5 Lessons We Can Learn From American History

1. Speak out and stand up for what you believe in and what you think is the right thing
During the Civil Rights Movement people such as Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. became big influencers when it came to standing up for what they believed was right. Ruby Bridges became known for starting the brown vs. board of education case in Topeka, Kansas. She (a young black child) wanted to go to school with white people. In the end the supreme court overturned the Plessy vs. Ferguson case (made segregation legal as long as
services and facilities were "separate but equal") and Ruby was able to legally attend the white school she wanted. Rosa Parks was a black women who was arrested for violating segregation laws. Rosa refused to give up her seat to a white person. In doing so she organized a boycott for the public transportation system. This boycott lasted for over a year and caused serious damage to public transportation revenues. Rosa Parks during her time was a true role model for standing up for her rights. Martin Luther King Jr. taught us how we can stand up for what we believe in, in a peaceful manner. He used non-violent means of protest and his technique of "civil disobedience" to gain national fame. They're many more people who have influenced this idea of standing up for your beliefs, but these three are a true testament to how far our country has evolved over the years.

2. Having secrets never ends well...

One main cause of World War 1 was that most countries had secret allies. Let's try to break down the alliances in the beginning of WW2. Basically everyone started declaring war on each other. Austria declares war on Serbia, Russia supports Serbia by declaring war on Austria, Germany sides with Austria-Hungary, France sides with Russia, etc....all this started because of a secret alliance between Austria, Russia, and Serbia. During this time the United States was able to intercept a secret note from Germany to
Mexico (Zimmerman note). This note was an attempt to convince Mexico to declare war on the United States, and in return Germany would offer aid. The U.S. entered the war because of the secret Zimmerman note and the fact the Germany sunk our ally (Britain's) ships. If countries had been more open or understanding of each side and their allies, do you think the war would have been as deathly and impactful at it was? In our life today and in our relationships half drama and arguments we have is because of the secrets we keep from one another. If we just open up and stop avoiding confrontation maybe a lot of our world conflicts could be resolved in a peaceful manner.

3. Spend the money you have earned/ have responsibly

The Great Depression was caused by many things, but one main cause was the use of CREDIT! Credit is used to "buy now, pay later", meaning you do not actually have to have the money to buy things. Credit was so easy to get in the past that it would lead to big problems for the future. Credit became bad for businesses because as debt increased, spending decreased. Now a days it is a much more rigorous set up in order to obtain credit. But you still have to be mindful about how much you spend and when you plan/have to pay it off...because eventually you are going to have to pay it back.  


4. A little competition  is not always a bad thing...

In life competition can be a good or bad thing. It depends on what you are competing for and who you are doing it with. Take the Space Race between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The USSR launched the first man-made satellite into space (Sputnik). This made Americans fear the Soviet Union's advanced technology and made us believe we had to catch up to their achievements, thus starting the space race. The USSR and U.S. competed with each other to see who could achieve more within space. Soon after Sputnik the USSR launched  a dog into space and then later a human. The U.S. was soon able to send up the first communications satellite. The USSR then sent the first ever women into space. Finally the U.S. thought to one up the USSR they would be the first to have a man walk on the moon. In short a little healthy competition can make you was to be better and strive to be the best. It is important to know your limits but not let those limits stop you from winning or achieving something that could be even more outstanding.

5. It's ok to "let your freak fly" every once in awhile
The Roaring 20's was a time period known for people testing their limits and boundaries. Women became more out spoken and free. The creation of flappers became a thing to showcase a women's new found personality. Women would start to wear short hair and shorter dresses. They would openly drink and smoke in public. The prohibition of the 18th amendment (prohibits sale, manufacturing's, and the transportation of alcohol) was a lead way in organized crime. Bootleggers surfaced as people who would smuggle alcohol. Many new forms of art were being created such as silent films and crazy new dance moves. In this time period people felt free and celebratory. We can learn from this time period that not everything has to be serious and strict. It is ok to have fun and let lose every once in awhile. You should be encouraged to step outside your comfort zone and test your boundaries. Don't take this life for granted; learn, create, invent something new. Don't be afraid to let your freak fly!