GKE Task 1: Significant Changes/World Leader

GKE Task 2
J. Dan Gibbs
Western Governors University

GKE Task 2
Significant Changes/World Leader Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1943. He held many positions, he was a monk, a Catholic priest and a professor. Two of his most significant social accomplishments were the challenging of the Catholic doctrine of that time and the translation of the New Testament into German and incorporating his own doctrine. During the time of Martin Luther the Catholic Church was teaching that one’s sins could be forgiven and punishment from God avoided by purchasing forgiveness. This was very unpopular with the Catholic leaders and they demanded he change his beliefs on this subject. When he refused to recant his beliefs he was excommunicated by Pope Leo X and declared an outlaw by the emperor. He wrote the Ninety Five Thesis to the leaders of the Catholic Church protesting the sale of indulgences. It was his belief that salvation was a free gift given by God to anyone who believed and asked
for salvation and would repent of their sins. His position was salvation could not be bought nor sins forgiven through payment to the Catholic Church. This teaching is alive in the world today and is referred to as Lutheranism. In 1522 Luther published the New Testament translated into German with his own doctrine included in the translation.
He completed the Old Testament in 1934 again in German with his own doctrine included. This publication gave credibility to his own doctrine and was widely popular throughout Germany. His translation also advanced the German language and literacy. His biblical translation is credited by some to be responsible for modern German language. His translation set the stage for the translation into many other languages and versions, including the popular King James Version. These two events are Martin Luther’s most significant accomplishments that caused changes in the world. He challenged the largest religion in the world and a new religion was formed based upon his beliefs. This religion is still alive today. His translation of the Bible opened many doors for future translations including the King James Version which is the most sold book in
history.

Significant Changes/US Leader Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States of America, he was also a General in the US Army prior to being President. Andrew Jackson was responsible for two significant changes in the United States. The Democratic Party was established by his most ardent supporters. It was known at that time as the Second Party System or the Jacksonian Democracy. He was also responsible for the policy of Indian removal. After winning his second term for President in 1828 Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law in 1830. This act authorized for negotiations to occur trading Indian reservation east of the Mississippi river for lands further west. As a result of this treaty a small tribe of Cherokee Indians led by John Ridge authorized a treaty on behalf of all of Cherokee nation. The majority of the Cherokee tribe did not recognize Ridge as their leader and opposed the treaty. A petition was signed by 15,000 Cherokee opposing the treaty, the petition was not recognized by the United States government. The Cherokee were led to believe their appeals were still under review when the U.S. military arrived to force their removal from the land. This removal resulted in 4,000 Cherokee deaths along the “Trail of Tears”. This act alone forever changed the landscape of the United States. With the Indians moved far to the west many new lands were opened for development and advancement. This drastically reduced the impact of the Native American Indian and removed them from the landscape of the new America.
President Andrew Jackson was a very polarizing President. He was responsible for many political changes during his term. Many of his beliefs caused major long lasting changes that are responsible for many of the voting procedures and Democratic Party beliefs still present today. President Jackson wanted a stronger Executive branch of government at the expense of the House of Representatives. He also wanted more elected positions and fewer appointed positions, this applied mostly to judges. He supported suffrage, or the right for all men to vote regardless of financial standing. Traditionally the only people allowed to vote were individuals who owned land or paid taxes. These beliefs by President Jackson garnered the support of many followers this led to the development of the Jacksonian democracy. Many of Andrew Jackson’s beliefs and actions changed the landscape of elections in the United States still today. These two events in our history are a direct reflection of President Jackson, while some are controversial there is no denying the impact on the landscape of America at that time and today.

References
Maier, Paul (2004) Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World

Finkelman, Paul Kennon, Donald R. (2008) Congress and the Emergence of Sectionalism : From the Missouri Compromise to the Age of Jackson