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Joshua McAlister
HY 103
Discussion 9am Thursday
Dialogue for Video Project (Super Pac for James Monroe)
Narrator: Imagine a world where women have as many rights as men. I’m talking everything! Women will be able to vote, work, hold public office and show off those sexy ankles anytime and anywhere. Impossible or sinful you say? Non-sense says James Monroe!
James Monroe: Hi, I’m James Monroe and over the past decade or so the Democratic-Republican Party has gotten the conversation started about women’s rights. We believe women’s rights are the next big thing. Women lately have been more active politically than ever before. Through articles and novels written in favor of them having a say in what happens in this great nation. They believe they should have a say because the mind doesn’t have gender and I agree. Even men think women should have rights says Charles Brown writer for the Philadelphia Weekly Magazine (PG 11-45). If you ladies are wondering how to influence your husband to vote for me just hold out on him. He’ll vote for me faster than us kicking England’s ass. If that doesn’t work then just remind him that my Federalist opponent Rufus King doesn’t believe women should have rights. He also hates puppies, whiskey, fireworks and America, everything that makes this country great. So let’s not lose the ground we’ve gained thus far in women’s rights and vote for me to have a better tomorrow, today! I’m James Monroe and I approve this message.

Lauren Werner

Sam Boatman

Nicole Hodge

Section 007

History 103 Video Project – Election of 1816

Sam

  • Hi, I’m James Monroe. In this upcoming election I need your vote for a new America where National Unity is our primary objective, in all spectrums such as gender equality and dissolving political partisanship.
  • In lieu of a new political era and the war of 1812 the Federalist party are in shambles and cannot offer any real competition. Influential women have made great strides in gender equality and also changing the over all national paradigm. The concept that the mind had no gender is an influential and captivating concept permitting the realization that women are not just as competent and able as men to help but that “women…. Might be better positioned than men to inculcate the new liberal attitude towards party politics. As enlightenment thinkers, made clear, women, despite their lack of formal political power, could exert a significant influence over society and politics.” (Revolutionary Backlash, page 125)
  • Contrary to the Federalist party where women aren’t taken serious and aren’t considered potential political candidates let the women of the Democratic Republican Party discuss why your vote should be for those who support women’s political rights and participation in this election.

Lauren

  • This article that was published supported how we as women make up one half of this nation and we too, just like men our equals, have the right to vote and participate in politics.
  • A 1790 article published on us “The Ladies” in the New-York Daily Advertiser rendered a firm judgment and stance on the issue of women in politics. They stated, “The present custom in the world, especially in America, of excluding women from any share in legislation is both unjust and detrimental. It is certainly unjust to exclude from any share in government one half of those who considered as equals of the males, are obliged to be subject to laws they have no share in making!” (Revolutionary Backlash, page 49)

Nicole

  • My name is Mercy Otis Warren and during the 1760s and 1770s, I wrote political poems and satirical plays that were at the time published anonymously, that attacked British tyranny and rallied support for the American cause. Two of my pieces, The Adulateur and The Group attacked the corruption of royal government in Massachusetts and called on the colonists to resist infringements on their liberties. John Adams has been stated praising my contributions to the revolutionary movement, saying “Her poetical pen has no equal that I know of in this country. In the close-knit world of patriot leaders she as known and celebrated.” (Revolutionary Backlash, page 59)

Sam

  • Together lets move forward into a better nation and begin the Era of Good Feelings.

 

*Citations used from Revolutionary Backlash by Rosemarie Zagarri

http://youtu.be/4TbeIm2uf5U

 

 

Women Talk

 

 

Characters:

  • Grandma: 52 years old
  • Mother: 33 years old
  • Child: 10 years old

 

Setting:

  • Kitchen Table/Cooking dinner (1816)

 

 

Child: Mommy, who do you think will win the presidential election?

 

Grandma: Well, that’s easy darling. Everyone will be voting for Monroe.

 

Mom: James Monroe has a lot going for him. He was a founding father, a soldier, senator, governor, and might I mention handsome.

 

Child: [laughs]

 

Grandma: The Federalist Party is done for. From what I hear Rufus is a snob. There has been minimum effort with his campaigning.

 

Mom: And the newspaper hasn’t showed any support for the guy.

 

Grandma: Probably embarrassed too.

 

Mom: This country has come a long way and we need a real American man to represent us. I just wish us women could still vote.

 

Grandma: Oh yes. I remember when my mother had that privilege. She said it was the best ever. The American Revolution really helped us women.

 

Child: How’s that, Grandma?

 

Grandma: Well first off, it sparked patriotism in all females. We began to labor more in housework, along with taking care of the farms, and other male responsibilities.

 

Mom: Women had a lot of recognition back then.

 

Grandma: “The Revolution changed the popular understanding of Women’s political status and initiated widespread, ongoing debate over the meaning of Women’s rights” (p. 2).

 

Mom: It was a time we gained a foothold in politics and male electoral activities.

Grandma: Oh yea. My mother and I would attend rallies, political activities, and even voice our opinions for local newspapers.

 

Mom: I know “the men were fearful for the future that might involve a wholesale transformation in a women’s rights, roles, and responsibilities” (p. 78).

 

Grandma: My dad sure was, but the happiness he saw in my mom when he got to vote, I don’t think he cared.

 

Mom: Even though our voting privilege got taken away there will come a time again. I met my husband from believing in the Republican Party, so I know whom he will vote for, and if that changes there will be some prices to pay. That way, I still have a vote toward Monroe.

 

Child: I can’t wait to vote.

 

Grandma: Oh the time will come.

http://youtu.be/_K3bw6MtU6o

Narrator: The following advertisement is funded by the Federalist Party. This satirical skit is an illustration of a false male superiority within the Democratic Republican Party.

 

Narrator: Welcome to the political meeting of the top American influences of the era. Today we are going to take a close look at the discussions about women’s rights and their ability to be involved with politics.

 

Thomas Jefferson: Thank you fellow patriots for traveling to Philadelphia to discuss important topics of where our newly established country will be moving in the future. Our first discussion will be on the topic of whether women should be included in an active role in politics.

 

James Madison: There is not a need to discuss such a frivolous topic because there is no way they have the ability or intelligence to make any political stance within our country.

 

Alexander Hamilton: Their only role in this country is to raise our children and knit our socks for these cold harsh winters.

 

Thomas Jefferson: This is very true and the thought of them ever taking any political office makes me fear for the future of this country. It is our duty as men to keep this country in the right hands of male leadership.

 

Narrator: As the meeting went on, these top American influences showed their resentment of ever having women involved with politics.

 

Narrator: Meanwhile back at the Jefferson’s residence.

 

Martha Jefferson: Thomas, make sure you take the trash out before you start playing your politics.

 

Thomas Jefferson: Yes ma’am

Martha Jefferson: I’ve reviewed our financial position lately and you cannot continue to use the high quality ink of your letters.

 

Thomas Jefferson: But Martha, it’s my favorite ink!

 

Martha Jefferson: Due to our budget and monthly income, it would be silly of you to not take this into consideration.

 

Thomas Jefferson: Yes ma’am, I suppose you know what’s best.

 

Narrator: As this discussion continued, Martha brought out financial statements of their financial position with an elaborate explanation.

 

Narrator: Meanwhile back at the Madison residence.

 

James Madison: Dammit Dolley, have you seen where I put my candle?

 

Dolley Madison: James, don’t you speak to me that way! They are right where you left them last on the counter. I think you would lose your head if it weren’t attached to your shoulders.

 

James Madison: I’m sorry and thank you. I don’t know how I would survive without you. Are you meeting up with Mary Wollstonecraft later to discuss your roles in politics?

 

Dolley Madison: Yes James, I’ll be leaving here in a few hours.

 

James Madison: Do you have to? You know that’s my friends and I’s favorite game!

 

Dolley Madison: Yes James, I won’t put up with your attitude either.

 

James Madison: Yes ma’am

 

Narrator: A few months later the top American influences met up once again.

 

Thomas Jefferson: Men, we cannot allow women a role in politics. They are too scary and intimidating.

 

Narrator: Vote Rufus King for President. He values women’s role in politics.

 

http://goanimate.com/videos/0GW-iccWvdZY?utm_source=linkshare&utm_medium=linkshare&utm_campaign=usercontent

Opening Ad: Both Federalists and Republicans would be lucky to have the support of women, however, we believe the Republican Party maintains goals that we can get behind

Lady 1: At first, I wasn’t sure which party to side with, but after attending some Republican events, it became clear the Republican Party was where my support should go

Lady 2: I was invited by a kind group of men of the Republican Party to attend the festivities that took place in honor of the French military victory in Valmy (85)

Lady 1: I was invited to celebrate the “Feast of Reason” by a kind group of Republican men as well (85)

Lady 2: After I decided on the Republican party, I have made sure to affirm my decision by wearing my liberty cap in public every chance I get (86)

Lady 1: To better help the Party, I learned to spin, card, weave, dye, and manufacture, in the various modes for flax, hemp, cotton and wool (97)

Lady 2: Well I am not married, but I know that my friends made sure to encourage their husbands to go off to war, which we were advised to do (99)

Lady 1: Well I helped found the Stocking Society, which helps collect money and donations of wool for soldiers (99)

Lady 2: We really have done a great job of benefitting our sex (99)

Lady 1: We sure have

Lady 2: Most recently I have heard that, we, the women of the Republican party, express unselfish patriotism in putting the national cause above all else including personal things (99)

Lady 1: Well that seems about right.

Lady 2: The entire Republican Party likes to celebrate women who promote the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity (105)

Lady 1: I like to always maintain correct ideals and make sure my children, family, and friends do also (105)

Lady 2: Women truly are the key to success with the political parties (125)

Scott Garvey, Zach Imburgia, J Prince
HY 103 Women and the Election of 1816 Video Project
February 22, 2015

Context- The scene opens with the narrator stating that the following is a paid advertisement by the Democratic-Republican Party. The following dialogue will take place in the form of a persuasive campaign advertisement, complete with parenthetical references to Zagarri’s Revolutionary Backlash in an attempt to persuade the audience to vote for James Monroe, as well as near slander towards the Federalist Party and presidential candidate Rufus King. The other sock puppet that is not James Monroe will essentially by interviewing James Monroe, and the following interview will serve as an advertisement and cover the topics needed for the project.

Script
Narrator- “The following is paid for by the Democratic-Republican Party and authorized by James Monroe”
Interviewer Introducing James Monroe- “As we as the United States of America head steadfast into the nineteenth century, our young nation requires a political party that will allow us to propel to the forefront of the modern world. A political party with innovative and progressive ideas similar to those that sparked the revolutionary emotion in our country. A political party that will NOT hinder our nation’s growth with jaded old ideas and philosophies, as the Federalist’s seem so very fond of. Ladies and gentlemen, the presidential candidate for the Democratic-Republican Party, James Monroe.”
(James Monroe Sock Puppet comes out on stage)
Interviewer- Thanks for being here Mr. Monroe
James Monroe- Thanks for having me
Interviewer- Now, as the candidate for the Democratic-Republican Party, what can you tell our viewers about our nation’s current situation regarding the upcoming election?
James Monroe- Well, as the War of 1812 has just recently ended thanks in large part to the actions of my party, I feel as though the Democratic-Republican Party is in favor with the American public. One new glowing aspect of this election is the heavy involvement of women in today’s politics and society, and my party intends to shine light on the unwavering displays of patriotism and independence shown by women during the War of 1812. A Democratic-Republican newspaper, Niles’ Weekly Register, printed a story of Mary Pruitt’s unbridled patriotism, as stated in the newspaper, “Let those who think lightly of female virtue and patriotism read this and blush for shame.” And this is no rare occurrence, as “Republican press portrayed their women as exemplars of unselfish patriotism who put the national cause above their personal reservations and fears” (Zagarri 99).
Interviewer- Do you really think that the War of 1812 was successful due in part to women?
James Monroe- Of course! “The war effort would be successful… only if both women and men rallied behind the nation in its time of need” (Zagarri 98). The actions of Republican women, women from MY party, almost identically resembled those of their “revolutionary predecessors. So yes, I firmly believe that women allowed for the ultimate success of the War of 1812.
Interviewer- How do the actions of Republican women during this period differ than those of Federalist women?
James Monroe- Well, unlike the patriotic women of the Democratic-Republican Party, Federalist women “did not feel the need to be patriotic do-gooders. They expressed their opposition to the war as much by what they refused to do as in what they said” (Zagarri 100). They did little to assist the war effort.
Interviewer- It is clearly evident that your party supports female involvement in politics, can the same be said for the Federalist Party?
James Monroe- Unfortunately, no. The Federalist Party is plagued with backwards thoughts and notions of complete male superiority. As Republicans, we value the traits of patriotism, diligence, and independence, regardless of gender. However, a Federalist magazine in South Carolina wrote that Republicans were “incessantly laboring, by every artifice, and with the most unblushing audacity, to turn women over, as poor, wretched forlorn victims, to shame, and remorse, and anguish, and tribulation, and barren sorrow…“ (Zagarri 111). Though Federalists believe our party is defiling and defaming women, we are doing the opposite. We are simply encouraging women to act on their will and become independent, and to be simply treated with the same dignity and notion as we treat men.
Interviewer- That’s all the time we have for today. Thanks for being here, Mr. Monroe.
James Monroe- My pleasure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I985llD5Y-4&rel=0

 

Everest College Commercial Parody

James Monroe Campaign – Election of 1816

 

“So, ladies, you're sitting there in your rocking chair knitting, and your life is passing you by. You keep procrastinating over and over…

Well, maybe I’ll convince my husband to vote for James Monroe tomorrow or maybe next week… No, do it right now! You spend all day knitting anyhow… why don’t you have a talk with your husband that’s gonna help your future! All you gotta do is tell him that James Monroe, a Democratic-Republican, cares about the rights of women. Rufus King doesn’t care. The Federalist Party believes that women are not suited for politics and that your opinions don’t matter. (Rev. Backlash 82-86) James Monroe stands up for what he believes in, and that’s definitely not it! So why not persuade your husbands to vote for a fearless candidate? Why are you making it complicated? Help get James Monroe elected as your president in 1816. It’s easy!”

http://youtu.be/nwOHLJnutqs

N: Just a few years earlier, the patriots of the new world fought and won their freedom. And America became the land of free. But questions began to arise on who was actually free.

Women had contributed just as much as men did without actually serving in the war. They boycotted imports, spun clothes, collected donations, encouraged men in their lives and kept the home (22).

Then the time of enlightenment came, Where were see a greater influence on women’s political stance, even seeing New Jersey allowing property owning women to get the right to vote, if only for a limited time.

Because women could not vote, we began to see a rise in women’s partisan support, accompanying the rise of the two-party system, (federalist and the democratic republican) (82). Women often help support through cooking for events, wearing colors and symbols of the party, and marrying men of the same party (82).

Which political party is best suited for your needs as a newly liberated woman of the 19th century? None other than… Republican. Yes I know what you’re thinking, “ They want to keep things the same”, well yes they do but the federalist have no plans to change either, and there is no desire to at this moment. Fundamentally it is the two’s reason for the Revolution.

Federalist battle for better conditions vs Republican’s desire for liberty and freedom.

Still thinking about it? Although Republicans believe that things should remain the same they see voting as a privilege rather than a right which leaves room for it to be challenged.

Looks like you got the right idea!