Compare And Contrast The Dark Side Of American History

The Dark Side of American History Nowadays, the U.S. Constitution grants its American citizens the same rights, liberties, and responsibilities, but does the government and society in general fulfill and equally protect each individual in accord with these principles? Not necessarily. Regardless, there is an undeniable progress in the way America treats its citizens, but to whom do we owe this progress? The 1800’s is known for having one of the most conflicting issues in the nation--slavery. The North opposes the South’s pro-slavery sentiments, and as a result the country is strongly divided. Two important anti-slavery advocates that play a role in American history by bringing shame to slavery practices are Harriet Beecher Stowe and Frederick

Beecher narrates a fictional story of a young mother and her little boy who are on the run from their masters. Eliza, the boy’s mother learns that her owner is to sell her little Harry to some slave trader, and so she decides to run away with him. She knows that she must succeed or the consequences will be atrocious for them both. Douglass’ narrative is about his life’s experiences as a slave, and since it is not fiction, it is absolutely horrifying. Nevertheless, both literary works share the following similar topics: North and South sentiments on slavery, slavery laws, family separation, biracial children, and the importance of education, the effects of slavery on white men and women, and the physical

However, the issue at hand becomes more difficult when the South pressures the government to pass strict laws to ensure and protect their property. According to Funk and Wagnalls, the Fugitive Slave Laws of 1793 and 1850 intend to facilitate the capture and return of the slaves to their owners. Also, according to William Harris, people in the South were burning abolitionist pamphlets, and succeeded in having Congress ban antislavery petitions. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, implies that the people of the north are responsible for the capture and return of fugitive slaves to their rightful owners in the south. Northern individuals are outraged by these new measures, and the issue of black slaves starts to turn into an issue of civil rights for white people (Harris). Also, these laws enforced severe legal penalties and monetary sanctions to anyone offering aid to runaway slaves. For example, giving food, proving lodge, offering work, preventing or hindering their capture, and helping in any other way is ruled out to be illegal. For example, in chapter IX, the senator is having an argument with his wife, Mary. They are discussing whether is right or wrong to aid slaves. “There has been a law passed forbidding people to help off the slaves that come over to Kentucky, my dear; so much of that thing has been done by these