The 10 Point Assignment, Due by 11:59pm Monday August 29, 2011
1) Choose your favorite USA historical person of all time (historical means they were somebody before you were born) . . . the catch is that his or her first or last initial has to be the same as your first or last initial!
2) Think about why he or she is your favorite.
3) Find your favorite quote from that person (or at least attributed to him or her, even if he or she did not actually say it).
4) Follow these directions for full credit (10 points):
A. Go to the comment section for this post.
B. Give the person's name.
C. Explain why that person is your favorite historical figure . . . keep it clean!
D. Write that person's quote (put it in quotes!) . . . again with the keeping it clean!
E. Write your first name, last initial (only!), and your class period.
F. Use proper grammar, spelling, etc.
G. Make sure you go through the whole word verification process (typing the misshapen word).
H. MOST IMPORTANTLY, MAKE SURE YOUR CHOICE IS UNIQUE . . . FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED! Have a backup person just in case "great minds think alike."
Good Luck!
39 comments:
Jackie Robinson is not only a famous baseball player, but a strong figure for America to follow. He stood in many a stadium, facing taunts and racial slurs, and still triumphed as a U.S. hero. "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives," is a famous quote of his that inspired people, white or black, to make a difference. Jackie Robinson inspired Satchel Paige to get involved in the pro baseball league, which demonstrates the power of his actions. He did more than play baseball, he helped in the fight against racism in America.
Thomas Edison was a visionary of his time, many years ahead of his peers in his thinking. He faced a ton of adversity, but still invented the phonograph and the first video camera. "Many of life's failures are experienced by people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up," was a quote by him demonstrating his attitude towards professional trouble. He was a great American inventor, and inspired many more after him. His inventions left a staple in our society which still ripples through this day, in new innovators such as Steve Jobs. His impact will forever be remembered by all entrepreneurs and inventors.
Benjamin Franklin led the science evolution of his time and was one of the members of the Founding Fathers of the constitution. He came up with the government system that was the basis of our constitution today. The lightbulb and the lightning rod gives us light and protection in our sky scrapers. “I didn't fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong," was one of his famous quotes showing his determination at trying to complete something and not stop until he suceeds.
William Jefferson Clinton, better known as Bill Clinton, was one of the greatest presidents of all time. As a student he excelled and studied at some of the most dignified institutions in the country including Georgetown University and Yale University Law School. At 32 Clinton was elected governor of Arkansas making him the youngest governor in the history of the state. In 1993 he won the presidential race making him the 42nd president of the United States. Clinton's foreign policy and his stance on civil rights issues paved the way for his successful time in office. He once said,“we cannot build our own future without helping others to build theirs." Clinton's persistence and dedication to those he served made him an outstanding politician and person.
Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the greatest modern-day writers of all time. Among her many talents as a film director, author, lyricist, actress, and educator, her activities to spread the power of civil rights is what is truly inspiring. Her poem I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings sparked revelation in the minds and hearts of Americans everywhere, proving the magnitude of her words. Her independence to pursue the arts exemplifies her ability to achieve what no colored woman of her time had done before. “At fifteen, life had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice.” This quote tells that life is a battle and it is one that can be won; the proof being the success, grace, and intelligence of Maya Angelou.
From a more recent era that had affected many of our own parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, Henry Kissinger rises as a prominent and exemplary case of leadership and political science during the tumultuous late 1960’s, 1970’s and beyond. Being born in Germany and being a Jew during the tyrannical reign of Adolph Hitler and the rise of Semitism in Eastern Europe, Henry and his family thought it wise to escape to the United States in search of better life, but was met with many challenges along the way. Some twenty-six years after becoming a citizen, Kissinger took over as the Secretary of State in 1969, making some very admirable accomplishments in regards to American foreign policy. Kissinger is attributed to, among other things, enacting the cease fire in Vietnam through negotiations, lessening Soviet and United States conflict and tension, making the United States less “biased” in the foreign theater and opening channels of communication between the United States and China. For his commendable work, Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1973 as well as the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service. As noted by Henry Kissinger himself in one of his quotes, “A leader does not deserve the name unless he is willing occasionally to stand alone.” Kissinger did just that in order to maintain the status and best interests of the United States of America, even though it may not have been the most accepted or popular means. Henry Kissinger made his mark on the United States just as the United States made its mark on him many years ago.
Facts from: http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/henry-kissinger-16.php
James Madison, the 4th president of the United States, was fundamental in assisting the creation of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Louisiana Purchase. He served as president for 8 years and in that time handled the War of 1812 and admitted Indiana and Louisiana to the Union. "A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them." This was a famous quote of his that really demonstrates how he became so liked and was able to control the position of president for so long. In it, he is essentially saying that a man is entitled to his opinions and is judged on his communication of such opinions. James Madison was an excellent president and leader that helped create a foundation on which this country still stands today.
Abigail Adams rose at the end of the 18th century as one of the nation’s most intelligent and strong-willed women of her time. An activist for American rights,African-American rights,and most importantly, women’s rights, she tore up the White House with her determined actions and innovative thinking. Abigail Adams, both graceful and willful, gave women a voice during John Adam’s presidency, and during a time when many sharp, intellectual women may have otherwise been overlooked. Abigail spoke powerfully about her utmost desire to expand educational opportunities for women. She encouraged women not to fall victim to laws that did not have their best interest in mind, but to instead use their right of freedom of speech as an American to improve those laws to which women were not properly kept in mind. Abigail worked diligently to create more opportunities for women to have a place, a voice, an impact. She ignited a great passion within women of her time to achieve respect and independence just as equally as men. “We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.” This quote, spoken by Abigail, shows not only her goal of inspiring women to speak out about their rights, but to work for them, while exercising their rights as an American. A woman of poise, principle, and passion, Abigail Adams began for women what we today cannot imagine life without: equality.
Louisa May Alcott was a successful writer and is well known for writing the book Little Women; a story about four sisters that was published in 1868. She also wrote Little Men, Jo’s Boys which were childrens literature. Behind a Mask, A Woman's Power, Work: A Story of Experience, and A Modern Mephistopheles focused on self expression and women’s rights. During the Civil War she volunteered as a nurse at an army hospital in Washington D.C to promote women’s roles and her hatred for slavery. One of her quotes is “You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long, and the great charm of all power is modesty”. I like this quote because she’s telling people to stop showing off and just be modest and humble. She’s also saying that conceit is unattractive and can ruin everything. In this quote she also said that goodness and talent will be recognized so there’s no reason to fight for attention. I really admire authors because I would love to be one. Louisa May Alcott was an amazing author that touched many peoples’ lives. Lindsey G. 7th period
Information from http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/alco-lou.htm
Abraham Lincoln had a profound effect on the ideals of the nation. In a time when slavery and racism were commonplace, he came to believe that no matter the color of their flesh, all people are equal and should be treated as such. He took a divided nation and mended it, leading to the freedom of slaves and taking a big step towards total equality among human beings. "Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?" This quote sums up the belief he held that in a world that is so easily torn apart by human nature, two enemies should unite rather than have one destroy the other. He gave the American dream of freedom to people who had none, and he took a large step towards the nation we live in today.
EDIT: excuse me earlier posting, I had not written my class period in. Abraham Lincoln had a profound effect on the ideals of the nation. In a time when slavery and racism were commonplace, he came to believe that no matter the color of their flesh, all people are equal and should be treated as such. He took a divided nation and mended it, leading to the freedom of slaves and taking a big step towards total equality among human beings. "Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?" This quote sums up the belief he held that in a world that is so easily torn apart by human nature, two enemies should unite rather than have one destroy the other. He gave the American dream of freedom to people who had none, and he took a large step towards the nation we live in today.
Clara Barton is a highly honored American hero. Her praise is well deserved, Barton's life was dedicated to the helping of others. Her life as a humanitarian included nursing soldiers during the Civil War, a feat that was extremely dangerous. She had no prior nursing experience, but amazingly enough was able to operate on the wounded, even removing a bullet from a soldier's face. The foundation of American Red Cross, an organization still very alive today, is her greatest accomplishment. "I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them."
Spoken by a true humanitarian, Clara found joy in aiding new causes and helping those in need. She is an example of one who accomplished more things than ever thought possible in one lifetime, all for the good of others.
Alexander Hamilton was one of the leaders in the designing of the United States government, and a key founding father of our country. Hamilton believed in a strong ruling republic, not a pure democracy, which is exhibited in his quote "It has been observed that a pure democracy if it were practicable would be the most perfect government. Experience has proved that no position is more false than this". Hamilton was one of three delegates from New York to attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787, and despite being overshadowed by his co-delegates, Hamilton was the only New Yorker to sign the Constitution. Also, during George Washington's term as President, Hamilton became the first secretary of the Treasury, and became a very close adviser and friend to Washington. Hamilton work as a founding father helped to lay the foundation of the government of the U.S. today.
Albert Einstein was unequivocally the great scientist of his time. Though he was not born in America, it was here that he found a place to conduct his research and present his studies. In his youth, he had to overcome dyslexia and a poor school record to become a professor at several prestigious universities. Then he had to leave Germany when Hitler came into power. His many ideas, such as the photoelectric effect and his theory of relativity, revolutionized the way that we view science. The way that he solved his problems can be expressed by Einstein himself in the quote “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” When Einstein realized that something in physics or life didn’t make sense, instead of trying to manipulate existing laws to fit the scenario, he used his imagination to find a solution that worked for all scenarios. His work in physics set not only the way that physics in approached in our classes, but also made a basis for other physicists’ work, such as Stephen Hawking. This alone is not what made Einstein great, though. It is the culmination of his work in physics and his political and humanitarian actions. He tried to be a voice of reason in difficult times, most notably in the creation of Israel. He used his fame and his aura of genius to express his beliefs in a time where such things were not always welcome. With a combination of wit, faith, and knowledge, he is one of the most influential people who lived in America.
President Dwight David Eisenhower was a highly regared leader throughout military history as well as the 34th president. David Eisenhower was the general who was the principal architect of the sucessful Allied invasion of Europe During World War II and the subsequent defeat of Nazi Germany. After the war Eisenhower continued his succes in the military as U.S. Amry cheif of staff. He then became the Supreme commander of NATO forces. Eisenhower's power in the military is shown through a quote he once said, "History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid". Eisenhower was the reason for the fall of Germany in Europe preseriving the freedom and history of America from an Axis power. After his role in the military he ran for president for the repbulican party. He won the candidacy and became the 34th president of the United States. He ran with the now famous slogan "I like IKE". During his presidency he ended the Korean War but in his two terms he produced many legislative landmarks. His presidency is remembered as a peroid of relative calm in the United States. Although not the most famous president he was a highly regared general for coordinating the defeat of Hitler's Germany. Eisenhower was an American war hero nearly everyone liked IKE.
John F. Kennedy was undoubtedly an essential figure in maintaining the United States' safety during the Cold War and also investing in new ways to prove to the world that the U.S. was still a force to be reckoned with. Even though he was the youngest man ever elected president, JFK was known for many things that would make his term as president as memorable as it was productive. Although the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961 was a failure, he calmly dealt with the Cuban missile crisis that followed and his approval rating increased. His short term was marked with many U.S.-Soviet confrontations that are famous to this day. Initially opposed to the space program, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin's spaceflight prompted "Jack" to take an interest in this field and the U.S. had a man on the moon within the decade. He was famous for saying to the American People in one of his speeches, "...Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." He was also famous for creating the Peace Corps, being the only president to win a Pulitzer Prize, and serving on a PT boat in World War II. Unfortunately, he was assassinated on November 22, 1963, while in a parade in Dallas, Texas. In a three year time period, over 16 million people had visited his gravesite at Arlington National Cemetary and the country mourned the loss of a man who was so influential on the nation's progress.
George Washington was not only the first president of the United States, he was also the commander-in-chief of the American forces during the Revolutionary War. In both roles, Washington exceeded all expectations. As president he helped keep our new nation united, set the two-term precedent, and most importantly stepped down from power voluntarily. He is the president that all others should aspire to emulate. George Washington even said, "The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government". This quote shows that Washington respected the fact that he answered to the American people and saw himself as representing their interests on the world stage.
William Clark was a man of a generation long lost. A man who found the wilderness a place of adventure and danger. During the early years of the United States, almost all of the land west of the Mississippi River was considered wilderness, and was uninhabited. The only people who lived there were Native American tribes forced on to that land because of the Colonies. With the rapid expansion of the east, more people wanted to move out into the west. Before that could happen the land was going to have to be mapped. The men chosen were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Their mission was to find a path to the pacific Ocean that was safe for people to travel along. They were also told to find the north-west passage. over the course of 2 years (1804-1806) Lewis and Clark made it to the Pacific coast and successfully mapped the routs and the terrain of the land around them. Because of the hazardous conditions William Clark went threw, the was was opening up for urban centers to grow. Also, on the journey the expedition members successfully set up diplomatic relations with over 20 Native tribes. Reaching the Pacific ocean was a great victory for the expedition,"Great joy in Camp we are in view of the Ocean,this great Pacific Ocean which we been so long anxious to see and the roaring or noise made by the waves braking on the rocky shores (as I suppose) may be heard distinctly." said William Clark upon there arrival to the West coast.
J Robert Oppenheimer was the director of the Manhattan Project which created the first atomic bomb. His intelligence, ability to find an excellent staff, and ability to work, and succeed when the fate of the country was on the line, is what I believe made him so great. Oppenheimer was quoted saying, “There must be no barriers to freedom of inquiry ... There is no place for dogma in science. The scientist is free, and must be free to ask any question, to doubt any assertion, to seek for any evidence, to correct any errors”. I believe this quote exemplifies the success of the United States and how our freedom enables us to be the best we can, not only in science but in whatever we do.
As a true pioneer in the field of space, Alan Bartlett Shepard, Jr. was one of the most famous and accomplished astronauts in the history of America’s quest to reach the moon. Alan Shepard joined the navy and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1944, immediately entering the battles of World War II in the Pacific. After the war ended he became a test pilot in the navy, flying many different new planes for the military which had yet to be put into service. He joined NASA in 1959, soon becoming the first American to enter space, and the second person ever. He then held various positions in NASA including Chief of the Astronaut Office until he led the mission Apollo 14, making him the fifth person to ever walk on the moon. He returned to his position at mission control before retiring from both NASA and the navy, where he had been promoted to a Rear Admiral. Shepard’s programs and dangerous test runs for the space program caused many significant advancements in mankind’s understanding of space, as well as making him a prominent national hero. As he once said, “I think all of us certainly believed the statistics which said that probably 88% chance of mission success and maybe 96% chance of survival. And we were willing to take those odds.” This shows the determination and resilience Shepard possessed, even to the point of putting his life at stake for the betterment of his nation.
President James Monroe was a firm believer in the early United States, and later became the fifth elected president in 1817. He fought in the American Revolutionary War and studied under the well-known Thomas Jefferson. One of his most important contributions to not only the United States, but the world, was the drafting of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. It stated that the United States would not be further colonised by European nations, and doing so would be an act of aggression. His powerful statements trusted America into being a global superpower- feared by other nations. It later became part of America's official foreign policy. A quote that sums up Monroe's feelings about America and it's policies is "If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy."
A visionary in the battle towards civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most influential people in United States history. Although he was assassinated on April 4th, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, his accomplishments and dreams live past his death. Starting his career as a Baptist preacher, he eventually became a leader in the Civil Rights movement in the 1950's and 1960's. Because of his leadership role, the legal segregation of African Americans in the Southern states ended. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to his infamous "I have a Dream" speech, Marting Luther King Jr.'s active role in Civil Rights has affected how racism is a thing of the past in the United States. He once said, "A Right delayed is a Right denied." Martin Luther King Jr. lived through his childhood with the assumption that one day he would be able to have the Rights he deserved. It was not until he was an adult that he realized he could not just wait for his dream to come true; he had to make it happen. His confidence should be an inspiration to all Americans, to live out our dreams because one day, they may come true.
As a believer in a laissez-faire style of government, Calvin Coolidge led this country forward after the scandal and death of the Warren G. Harding regime. Calvin Coolidge was a man of few words, but captured the votes of just about everyone in America in the election after Harding's death. He restored public faith in the presidency. Coolidge rose through the ranks of the Massachusetts Political ladder and became known as a man of action, even though he did not always take action immediately. A firm believer in business, Calvin Coolidge brought about several changes to work forces, including reducing hours in order to "humanize" industry so it did not crumble. To show how devoted Coolidge was to the United States and the laws of the Constitution, on vetoing a bill during Prohibition times, "Opinions and instructions do not outmatch the Constitution. Against it, they are void." Even though he himself was against Prohibition, he would not let his own opinion get in the way of the Constitution, which he believed was right. Calvin Coolidge is often overlooked as a President of the United States, but he himself made many important contributions to the people and benefitted the nation as a whole.
Thomas Jefferson was an influential man of his time, and his accomplishments make him a distinguished individual in history. He was chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which contained many important ideas regarding freedom from Britain and human rights in general. In the Declaration, Jefferson wrote, "that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..." These are arguably some of the most influential and inspired words in American history. He later went on to become the third President of the United States, for which he served two terms. His main accomplishments of his first four years in office include the 1803 purchase of the Louisiana Territory and his support of the Lewis and Clark expedition. During his second term, he tried to remain neutral between the quarrels of Britain and France. However, his struggle for neutrality was to no avail when the U.S. entered war in 1812 with Britain. Although Thomas Jefferson was a shy man, his writing held much power as well as insight to the future, which is why he is my favorite United States Historical figure.
While he may not have been the most model citizen, Al Capone was still an important and influential figure in America during the late 1920's. During his prime years, Al Capone worked mostly as a bootlegger, smuggling in alcohol to secret bars all over Chicago while the years of prohibition were still in effect. The fact that he held no regard for the law not only made him a wealthy and accomplished business man, but also resulted in him becoming more appealing with the public. His popularity wasn't only because he supplied enough liquor to keep every Chicagoan' whistle wet, but also because he used much of his profit to help those he deemed worthy of his aid. This granted him the title of the "modern day Robin Hood." Unfortunately though, as Al Capone's involvement in crime increased, his fan club decreased, and he was becoming more known as a mobster than a caring hand, giving people aid for "favors," and offering advice such as, "You can get much farther with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone." After being imprisoned, the glamorous life Al Capone portrayed vanished, as he became mentally unstable and soon died of a stroke. Despite his downfall, though, Al Capone was able to make an influence on American culture. To this day, countless books, movies, video games, and songs are made based off of the dangerous and dazzling life Capone portrayed. Will Capone be remembered as an American hero? No. Will his life be forgotten? Never.
During her 12 years at the White House, Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most influential First Lady's of the United States. As the First Lady, Eleanor took advantage of her high social position to gain access to the media and was influential in her work to improve the status of working women. Mrs. Roosevelt continued her work as an activist for the New Deal coalition, politician, speaker, and an international author even after her husband's death. In addition, Eleanor founded the UN Association of the United States which supported the formation of the United Nations. After her 12 years in the White House, Mrs. Roosevelt continued her work in politics for the rest of her life, and was listed as number 9 in Gallup's List of Most Widely Admired People of the 20th Century. Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most influential people in the 20th century, supporting both women's and civil rights while standing up for what she believed, which makes her my favorite United States historical figure. As Eleanor said, "Have convictions. Be friendly. Stick to your beliefs as they stick to theirs. Work as hard as they do. "
Eugene Gladstone O'Neill born in New York captivated his audiences with his various playwrights. Eugene started off slow as any other writer, but during the years from 1920-1943 he started to take off in his career. He wrote 20 playwrights in a matter of 23 years. In each of these playwrights he managed to write plays of different genres and themes. Some of his pieces range from his serious and tragic family life down to a youthful comedy. He did this to prove how he is original and understands different angles of literature. The finest writers are able to show diversity and this is what he justified by writing these various pieces. As said by Eugene, "Curiosity killed the cat, and satisfaction brought it back." Eugene due to his "curiosity" got his "satisfaction" when he in 1936 was given the Nobel Prize for his literature. Eugene went above and beyond and I'm sure has inspired the nation to follow in his footsteps by creating their own.
Harry S Truman was one of those rare individuals that was given the task of not only being the President of the United States, but to also take over the postition held by a man by the name of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was in office for twelve years. One of the first things that
Truman did was to end the Second World War by dropping two atomic bombs on Japan. This was and still is a very controversial statement with many people saying that the United States had already pinned Japan down and was ready to invade. One of Truman's most famous quotes is, "If you can't stand the heat then get out of the kitchen." This is one of those quotes that people say even today. One other notable thing that Truman accomplished, was the fact that he presided his first term with no Vice President. And finally, probably Truman's greatest victory was when he defeated the Republican candidtate for president, Thomas Dewey in the 1948 Presidential Election, even though he was a massive underdog. One interesting fact and also famous picture is of Truman holding up a Chicago Tribune newspaper that says, "Dewey Beats Truman!" Obviously Truman did win, and apparently The Chicago Tribune was so sure that Dewey would win, that they made copies in advance. The last interesting thing about Harry S Truman is that his middle initial, 'S' is not part of his real name and Nobody knows what it means, or whether he just liked the ring to it. Although he did have one of the lowestt approval ratings in the history of our Presidents, Harry S Truman will always remain a very courageous man for doing the work he did.
Ida B. Wells Barret was born to a couple of slaves in Mississippi of 1862. Her parents were freed under the Proclamation a year after her birth. She would become a pioneer activist of the Civil Rights Movement early in her life. In a case very similar to Rosa Park's, but 70 years earlier, she refused to give her seat on a train car, even though racial discrimination in public places was banned a year earlier by the Supreme Court. Wells was also a newspaper publisher and editor, a journalist, and also became a co-founder for the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Throughout a great deal of her life, she was very involved with anti-lynching campains after the lynching of three of her friends for killing three white men which had intruded in their store. Wells also worked with other black leaders, such as Frederick Douglas when she moved to Chicago after the lynching. She also took two tours to Europe during her campaigns for justice. The reason I like Wells is because she tried to stand up against something that was wrong, and did things a lot of blacks were afraid to do; there was a lot of bravery and courage in her, which is another reason why I find her important. I also completely believe in the right to fair treatment for everyone, something which Wells was fighting for along with the rest of the black community in the South back then. "The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press."
Kate F.
F.Scott Fitzgerald was one of the most influential writers of his time and a hero to many. His great American novels such as The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night are some of the most treasured pieces of literature in America still today. As a matter of fact,they are required reading in most American high schools including Cary-Grove.In his own words"Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind" and this is true of the life and writing of F.Scott Fitzgerald in more ways than one.The ideas presented in his novels are still prevalent and thought provoking in society today.In fact,Fitzgerald actually was the influence of many other great American writers such as T.S. Elliot and J.D. Salinger.All in all, F.Scott Fitzgerald was a great American writer whose works of literature will live on in the lives of Americans in years to come.
Though he may not be the most acclaimed president, John Adams certainly proved himself to be a noteworthy individual. An observant and analytical man, Adams was a Harvard graduate and lawyer before he became the second president of the United States. In 1770, he demonstrated great bravery when he defended the British soldiers in their Boston Massacre trial. He believed that they were innocent, and didn’t let anything get in the way of his beliefs. Adams had this mindset in all that he did. He had strong personal beliefs and values, and he didn’t let them become swayed by other people. John also proposed and edited our country’s Declaration of Independence in the 1770’s. In addition, he was the main writer of the Commonwealth Constitution, which the U.S. Constitution drew many ideas from. Adams’ solid efforts successfully created a foundation for future Americans to build off of. He once said, “To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.” Adams certainly lived out these words, and demonstrated greatness as both a leader and a person.
Ray Bradbury is one of the most influential science fiction authors of all time, and while he certainly did not create a genre, he helped to cement its importance in literature. He is best known for the great dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451. He is one of my favorite authors and favorite historical figures because his writings did not predict a horrible future, but helped prevent one by serving as a warning of what society may be approaching. Ironically, his famous novel about censorship is one of the most frequently challenged novels of the past decade, often banned for its use of language and the burning of Bibles (even though it is shown in a negative light). If it were not for his warnings, the present we live in today may be vastly different, and for that reason alone, Ray Bradbury is my favorite historical figure. "Recreate the world in your own image and make it better for your having been here."
Patrick Henry was a man who fought against British tyranny and stood as a symbol of American Liberty. Henry was born in Hanover County, Virginia in 1736 and died June 6, 1799. Throughout his life Patrick Henry was a brave man who stood up to the British, and demanded that they should be treated fairly. One very special thing about Patrick Henry was he had his way with words. He was known for his ability to grab the attention of his audiences, and persuade them to agree with what he wanted them to. More often than not Patrick was attacking the British. In Patrick Henry’s most famous speech Henry was trying to gain rights for bearing arms, but the British kept making difficult laws which prevented this from happening. He then proclaimed that the British were a threat to the colonies and said, “We must fight Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” These words helped start a revolution, which lead to the formation of this wonderful country. Without a powerful voice like Patrick Henry who knows how our country would have ended up.
George Washington is by far my favorite famous american. George Washington was known for being an excellent soldier, fighting not only for the British in the French and Indian War, but for the United States continental army while fighting against the British. He also was the very first president of the United States after the unanimous electoral college vote of 1789. After being elected president he famously stated, "I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent." He was trying to get the point across that as the very first Commander-in-Chief of the United States, he wouldn't do a perfect job, but it was his duty to try his hardest and serve his country to the fullest of his capability. Another fun fact about George Washington is that his 2nd inauguration speech was the shortest ever given by a president; lasting only 135 words.George Washington was a fearless leader and considered by many historians to be one of the United States best presidents.
James A. Garfield, during both his presidency and political life beforehand, proved to be an influential figure in United States history. I view him as one of my favorite historical figures because, although his life was cut short through a dramatic assassination, he managed to leave a lasting mark in history. Also, being the poorest man ever elected president, he proved to the US that, with ambition and just characteristics, anything is possible. Before his presidency, he managed to lead a successful brigade against Confederate troops and was soon chosen as brigadier general. As his military life progressed, his political one did so as well. Elected Ohio Senate and into Congress in 1862, he easily obtained the spot of the leading Republican in the House. In 1881, he moved even further up in politics, being elected the 20th president of the United States. His influential marks lived on during his presidency; he strengthened Federal authority over the New York Customs House and held firm in all the decisions and actions he took part in. Although he was assassinated not a year into his presidency, he had already left his mark, abolishing political corruption and returning the respect of the Presidency back. As he once said, "Justice and goodwill will outlast passion."
Stephen Grover Cleveland was the strongest president in the latter part of the 19th century. He was the winner of the popular vote for President three times—in 1884, 1888, and 1892—and was the first Democrat elected to the Presidency after the Civil War. Grover won presidency twice, becoming the countries 22nd and 24th president. Grover even ran for presidency again in 1904 because the country supported him so fully. On October 28, 1886, The Statue of Liberty was dedicated to the beloved Grover Cleveland. Grover is famous for stating, "A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies at a honest toil." This quote shows that honor isn't always going to fall right into your lap, but most of the time you have to work for it and earn your honor and trust; just as Grover did with the United States.
My favorite historical person with no doubt is Franklin D. Roosevelt. He led our country through two of the toughest times in modern history which is the Great Depression and World War II. He had optimism and faith in our country when the rest of us didn't. He led programs that got us out of the big hole then helped lead the world in the War to end all Wars. "A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward." Franklin D. Roosevelt said this to define how some men know how to be strong and step up when the time is needed rather than being passive.
My favorite American was Billy Carter, because he was awesome!!!!!!
Greg Rosenthal published the previous comment! (Not me!)
Post a Comment