Essay Sample on James Monroe's Seventh Annual Message to Congress

Introduction

James Monroe's seventh annual message to Congress, John O'Sullivan's annexation, Cherokee Chief John Ross message to Congress, Fredrick Douglass' 'War on Mexico and the extract of David Wilmot speech in Congress are an example of historical documents that hold a very high level of significance to the United States. James Monroe's seventh annual address to Congress talked about America's policies towards European powers. Then there is the letter from Chief John Ross to Congress as he complains about the rights of his people, Cherokee tribes of Indians, being taken away by the United States government. John Sullivan's annexation speech, on the other hand, was welcoming Texas to the Union and speaking about the impending annexation of California from Mexico by granting them independence. John Sullivan's annexation speech is directly comparable to Fredrick Douglass speech of War on Mexico. Douglas was opposed to America's war with Mexico and calling for the withdrawal of America's troops from Mexico. His speech is opposite to that of O'Sullivan. However, none of these documents is as controversial as David Wilmot's speech in Congress in 1847. The speech is controversial because of its racist remarks. All the five documents discussions touch on the themes of freedom and independence and human rights.

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James Monroe's seventh annual address to Congress connects to the theme of human rights by talking about the right of the United States and Russia to hold discussions about the North West coast of the Americas. In his speech, the then president discussed the issues of European conquest at length and talked about how America will handle matters relating to European powers. In his address, Monroe promised to stay out of European affairs provided the European powers to stay out of the Americas. According to Monroe, the United States is connected to the other countries in the hemisphere, and any attempt by European powers to extend their rule to the American continent will be considered as a direct threat to American independence. One can note that in his speech, Monroe is basing the freedom of the American population on the liberty and independence of the rest of the region. The statement alludes to the theme of freedom and autonomy by warning the European powers against making a move on any of the independent state in the American continent.

The theme of freedom as present in Monroe's speech resembles that of Cherokee Chief John Ross to Congress. The letter directly deals with the subject of freedom and independence by calling for the freedom of the Cherokee tribes of Indians. The speaker is outlining how the government has taken his people's independence and liberty away. The author says that they have been stripped every right of freedom and eligibility of legal self-defense. Also, the document relates to the theme of human rights by talking about how the Indians properties are plundered and violence committed against their people. The same issue of freedom and independence carries forward to O'Sullivan's speech. O'Sullivan was acknowledging the independence of Texas from Mexico. In that respect, the document directly delved into the theme of freedom and autonomy by talking about the sovereignty of Texas and the impending independence of California away from Mexico. The text also talks about the right of the people to govern themselves hence connecting to the theme of human rights.

Fredrick Douglas editorial of the war on Mexico continues with the theme of freedom and independence. However, unlike the previous document, this speech is critical of America's technique of conquering foreign lands in the name of freedom. The United States annexed Texas under the pretext of extending the area of freedom. The author does not think that it is the right thing to do because of the bloodshed associated with it. On the other hand, Douglas is also critical of the Democrats by accusing them of perpetuating the enslavement of the people of color. The document relates to the theme of human rights by criticizing the Democrats of curtailing the right to speech. The author is worried that by continuing with its war on Mexico, the United States is losing sight of its values of independence, freedom, and respect for human rights. Douglas speech is calling for the honor of freedom and human rights of not just the people of color, but also every human being. His editorial is different from that of David Wilmot who was calling for the freedom of the white man at the expense of the colored population. The document uses words such as 'rights' and 'free' which essentially connects it to the themes of freedom and human rights but in a negative way. Wilmot is advocating for the freedom of a section of the population, at the expense of the other.

Conclusion

The five documents show the controversial issues that plagued the United States in the mid-19th century. All five papers touch on the themes of human rights, freedom, and independence. James Monroe's address to Congress connects to the topic of human rights by discussing the right of America and Russia to hold talks about the North Western section of the continent. The statesman also touched on the topic of freedom and independence by asking western powers to respect the liberty and independence of the countries in the region. The document by Cherokee chief touched on the themes of freedom, independence, and human rights by discussing how the newly signed treaty violated their rights and took their freedom and independence away from them. O'Sullivan's magazine review talked about Texas and California's right to autonomy and freedom from Mexico. Finally, Douglas editorial was in direct reference to democrats violation of people's right to speech and denying the people of color their right to freedom and independence. His statement contradicted that of David Wilmot, which related to the themes of rights and freedom by talking about the right and freedom of the white man to hold slaves.