Cabin. The book not only supported the abolitionist movement but also advanced women's rights. The story helped women have a larger role in public affairs. Uncle Tom's Cabin was also one of the few antislavery books to succeed; the book sold 300,000 copies in just its first year! Uncle Tom's Cabin depicted the immoral nature of chattel slavery in the lower and upper souths. The story also linked ironies between the religious, social, and legal white apologists. Overall, Harriet Beecher Stowe helped advance the role of women and aided the fight against slavery.
W.E.B DuBois
Born in Massachusetts, W.E.B DuBois was a vital part of the black civil rights movement. Being one of the co-founders of the National Association for the Advanced Colored People, he later initiated the Niagara Movement. This group focused on obtaining equal rights for equal and individual rights for the intellectual black elite. The opposed the Atlanta Compromise, created by Booker T. Washington, which states that blacks must live under white rule and code. DuBois strongly opposed racism as a whole and went against; lynching, Jay Crow Laws, discrimination, etc. DuBois also helped form Pan-African Congresses and when the Civil Rights act was being created, many of DuBois' ideas were used to embody the act. Dubois was the most influential Civil Rights American.Jefferson Davis
Albert Einstein was a very smart man and yes made a margin modern physics, yes. But Einstein may be a cause for the Cold War by the facts you give. After all, you do claim that he suggested the Atomic Bomb to FDR. An Atomic Bomb that although, ended a war, killed hundreds of thousands Japanese People, it also may have been main proponent of the cold war. This is all speculation, but if we are speculating about things they did, should they be considered the most influential?
ReplyDeleteEinstein's letter to FDR is not in the realm of speculation–its full text can be found online (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/truman-ein39/). Here are some highlights: "This new phenomenon [nuclear fission] would also lead to the construction of bombs, and it is conceivable -- though much less certain -- that extremely powerful bombs of a new type may thus be constructed. A single bomb of this type, carried by boat and exploded in a port, might very well destroy the whole port together with some of the surrounding territory"
DeleteAs you can see, there is no debating the fact that Einstein suggested that an atomic bomb could exist to FDR.
I am not speculating on the fact that he suggested to FDR to make the bomb, I know that he did do that and I trust that your group is presenting correct information. I'm just saying there is speculation to the fact that he is influential due to the fact he suggested something that killed hundreds of thousands of Japanese people and also could have led to the Cold War.
DeleteI'm confused–are you saying the atomic bomb wasn't influential?
DeleteAlso Andrew Jackson should not be considered influential. Jackson defied the Supreme Court Ruling made by John Marshall regarding Native Americans and then sent them on their Trail of Tears, so while he did amend the Tariff of Abominations, he also created another one. Plus if Jackson was so influential, how come he can't even stay on the 20 dollar bill?
ReplyDeleteTo copy a portion of my response to Brad's comment:
DeleteJackson was removed from the $20 Bill because of his actions regarding Native Americans. Controversial? Of course. Does this mean he wasn't hugely influential? Of course not. The decision was primarily concerned with the image we project through the figures on our currency, not with trying to put the most influential Americans on our money.
Well actually part of the project states that in order to be most influential that your candidate must also be admirable. So if Jackson is being removed due to his actions regarding native Americans, which were in fact, not admirable, I do believe that can be relevant.
DeleteJackson's actions with regard to Native Americans were an unfortunate result of the times rather than the man's character–in many cases, the alternative to removal in certain areas was prolonged violence between settlers and natives. Jackson had no easy option, and he chose to prevent future suffering by an unfortunate removal rather than let both Native Americans and American settlers suffer over the long term.
DeleteThe reason, therefore, that Jackson was removed is that his actions reflect a painful time in our country's history with no great solution. It's not that Jackson was not admirable
While the times were unfortunate, Jackson was known to be extremely unkind and cruel to Native Americans as well as a huge racist. He was named "Sharp Knife" by the Cherokees after he waged a brutal war with the tactics of killing women and children after the massacre of Indian fighters to ensure "complete extermination." There could have been so many other solutions to the Native American situation, and genocide should not have been the one chosen. The long lasting effects of Jacksons rulings on Native Americans and ultimate decision to commit genocide are horrible and still affect many people today as those who are descendants of Native Americans are socially discriminated against, have lower education and job rates, and are generally more focused in poverty. In addition, one of his main motives for the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears was to gain the land that the Indians occupied. Soon after he took the land, he then set out spaces for cotton plantations. Not only did he commit genocide, but he then set up the perfect land and environment for the enslavement of African Americans. The repercussions of Jackson's policies far surpass any reason why he should be considered influential. The only thing he influenced was the systematic extinction and destruction of Native Americans, which has ever since determined their general unfortunate fate.
DeleteThe statement that Jackson's goal was to commit genocide is completely inaccurate. He stated a "sincere and constant desire to observe toward the Indian tribes within our limits a just and liberal policy".
DeleteAllow me to elaborate on the situation in Georgia. The Georgia governor wrote "the Indians have neither been compelled to pay taxes nor perform any civic duties. The only operation of the laws since the extension of the jurisdiction of the State over them has been to protect them from injury by the punishment of crimes, & the removal of the whites who had been tempted into their Country by the attraction of the Gold Mines…". The current situation was unsustainable.
The quote "John Marshall has made his decision. Now let him enforce it" is a complete misquote from Jackson's opponents. His actual quote was “the decision of the supreme court has fell still born, and they find that it cannot coerce Georgia to yield its mandate.”. John Marshall's decision (to have the Cherokee Nation a non-sovereign state subject to none of Georgia's laws) was unenforceable, by anyone.
In 1830, the government lacked the resources to prevent white settlers from incurring into Cherokee lands (it would have required a large standing peacetime army)-so protecting the Cherokee nation was never a probable solution.
Some argue Jackson should have granted all Cherokees U.S. Citizenship. However, many wanted to maintain their traditional ways of life, including not paying taxes to a distant Washington government. This would have been met with immeasurable resistance.
In this time, every decision had to be made carefully, as the Union was still fragile. Removal was the most logical decision to prevent widespread suffering. Jackson's goal was not genocide-he believed that through removal the "Indians would escape certain annihilation and preserve their identity and culture". Finally, Jackson did not determine the state of the Native Americans- this was the logical result of technological difference and the attitudes of European settlers since Columbus.
Andrew Jackson doesn’t even come close to being one of America’s most influential individuals. Sure he was a war hero in the Battle of New Orleans, but Jackson’s atrocities are so great that his tenure as a general is insignificant. Jackson treated the Native Americans horribly. He forced them off of their homeland with the Indian Removal Act and even refused to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Worcester v. Georgia. This could be looked at as the roots of the imperial presidency, as he blatantly ignored John Marshall’s ruling and thus abusing presidential power. Also his action of refusal to cooperate with Marshall’s decision directly disregards his Constitutional duty to enforce the law. Jackson also started multiple wars with the natives such as the Black Hawk War, Second Seminole War, and the Second Creek War. Jackson corrupted to the government with his spoils system and giving jobs to people who supported him, regardless of their merit or credentials. And now we get to the Tariff of Abominations. With the tariff, Jackson single handedly ignited the flames of the Civil War. The tariff was a clear shot at the South’s economy and thus began the Nullification Crisis. Fast forward a couple years, the South secedes and then BOOM! Civil War breaks out. Thanks Jackson.
ReplyDeleteAnd to echo Sam’s earlier point, if Jackson was truly “the most influential american”, why would he be removed from the $20 bill?
You claim that Jackson laid the groundwork for the imperial presidency. Isn't that highly influential in history? So wouldn't that make him more influential, not less?
DeleteSimilar logic can be applied to most of your points–when you give Jackson credit for starting the Civil War and removing the natives, you acknowledge his influence (since both of those events, which you claim he caused, are hugely significant)
Jackson was removed from the $20 Bill because of his actions regarding Native Americans. Controversial? Of course. Does this mean he wasn't hugely influential? Of course not. The decision was primarily concerned with the image we project through the figures on our currency, not with trying to put the most influential Americans on our money.
With your logic that Jackson should be acknowledged as influential for his role in the Nullification Crisis and his treatment of natives, shouldn't he be considered a villain rather than someone we should celebrate?
DeleteWith regard to the Nullification Crisis, Jackson's actions reaffirmed the supremacy of the national government and preserved the Union (until the Civil War, when Lincoln would again save the Union)
DeleteJackson's actions with regard to Native Americans were an unfortunate result of the times rather than the man's character–in many cases, the alternative to removal in certain areas was prolonged violence between settlers and natives. Jackson had no easy option, and he chose to prevent future suffering by an unfortunate removal rather than let both Native Americans and American settlers suffer over the long term.
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ReplyDeleteAlso you guys stated that Jackson resolved the Nullification Crisis by amending the Tariff of Abominations. Jackson himself started the Crisis by creating the tariff. Therefore, you are stating that Jackson is influential because he put out the fire that he started....Your logic is flawed.
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ReplyDeleteYou choose to honor Henry Ford as admirable, however you fail to recognize or even acknowledge his incredible Anti-Semitic viewpoints and his Nazi-aligned political beliefs. Throughout the twenties Ford sponsored an incredibly anti-Semitic and racist newspaper known as the Dearborn Independent. Also Ford is acknowledged as having written "If fans wish to know the trouble with American baseball they have it in three words—too much Jew.",a moderately racist statement in itself. The largest Anti-Semitic article from the Dearborn Independent is quite literally called The International Jew, the World's Foremost Problem. Not to mention Ford is both the only American mentioned in Hitler's book/novel/manifesto Mein Kampf as well as the only American to recive the Grand Cross Of The German Eagle by Nazi Germany. Baldur von Schirach when on trial at the Nuremberg trials, he says his opinion on Jews was influenced almost entirely by The International Jew article, rather than any Nazi propoganda. I could go on and on but its 5 AM and I need to get some sleep. So overall, Ford despite his achievements does not deserve to be honored due to significant faults in his character, generally related to his staunch hatred of Jews.
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DeleteAlso, in terms of actual influence, his technologies helped the Allies defeat Nazi Germany–automobiles were used to transport goods and troops, and Ford's innovations in production allowed American manufacturing, a primary factor in victory, to expand greatly.
DeleteYes, Albert Einstein was a noteworthy scientist. However, his influence does not reach as many people as other influential individuals. For example, the empirical proofs of his theories show that his math is limited to a small range of applications. It is widely known that Einstein had the ability to predict physical nature, but this certain way was very shaky. He discovered the ability to impersonate the laws of nature in order to predict physical nature, but he still didn’t exactly know what those laws were. It sounds quite confusing in its explanation, but that just proves the shakiness of his ideas.
ReplyDeleteEinstein's theory of relativity accurately describes the behavior of matter from the smallest fundamental particle to the most massive galaxy- if that isn't a wide range of applications, I don't know what is. Einstein's work was based off a strong theoretical basis, so I don't know what you're talking about with "impersonating the laws of nature". To call Einstein's ideas "shaky" is a complete falsehood- the theory of relativity is one of the most soundly proven theories in history, and is anything but shaky.
DeleteI would like to make a few arguments about Eisenhower. Yes, he did make some significant marks on civil rights during his time. However, he originally was not focused at all on civil rights at the beginning of his term. In fact, he isn’t an admirable choice because he was not at all enthusiastic about the Brown Supreme Court decision of 1954. At the beginning of his term, he lacked the effort to help the racial violence in the South. Also, Eisenhower failed to help terminate the Civil War. In fact, he left the war even more threatening when he left office. Also, if he had tried to stop McCarthy’s influence on the nation, then the country would have arguably been way less crazed during this time. In addition, he stated that one of his goals was to help the farmer and get government out of agriculture, however he failed at assisting in any way. He also said he was going to moderate the Republican party and he didn’t do this either. I do believe Eisenhower was an important American, but he isn’t the most influential.
ReplyDeleteOf course Eisenhower failed to terminate the Civil War- it had been over for almost a hundred years by the time he took office.
DeleteEisenhower first took office in 1953, only six years after the cold war originally started. The cold war arguably ended in the 80's with the reformation of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union, which puts him first taking office almost 30 years before the end. Eisenhower was in no position to just flat out end the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union 30 years before the true end came int being. This is not to say that he didn't make any improvements to the world regarding the cold war however. Early in his presidency, Eisenhower saw the end of the Korean War, and even though the line dividing North and South Korea at the end of the war was almost identical to the dividing line at the beginning, South Korean, living conditions are infinitely better than those of North Korea and this feat would have been impossible without military aid from Eisenhower and the United States under him.
DeleteEisenhower first took office in 1953, only six years after the cold war originally started. The cold war arguably ended in the 80's with the reformation of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union, which puts him first taking office almost 30 years before the end. Eisenhower was in no position to just flat out end the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union 30 years before the true end came int being. This is not to say that he didn't make any improvements to the world regarding the cold war however. Early in his presidency, Eisenhower saw the end of the Korean War, and even though the line dividing North and South Korea at the end of the war was almost identical to the dividing line at the beginning, South Korean, living conditions are infinitely better than those of North Korea and this feat would have been impossible without military aid from Eisenhower and the United States under him.
DeleteAlthough your points are valid, there are several unmistakable failures of President Dwight D. Eisenhower which revokes him of the title of being the most influential American. Firstly, and most significantly, when Eisenhower left office, Cold War tensions had greatly increased. With the U-2 spy plane incident, all peace agreements, including a Paris Peace Conference that was planned for the following spring, were canceled. In addition, Eisenhower failed to condemn Joseph McCarthy and his investigations that affected the lives of many innocent people and the overall morale of the country. Eisenhower was too afraid that a personal confrontation would harm his Presidential position and thus allowed the Red Scare to spread throughout the country. For these reasons and several others such as what Annie mentioned above, President Eisenhower should not be titled the most influential American.
ReplyDeleteHarriet Beecher Stowe definitely was an influential human being in regards to abolition, yet in regards to advancing the rights of women she should not be considered the most influential. She is most famed for her piece Uncle Tom's Cabin which helped to point out the cruelties in slavery, yet was not meant to advance the women's movement. Her efforts did not help women to achieve any of the rights they were lacking at the time, such as the right to vote. While her efforts in the abolitionist movement are definitely noteworthy, and her accomplishments did set an example of women's capabilities, she is not to be credited as one of the most influential members of the feminist movement.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Caroline here. Stowe was quite influential in her involvement in the Civil War and in the popularization of abolitionism, but you guys chose her as your women's rights leader. Stowe was by no means a leader of the women's rights movement, her mind was set solely on the cause of abolitionism.
DeleteI too agree with Caroline. Stowe was very involved with the abolition movement, however she never defined herself as a feminist. She fought on the side of equality for blacks more than she ever did for the equality for women. In “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” she even relates one man's emotions over the issue of slavery as that “akin to the softness of a woman” on page 242. This is definitely anti feminist in the way that she reduces women to something weak and pitiful. Any true believer in women's rights would never depict women this way, instead they would show them as equally as strong as men.
DeleteI also agree with Caroline, A point was made about Stowe that she was the first important female author who would lead the way for future female authors, but that disrespects the legacies of female authors before her such as Frances Hodgson Burnett who wrote The Secret Garden, a beloved children's classic that is still admired today along with many other female writers.
Delete@sarah Frances Hodgson Burnett lived from 1849-1924, The Secret Garden was published in 1911, while Uncle Tom's Cabin was published in 1852. When you claim Frances Hodgson Burnett came before Harriet Beecher Stowe, you are factually wrong.
DeleteTo generally respond to these accusations, it is true that Stowe did not speak out on behalf of women's rights. However, her book was hugely successful (second only to the Bible in the 19th century). For a woman to have that level of commercial success helped pave the way for future (still not before her) female writers like Frances Hodgson Burnett, as well as serving as an example of a woman succeeding in spite of her gender, setting an example for other women of the time. Even Lincoln was impressed with her, calling her the"little woman who wrote the book that started this great war". For the President to acknowledge her work's huge influence represents her powerful voice. Stowe essentially shattered the glass ceiling for women in the published literary landscape of America, setting an example for female writers, and all women who hoped to succeed.
I believe that Sarah understands that Burnett was born after Stowe, however that is not the point that she is making. Saying that Stowe is the most influential female author not only completely disregards all other important female authors who came before and after her, but is also completely off topic. The facts are that Stowe did not have any involvement in women's rights. She was a large part of the abolition movement, but we are arguing who the most influential leader was in the women's rights movements.
DeleteIn addition to not being outright feminist in nature, Stowe's book is surrounded by a cloud of controversy regarding the validity of its depiction of slavery. Many point out that Stowe's views of slavery were those of a white woman, not a black man. The book relies all too heavily on generalizations and stereotypes to get across Stowe's point. While Stowe's intent is good, the book further exacerbated negative views of the black man by reinforcing these stereotypes among its hundreds of thousands of readers. Though Stowe was perhaps an influential woman inspiration-wise, she was neither a woman's rights leader nor an activist, and on top of that, her work caused some major steps backward in a black movement for equality as well.
DeleteHow can you claim that a book which drew millions to the abolitionist cause was a step backwards in the movement for black equality?
DeleteFurthermore, we never claimed that Stowe was the most influential female author of all time. (As you say, this would discredit tens of other authors, like Burnett, who still came after) But she was for sure the foremost female author of her time, and by far the most successful female writer up to that point. Her success and widespread influence did more for the progress of women than others with outspoken feminist positions who failed to make an actual impact.
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Delete"Uncle Tom's Cabin which helped to point out the cruelties in slavery, yet was not meant to advance the women's movement."- Caroline P.
DeleteIt does not matter what Stowe meant to do. What you try to do never matters. It's what you DO do that matters. No one can argue that Stowe didn't create respect for women on an unprecedented scale because she did. The writing of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was the first time a woman had a major say in any national affair. And Stowe's opinions were respected and valued.
The first time a woman had a major say in any national affair?
DeleteWhat about the Seneca Falls Convention, in 1848, in which 100 participants sign the Declaration of Sentiments, or if that wasn't enough for you, the first National Women's Convention in Worcester, Massachusets, that had over 1000 women attend, held in 1850, still 2 years before the publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin.
You cite no examples of a single individual woman's voice speaking clearly and being heard by millions.
DeleteI'm sorry, you wanted names?
DeleteSusan B. Anthony
Lucy Stone
Sojourner Truth
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
All of these women worked hard to form nationally recognized organizations and publications, and were not only suffragists and successful in the women's movement but also abolitionists. Stowe's writings set women back and don't allow any female characters to stand within society, which doesn't progress the role of women any farther. The book influenced abolition and if Stowe had actually made an significant impact on the Women's movement, maybe they would have gotten the vote a little early than 50 year after? Other women's leaders and suffragist made an influence before Stowe and continued to work after her, and did more than just write a book.
(note: I know this was supposed to be posted at 6 but my entire computer crashed and I couldn't get online so choose to respond or not, I don't care either way)
I have to disagree on your opinion on Reagan, Reagan was not admirable in anyway shape or form. Reagan lied when he sold weapons to Iran and in return funded the contra rebels. He also said he was not going to, "Ronald Reagan told Americans in 1986, "We did not, I repeat, did not trade weapons or anything else [to Iran] for hostages, nor will we," four months before admitting that the U.S. had actually done what he had denied". Furthermore he did not balance the budget, he added 3 trillion dollars to the debt due to his exorbitant defense spending and the myth that lowering taxes increases revenue was proven false. Unemployment soared to 10.8 percent and income inequality jumped to new heights, the top 1%'s share of income rose from about 10% to almost 15%. The poor and middle class also took hits because while lowering income taxes, he increased payroll taxes which are only applicable to the first 61000 dollars of income and consequently the poor had more income taken away and the rich got richer.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Reagan did do important things to expand the economy, there is truth in that many of these new reforms ended up increasing the national debt. This lead to a trend of an accumulation of national debt in the United States, which is still continuing today. So, even though some of these reforms helped the economy, many carried negative effects with them.
DeleteJeffersons morals are very questionable, not only did he own slaves, but he also has sexual relations with his slaves, just saying
ReplyDeleteWell Zach Tom, Obama added 12 trillion so there's that. And you can't deny that Reagan added a whole new crop of people to side with the Republican Party.
ReplyDeleteBut John, couldn't you argue that the implementation of supply side economics leads to the fact that spending with a debt led to Obama having to spend that money, plus Obama inherited a recession in 2008 that required many bailouts. Also John how much do you think a wall is going to cost when Mexico ultimately won't be able to pay for it. Plus what is the cost-benefit there, when it's been proven that the amount undocumented immigrants working in America is actually leading to a stimulation in our economy. Adding money to debt only started with Reagan and unfortunately got worse from there, so your point about Obama could be moot due to the fact that the spending of the debt has trended to increase from administration to administration.
DeleteJohn I think you meant to reply to Zachs comment, not make a new one
DeleteWell Sam, Reagan firmly stood by his beliefs and wasn't shaky like Obama. He cut taxes, increased defense spending, negotiated a nuclear arms reduction agreement with the Soviets and is credited with helping to bring a quicker end to the Cold War. Reagan, who survived a 1981 assassination attempt, still advocated for the 2nd amendment to be protected. He had to increase his defense spending so the Cold War could finally come to an end.
DeleteAll that is irrelevant to what we were talking about, now you're just dishing on Obama. You're really now saying that Reagan is influential because he is better than Obama, and judging on what you think about the Obama administration (A very poor one in your opinion), it doesn't take much to be better than that in your eyes. So really you've just given a bad value for Reagan making him even less influential.
DeleteHe cut taxes that is fact. And I'm also saying he did what he had to do to end the Cold War quicker. He dished out an era of prosperity that hasn't been matched by the following presidents.
DeleteSo let that sink in
DeleteYou're still comparing him to an administration that in your eyes was not strong. So really you're just saying Reagan was better than someone who wasn't very good which isn't super strong of an argument.
DeleteSo let that sink in
DeleteHas it sunk in yet?
DeleteJefferson Davis is merely a poor-mans Aaron Burr, he simply followed in Burr's footsteps. Are we really going to say that a copycat is the most influential American?
ReplyDeleteBurr didn't even form a new nation- he failed. How can a failure be counted as a significant villain? Davis actually succeeded
DeleteAaron Burr killed Hamilton in a duel, thats quite influential. Burr strutted around with a pistol on his hip, challenging people to duels, I would consider that to be much more villainous than a guy who sat behind a desk and ran a country.
DeleteDavis also didn't form a new nation either, he was the chosen leader of the confederacy, but he was not very influential in the formation of the country.
Additionally, Jefferson Davis cannot be credited as the catalyst that set off the civil war. So his influence on the confederacy is very limited. He did not want to become president of the confederacy but rather he had hoped for a military command. He was only inaugurated because the confederate congress thought he was a compromise candidate that would appease the moderate and radical factions in the congress. So in conclusion Jefferson Davis cannot be credited as an influential villain.
DeleteTo add on the comments already discussed about Jackson, we simply can't regard him as an influential American due to his utter disregard for other ethnicities and groups. I understand that at the time period leaders did not exactly help or aid Native Americans in any way, although, Jackson made it his personal responsibility to make sure that he got rid of every Native American standing in his path. He did this by ignoring the courts decision made in Worcester vs. Virginia, that granted the Natives the right to stay on the Georgia land, and instead displaced them from the land, killing over 4,000 cherokee Indians. Along with Native Americans, Jackson demonstrated his cruelty to his many slaves by being especially ruthful and brutal to them. How can we even say that Jackson is an influential American - he treated so many with such brutality.
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