The Real Heroes of Slavery in the United States
explanatory Essay
1983 words
As a child in elementary and high school, I was taught that President Abraham Lincoln was the reason that African slaves were freed from slavery. My teachers did not provide much more information than that. For an African American student, I should have received further historical information than that about my ancestors. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity or desire to research slavery on my own until college. And with my eagerness and thirst for more answers concerning my African American history, I set out to console my spirit, knowledge, and self-awareness of my ancestors’ history. I received the answers that my brain, mind, and soul need. Although Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution, courageous African American slaves were the real heroes and motivation of the movement. I want to start with the history of slavery in America. For most African Americans, the journey America began with African ancestors that were kidnapped and forced into slavery. In America, this event was first recorded in 1619. The first documented African slaves that were brought to America were through Jamestown, Virginia. This is historically considered as the Colonial America. In Colonial America, African slaves were held as indentured servants. At this time, the African slaves were released from slavery after a certain number of years of being held in captivity. This period lasted until 1776, when history records the beginning of the Middle Passage. The Middle Passage showed the increased of African slaves were bought into America. The increase demand for slaves was because of the increased production of cotton in the south. So, plantation owners demanded more African slaves for purchas... ... middle of paper ... ...ter researching and reading the stories of the famous African slaves free safely, does not provide comfort for my soul of the African slaves that died before 1865. The African slaves may have died by natural causes or by the hands of the slaves’ owners. However, the stories of Nate Turner, the Black Seminoles, Dred Scott, Polly Berry, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and many other famous and not so famous African slaves gave me a since of pride that I am a descendant of an African slave male and female. Moreover, my African American racial heritage did not sit back and wait for Abraham Lincoln to approve outlaw slavery, but the African slaves knew throughout the entire time from 1619 to 1865 that no white man or woman should be allowed to own another man or woman, no matter where the person is originated from or who that person is born from.
In this essay, the author
- Narrates how they were taught that president abraham lincoln was the reason that african slaves were freed from slavery.
- Explains that slavery in america began with african ancestors that were kidnapped and forced into slavery. this period lasted until 1776, when history records the beginning of the middle passage.
- Explains the harsh conditions that the african slaves had to endure during the colonial america and the middle passage.
- Explains that the conditions for african female slaves were worse than those of the african males. they were sexually assaulted by the ship's caption and crew members.
- Narrates how nate turner was convicted and hanged for his rebellion against white slave owners.
- Explains that the black seminole was a military group formed of runaway and freed african slaves and blacks that led one the largest of slave rebellion.
- Explains that dred scott was an african slave that demonstrated his courage from enslavement in a manner that did not consist of violence.
- Explains that polly berry was born free but kidnapped and forced into slavery. while held as a slave, she gave birth to two daughters.
- Describes sojourner truth as one of the african slaves that ran away from her owner in 1826. she was reunited with her child after being emancipated in the north.
- Describes frederick douglass as the most well-known african male slave in the united states history. he escaped from his owner by boarding a train to maryland and ended up in new york city.
- Describes how harriet tubman escaped from her slave owner to freedom in philadelphia and returned to maryland to rescue her family from enslavement.
- Opines that the 13th amendment of the united states constitution outlawed slavery after the american civil war ended in 1865. the story of nate turner, the black seminoles, dred scott, polly berry, sojourner truth, frederick douglass, harriet tubman, and many other famous and not so famous african slaves gave them pride.
Related
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- History Of Slavery In Americaanalytical essaySlavery in America traces back to 1619 when African slaves were chosen to come to North America. They landed in the colony of Jamestown, Virginia. The slaves were delivered and immediately put to work in the fields and crops such as tobacco. According to the website, History.com, “the European settlers in North American turned to slaves as a cheaper, more plentiful source of labor.” (History.com, 2014) From this point on, slavery began to spread throughout the American colonies. Though it is impossible to give accurate figures, some historians have estimated that 6 to 7 million slaves were imported to the New World during the 18th century alone, depriving the African continent of some of its healthiest and ablest men and women. (History.com, 2014)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that slavery in america began in 1619 when african slaves were chosen to come to north america. they were delivered and immediately put to work in the fields and crops.
- Explains that the slave's life was subservient to the master. they had to obey without question or face punishment.
- Explains that slaves lived on large farms or small plantations, and a system of restrictive codes governed life among them. they were prohibited from learning to read and write and behavior and movement was restricted.
- Explains that slave owners would have to contend with slaves running away. if runaways were caught, they would face whipping, branding, and sometimes having their achilles tendon severed.
- Analyzes how african americans supported slavery and justified slavery in different ways. they believed they had the moral right according to how they interpreted the bible.
- Opines that slave holding was demoralizing and limited and controlled the lives of the slaves, which left them dehumanized.
- Explains that slavery was important to the south as the agricultural economy grew. the plantations needed cheap labor to grow and expand.
- Explains that slavery was routinized and mind-numbing, a repetition of the same tasks or movements, changed only by the season or time of day. this image gave rise to the expression "factories in the field."
- Explains that the history of african american slavery in the united states can be divided into two periods: the first coincided with the colonial years, about 1650 to 1790; the second lasted from american independence through the civil war.
- Explains that the north and especially the quakers were in favor of the abolishment of slavery. they had different views on how to achieve this goal.
- Analyzes how the immorality of slavery grew in the north and violent acts increased. each side wanted the immediate freeing of slaves and the other was adamant in supporting slavery.
- Analyzes how the popular movement towards secession in the south is watched with profound anxiety. in 1863, president lincoln’s emancipation proclamation was stated which frees all slaves.
- Opines that the civil war abolished slavery and redefined the united states as a single and indivisible nation.
1326 wordsRead More - The Cruelty of Slavery and Opression in Americaanalytical essayThe United States of America is known for its claims of democracy, equality, and freedom for all of it’s citizens. These claims are the foundation of America’s independence and essentially its entire history. But “claims” are simply all they were in history. While many achieved equal democracy and freedom, the African-American population of the US was exempt from these “inalienable rights” and heavily oppressed by society. The cruelty of slavery and oppression as a whole reached its peak in the 19th century bringing upon the abolitionist movement, which eventually aided in the historic removal of slavery and the continued fight for equal right of citizenship for African-Americans. Of the many abolitionists who fought for equality in the 19th century, Angelina Grimke, Frederick Douglass, and Harriett Jacobs stand out as some of the most influential writers and orators of that time. Angelina Grimke was a white southern woman, who abandoned the south with her sister to denounce slavery and began to primarily focus on persuading white women to use what rights they had to act against slavery. Frederick Douglass was one of the most famous abolitionists in United States history. He used his literary expertise as well as his incredible first hand experience as a slave to publicly expose and condemn the evils of slavery. Lastly, but certainly not least, Harriet Jacobs was one of history’s most recognizable African-American writers due to her slave narrative “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl”, where she exposed the wide array of perverted evils that occurred on plantations and destroyed the lives of many young girls and people in general. Each of these abolitionists were incredibly influential in their own ways but sh...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the united states of america is known for its claims of democracy, equality, and freedom, but the african-american population was exempt from these "inalienable rights" and oppressed by society.
- Analyzes how angelina grimke addresses all women as her "beloved sisters" in "an appeal to the women of the nominally free states."
- Analyzes how grimke uses evocative descriptions to show how slavery affects the already oppressed women in the country. she calls out northern women on their participation in slavery and religion to bring to light the wrongs that some women and people are doing.
- Analyzes frederick douglass' speech about the 4th of july in 1852, titled "what to the slave is the fourth of july".
- Analyzes how douglass' compelling arguments exposed the horrid nature of oppression to the northern united states and even to nave citizens in the south.
- Analyzes how harriet jacobs' "incidents in the life of a slave girl" exposes the terrible sexual assault of women in slavery.
- Analyzes how the abolitionist movement was influential in the removal of slavery, especially from the writing and oration of angelina grimke, frederick douglass, and harriet jacobs.
- Opines that "an appeal to the women of the nominally free states." letter to anti-slavery convention.
- Analyzes douglass, frederick, and seton hall's "what to the slave is the fourth of july."
- Opines that jacobs, harriet a., "the trials of girlhood." incidents in the life of a slave girl.
1584 wordsRead More - The Cases Against Slaveryanalytical essayThe two addresses by Abraham Lincoln “Address at the Dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery” and “Second Inaugural address” reflect the issues with slavery. The story, as framed by Abraham Lincoln, tells how colored soldiers and non colored soldiers have come together to fight the civil war to abolish slavery and preserve their rights their fore fathers have set up for them and how slavery goes against being a Christian. While the story line follows that of Harriet Beecher Stowe in her book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, where through a series of sketches she tells the stories of the human cruelty of slavery and enlightens the reader on how being a Christian and being for slavery is wrong. These stories enlighten us on the Civil War and one of the main causes of the Civil War which is slavery. Although there were many reasons to be against slavery the main cases against slavery was the Fugitive Act of 1850, religion, human cruelty, separation of families, and the compromise of land between Free states and slave states.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how abraham lincoln's address at the dedication of the gettysburg national cemetery and his second inaugural address reflect the issues with slavery.
- Explains that the fugitive act of 1850 held individuals responsible for harboring fugitive slaves even if they were located in non-slave states.
- Analyzes how abraham lincoln vouched for religion on the sake of the civil war. he states that neither slaves nor masters should judge each other because they both are the same.
- Analyzes how mrs. shelby feels guilt when asked by tom why she is selling him. the shelby family is aware that slavery is against religion and practically unethical to begin with.
- Explains that the third case against slavery was human cruelty. since quakers believed that all men and women were equal in the eyes of god, they believed all slaves should be treated equally.
- Explains the fourth case against slavery was the separation of families in "uncle tom's cabin." eliza felt alone so she ran away to find her husband and her beloved child.
- Explains that the fifth case against slavery was the compromise of land between free and slave states. the nebraska and kansas act was passed to present a compromise and reduce the tension of slavery.
- Concludes that there were many cases against slavery, but only five stood out. the fugitive act of 1850, religion, human cruelty, separation of families, and the compromise of land between free states and slave states led to the civil war.
1110 wordsRead More - Freedomanalytical essayThe occurrences of several major events in the history of America eventually gave all blacks equal rights and fostered a culture of change in American society. The Emancipation Proclamation of 1862, written by President Abraham Lincoln, was one of the most important documents in the history of the nation, and served to officially and permanently emancipate all slaves from their owners, and to erase the black stains of legalized bigotry from the principles of an entire nation. From the document: “I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves [. . .] are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive Government of the United States [. . .] will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons” (Lincoln 1). Although the decree was little more than symbolic, it initiated the slow but gradual process that eventually granted blacks with the very same rights and freedoms that were already afforded to whites. Only three years later, the intentions from the Lincoln’s Proclamation were officially and legally solidified with the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment, which stated that “neither slavery nor involuntary servitude [. . .] shall exist within the United St...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that ronald reagan's words on freedom, a subject he frequently dealt with during his long presidency, have raised questions about the effectiveness of the government in providing freedoms for all.
- Analyzes how the emancipation proclamation of 1862 gave blacks the same rights and freedoms as whites. the civil rights act of 1964 was a catalyst for social reform.
- Analyzes how the westboro baptist church is a virulently homophobic, anti-semitic hate group that regularly stages protests around the country. chief justice john roberts upheld the church's first amendment rights to freedom of religion and speech.
- Explains that the usa patriot act, which was passed after the 9/11 attacks, reduced restrictions on law enforcement’s use of wiretapping and allowed them to easily search digital information, medical, financial, and other records.
- Explains that the united states government granted, ensured, and preserved the same freedoms for all american citizens, regardless of opinion, race, or gender.
- Cites infoplease's encyclopedia, almanac, atlas, biographies, dictionary, thesaurus, free online reference, research & homework help.
- Explains that the electronic frontiers foundation's "let the sun set on patriot." lincoln, abraham. the emancipation proclamation. 1863.
- Explains that the patriot act: does it actually work? | julian sanchez | cato institute: commentary.
906 wordsRead More - Black Education in New York City during the 1830sanalytical essayThe emergence of a more militant abolitionist movement early in the decade refocused the northern antislavery struggle on the desire for immediate abolition and enlarged the arena for blacks to participate in civil society.However, in addition to participating in white antislavery organizations, such as William Lloyd Garrison’s American Anti-Slavery Society, black leaders advanced their own case for abolition through independent educational efforts.They knew that the main argument against...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the "problem of the color line" was identified over seventy years before w. e. b. du bois diagnosed it in 1903.
- Explains that the emergence of a more militant antislavery movement early in the decade refocused the northern anti-slavery struggle and enlarged the arena for blacks to participate.
- Explains that while many societies were short-lived, they represented a movement among free blacks, unprecedented to that time, to better their lives and achieve freedom through education.
- Explains that for blacks before the civil war, attaining literacy was fraught with incredible obstacles. white literary associations discriminated against african americans.
- Explains that the new york manumission society, a white organization founded in 1785, was the most important organization providing formal education to blacks.
- Explains that african americans were demanding increased representation in the administrative body of the afs.
- Analyzes how the egalitarian language of the american revolution gave black women and men rhetorical ammunition with which to challenge the country to live up to its democratic ideals.
- Explains that the american colonization society perpetuated malevolent stereotypes that blacks were intellectually deficient and incapable of remedying this defect.
- Explains that by the early 1830s there was little support for african colonization. people condemned the society's efforts at repatriation.
- Explains that blacks in new york city organized around educational initiatives for various reasons. they continued a trend of opening spaces in civil society to deal with issues facing their community.
- Explains that the philomathean society was formed in 1830 by several black men who devoted themselves to the improvement of literature and useful knowledge.
- Explains that the philomathean society membership consisted of middle-class males and prominent black leaders in new york city.
- Explains that most literary societies required members to pay regular dues and included moral criteria for joining, but it also shrunk the pool of possible membership applicants.
- Explains that educational societies struggled to maintain individuality, but they often worked together in order for them all to survive. the philomatheans organized a benefit for the female dorcas society and sponsored an exhibition for amistad captives.
- Explains that the phoenix society of new york, founded in 1833, was the largest of the african american educational societies.
- Explains that having white officers gave the phoenix society the ability to make wider appeals for funding, but the organization ran up against financial difficulties constantly.
- Analyzes how the phoenix society tried to tackle serious issues plaguing new york city's black population. they wanted to be census takers, educators, moral reformers, philanthropists and job placement agents.
- Analyzes how rev. peter williams, jr., started his own private high school in 1831. while the african free schools made primary education acceptable, the idea of secondary education for blacks was alien and considered useless to the majority of whites.
- Explains that the conventional address of the second annual convention of people of color eloquently articulated the need for higher classical and manual education.
- Explains that peter williams' school was short-lived, but he helped young blacks obtain secondary and university educations. in 1833, the phoenix society established a classical high school for colored youth.
- Explains that the high school for colored youth was a reprisal of both william's school and the previous phoenix society high school.
- Explains that the high school was in dire financial straits by july of 1837. the female department reopened in september at a cost of three dollars per quarter to students.
- Explains that the philomathean and phoenix societies, although the largest and most enduring, were not the only literary societies operating in the city during the period.
- Explains that black women organized to contribute to the educational efforts of the community, such as the african dorcas society and the new york female literary society.
- Explains that abolitionist newspapers, national conventions, and local developments allowed african americans to stay abreast of what was happening in other cities.
- Explains that national conventions were the other way leaders communicated the concerns of their particular constituencies and tried to devise a strategy to combat racial oppression and slavery.
- Explains that philadelphia had the most african american benevolent associations—80 in 1838, not including five explicit literary societies.
- Explains that the black populations of boston and pittsburgh were smaller than philadelphia or new york city, but still organized around educational initiatives.
- Explains how pittsburgh's black community organized the african education society in 1831. they worried not about prejudice from whites, knowing it would be "coolly received" by many.
- Explains that black new yorkers were not alone in their pursuit of formal education during the 1830s. from maine to michigan, blacks formed associations and conducted schools for the purposes of dispensing knowledge, elevating the race, and erasing the claims that african americans did not deserve to be citizens.
- Explains that the years 1830 through 1837 were the heyday of black organizational ferment around educational initiatives in new york city.
- Concludes that the 1830s were simultaneously a decade of increasing democracy and increasing segregation, social reform and dogged maintenance of the status quo.
- Analyzes how the intent to exclude manifested itself in various large and small ways. blacks were discriminated against in the job market until unemployment and underemployment levels reached epidemic proportions.
- Explains that the black community in new york city did not simply accept the current state of affairs with resignation. they believed that they were included in the covenants that were the declaration of independence and the constitution.
3713 wordsRead More - Aboilitionist Movement and Why It Was So Effectiveanalytical essayIn summation, one can analyze all the aspects which led to the freeing of all slaves and truthfully, every little element counted in supporting the end of slavery. From the small Virginian society to the great abolitionist leaders, William Garrison and Frederick Douglass, this nation has tried to be the nation of free and equal rights. As individuals foreshadowing our past we can now comprehend that every struggle and every fight of ending slavery has done none other than make us greater.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the abolitionist movement after the middle of the 1800s became the most effective element to the nation.
- Explains how the american colonization society (acs) started the antislavery movement after slavery was abolished in the eastern hemisphere of the globe.
- Explains that abolitionist movements shared many of the same qualities as antislavery and abolitionism. william lloyd garrison promoted his goal to end slavery.
- Analyzes how the antislavery movement in the united states had not greatly influenced the nation as a whole. william garrison was the first one to make the domino effect leading to alliances ending all of slavery.
714 wordsRead More - "William Lloyd Garrison: the Agitator"explanatory essaySlavery has always been a controversial and debatable issue in the United States. No one attacked the African-American slavery of the southern states with greater vehemence than a group of young, radical abolitionists. Frustrated at the betrayal of the revolutionary promise that all forms of bondage would disappear in the new land and marshalling all the religious revivals that swept the country, abolitionists demanded no less than the immediate emancipation of all slaves. Bursting upon the American political system in the early 1830s, abolitionists not only opposed any reparation of slaveholders, but they also demanded full political rights for all African-Americans, North and South.
In this essay, the author
- Narrates how garrison's outspoken stand in favor of immediate freedom of slaves made him unpopular with pro-slavery forces.
- Explains that garrison's anti-slavery activism didn't end with his newspaper. he founded the american anti-slavery society, which demanded immediate emancipation and racial equality.
- Explains how garrison's anti-slavery opinion of the united states constitution caused many of his white countrymen, fellow abolitionists, and former slave frederick douglass to alienate themselves from him and his organization.
- Opines that two self-made men as determined and proud as these would likely have clashed.
- Opines that in the crucible of movement politics and the charged atmosphere of american race relations, their ability to forge a decade-long working relationship is as noteworthy as their inability to sustain it for lifetime.
- Analyzes how douglass and garrison were at odds because they both published anti-slavery newspapers that often rivaled against each other. both were strong supporters of the rights of women and fighters for the emancipation of slaves.
- Explains that garrison resigned from the american anti-slavery society after the thirteenth amendment secured the formal abolition of slavery.
- Describes how garrison devoted his time and energy to the immediate abolition of slavery, women's rights, and temperance.
- Explains that garrison occupied a place as central in the history of the nineteenth century as that of dr. martin luther king, jr.
- Explains that william lloyd garrison was the most influential antebellum abolitionist and an influential american anti-slavery advocate.
- Explains that abolitionists opposed reparation of slaveholders and demanded full political rights for all african-americans, north and south.
- Explains that william lloyd garrison was the most prominent and spiteful of those abolitionists.
- Explains that garrison's speech, "address to the american colonization society," was one of the most important speeches of his career. he embraced the principles of colonization but rejected the gradualists notion of emancipation.
1321 wordsRead More - The American Amplification Of Slavery During The Civil Waranalytical essayIn United States history, events such as the exploration of the New World, The Market Revolution, The American Enlightenment, The Rise of Two-Party Politics, and of course, The Civil War, all shared an enormous impact on the evolution of the early and later United States. These proceedings changed how North America operated politically, economically, socially, and culturally. However, most of these primary events would not have taken place if it weren’t due to the dawn and amplification of slavery. In the duration of the years ascending into the Civil War and even during the Reconstruction period, most complications politically, culturally, and later, socially were due to slavery. Nevertheless, the slaves did have a betterment for the Americans
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the exploration of the new world, the market revolution, the american enlightenment, and the rise of two-party politics changed how north america operated politically, economically, socially and culturally.
138 wordsRead More - The Rights and Responsibilities of Black Americansexplanatory essaySlavery in America began as early as the 16th century. Before the colonists adopted the black slave policy, they relied on servants sent in from England to do their labor. However, the prices for servants were rising, and slaves from Africa were ultimately cheaper. This helped early America to save money on slaves and thus h...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that slavery is the belief that one group of people is superior to another, especially when they are being traded or are the survivors of a fallen empire.
- Opines that slavery was not invented in the united states, but it was a new concept.
- Explains that slavery in america began as early as the 16th century, when slaves from africa were cheaper. they were forced to perform backbreaking farming labor and tended tobacco, cotton, and sugar.
- Explains how slave labor helped build america's economy, and how it was an inexpensive source of labor for america.
- Explains that slaves were subjected to harsh punishments for even the most petty offenses, such as whipping, hanging, beating, and murder with impunity. slaves were prohibited to learn reading and writing skills.
- Explains that slaves in the south were considered personal property of the owners and could only acquire what the master had given them.
- Explains that slavery was abolished in the south when president lincoln issued the emancipation proclamation during the civil war, which sparked anti-slavery feelings throughout the union.
- Explains that after slavery was officially abolished, the newfound freemen were suddenly responsible for themselves. they could stay with and care for their own families for once and get married.
- Explains that harriet tubman is a great example of one of those leaders. she suffered terrible beatings and escaped into canada through the underground railroad, where she helped many slaves escape into freedom.
- Analyzes how rosa parks expanded the opportunities and privileges for people of color. she stood in defiance at the face of discrimination when asked to give up her seat to allow a white man to sit.
- Opines that martin luther king jr. was one of the most famous leaders in the civil rights movement. he gave a speech about the segregation between the races so powerful that the supreme court allowed all peoples to ride the bus as equals.
1233 wordsRead More - Lincoln: Emancipation as a Means to End Waranalytical essayThe institution of slavery and the status of African Americans in relationship to Lincoln must be analyzed further, as it was a crucial aspect of his presidency and distinction as a great political leader. Although Lincoln was opposed to the enslavement of other men, as he viewed it as a great moral evil, he was not known to be an abolitionist or posses extreme abolitionist views. During his inauguration speech, he went so far as to state that he would not "interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists" , showing that his goal was to simply prevent slavery's spread onto the free unclaimed soils of American that had yet to be divided. Yet, Lincoln would eventually be a supporter of Emancipation and bring it to fruition under his presidency. How did he go from an individual who was simply opposed to the spread of slavery to one who is known to be "The Great Emancipator" ? This essay will therefore examine Li...
In this essay, the author
- Describes the factors that allow a political figure to rise and become one of the most influential figures in history. lincoln was faced with an institution of slavery that was destroying the american union.
- Analyzes lincoln's views on slavery and the status of african americans in relation to his presidency and distinction as a great political leader.
- Analyzes how lincoln's personal views on slavery and african americans influence his political decision-making. lincoln was opposed to the system, believing it was morally and legally wrong to enslave human beings.
- Analyzes how lincoln's views on african americans helped shape his views during his presidency.
- Analyzes how lincoln viewed slavery as the cause of the great divide between the northern and southern american states, which would almost lead to the demise of america itself.
- Analyzes how lincoln recognized the potential for conflict, again because of slavery, and tried to avoid a civil war between the pro- and anti-slavery states.
- Explains that lincoln's intention was to save the union at any cost and that he would have to either permit slavery or abolish it from all states to bring the civil war to its end.
- Analyzes lincoln's intentions for emancipation in all states while stating benefits, such as "the shortening of war, perpetuate peace... and proportionately the wealth of the county."
- Explains that abraham lincoln's ability to deal with the institution of slavery and the american civil war allowed for the re-established union without the internal divide that was present before the war began.
- Describes lincoln, abraham, and michael p. johnson's lincoln and the civil war: selected writings and speeches.
1963 wordsRead More