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Question 1: Background
1. Provide background and summarize the event/ person you have chosen.
2. What makes this worthy of saving?
3. What other person or event might you have chosen? What made you decide not to choose it?
One event that I would save in the American History is The Slave South of 1820–1860.
In the South, agriculture flourished with the emergence of Cotton Kingdom. Huge cotton
factories developed as farmers brought avalanches of cotton fiber with the aim to maximize their
profits from the bountiful yields. The economic condition forced the farmers to seek for slaves as
the source of cheap labor in their farms. The North were mainly shippers of the cotton to
England selling it to England. The economy of both the South and North, therefore, depended on
southern slaves. By 1840, cotton export accounted for a half of the GDP in the US. The South
was aware that cotton was King that would give them power over Britain in the era of industrial
growth.
The cotton planters would influence the government as majority formed the cream of the
political and social leadership. The southern wealth grew enabling families that held slave to
afford the education of their children in fine schools in the North or abroad. There was increased
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the gap between the poor and the rich as capitalism took the better of the aristocratic
government.
The plantation systems rose to influence the social relationships between the black and the white,
southern mistress and black women. Mistresses would command the female slaves to perform
daily chores such as laundry, cooking and maid. Slavery would strain the relationship between
the mistresses and bondswomen as they treated them harshly and supported slavery.
The plantation economy caused a huge migration of people to the west and northwest as
they sought to expand their cotton farming. Peasant farmers sold their land to the wealthy in the
south and migrated north, enlarging the plantations in the South. Unfortunately, diseases and
economic condition glared upon these plantation as the North cotton merchants such as Yankee
grew wealthier. Plantation economy caused the south to be mainly an Anglo-Saxon economy in
the U.S. Plantation slavery caused a lot of suffering to African-American slaves as resentment
became widespread among their white masters. The southern slaves lived in the harsh conditions
as their masters oppressed them to toil in their lands from dawn to dusk. There was no civil
reprieve for the slaves because the law regarded them as properties of their masters. The masters
would dictate their relationship with their family, culture and religion. The increased suffering in
the South forced the blacks to fight for their right to be treated humanely by their masters. This
movement would influence amendments in the U.S laws and subsequent abolition of the slave
trade.
I chose the topic on the slave south because it is integral in the history of the United
States of America. Slave trade shaped the rest of the American history up to the era of
emancipation. Historical events such as the Civil War were the consequences of disagreements
between the North and the South on issues of slavery. The southern slavery shaped the events
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that characterized the second passage. Slavery is also important in understanding the
Democratization of the United States. It can also enable the future generation to understand the
importance of granting people equal rights and freedoms and treating them equally under the
law.
If I choose another event in the American history, I would save The Crucible of War.
This event is important because it shaped the nation to become the free world. The Crucible of
War represented a great breakthrough for Black Liberation who had unceasingly fought for the
recognition of the blacks in the law. The blacks would go from being slave contrabands to free
people with the ascension of Abraham Lincoln to power in 1864. The Crucible of War saw the
collapse of the Confederation and shaped the path of emancipation. However, I decided not to
save this event because it is a consequence of the slavery in the South. It would, therefore, make
sense to understand the rise of The Slave South before going to the Civil War.
Question 2: Evidence
a. Look at the event/ person you have chosen and provide different viewpoints supporting and
against; defend them with academic sources (bibliography, inline citations).
b. How do different groups view this event? (Other countries, religions, genders etc...)
The South proponent of slavery defended it as a necessary evil causing an elongated
standstill with the abolitionists. The defenders of the slave trade were mainly capitalist
economists who argued for historic, religious, legal, social and humanitarian aspects of slavery.
The proponents of slavery argued that slavery would protect the interests of masters, slaves and
society as a whole. They argued that the class of landless poor was vulnerable to manipulation
that would destabilize the society. Such a proslavery theorist was Henry James Hammond who
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came up with the mudsill theory. According to this theory, society must have an upper class who
depend on the lower class. Another theorists, John Calhoun, believed that slavery would make a
strict society with unchanging hierarchy, which would result in a more stable society than that of
the Northern states where wage laborers were actively involved in democratic politics. William
J. Harper argued that slavery was not just a necessary evil but would also promote a positive
social welfare (Boundless, 2007).
Proslavery theorists advocated for a class-sensitive society in America. They believed
that the existence of a classless society was the cause of unstable American society in the past.
According to them, there would not be a democracy because of class warfare that destabilized
the economy, society and government, and threatened the harmonious implementation of the
laws. The mudsill theory justified the willingness of non-whites to perform manual work, which
was important in moving towards civilization. It would only be prudent to argue against class
equity because it would in itself counter civilization. Removing slavery and elevating the blacks
to be free citizens would threaten the economic stability and political harmony.
Most slavery defenders argued that it was necessary for the economy of the South that
depended on slave labor. Without slave labor, the cotton economy would collapse, tobacco
would dry in the fields, while rice would become unprofitable. Others argued that without
slavery, there would be chaos because of widespread unemployment. Bloodshed, uprisings and
anarchy would characterize the society as it were during the French Revolution as people fought
to maintain their status quo.
Different groups tried to link the Southern slavery with the Bible. They argued that even
Abraham, in the Bible, had slaves and it was part of the Ten Commandments. In the New
Testament, Paul had returned a run-away slave, Philemon, to his master. In the Roman world,
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there was widespread slavery yet Jesus spoke against it. A minister, James Thornwell, argued
that slave abolitionists were atheists, socialists, Red Republicans and Communists that had
anterior motives. The courts ruled that the blacks had no legal status as they were considered
property of their masters. The American Constitution protected the rights of the slaveholders to
their property (Larry E Tise 1987).
Most slave abolitionists came from different communities such as Quakers, white antislavery such as Harriet Stowe, former slaves, and free colored people such as Fredrick Douglass,
James Forten and Robert Purvis. They presented several arguments against slavery. The Quakers
in Germantown of Pennsylvania presented their petition based on religious and natural rights to
equality. By 1830s, many evangelical movements had become part of the active abolitionist
movement and formed the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1833. Some politician such as
Paine, Hamilton and Jefferson had begun reservations for slavery, although some of them held
slaves (Roark, 2010).
Abolitionist argued that there could be alternatives to the trade. Thomas Clarkson
explored the alternatives using seeds, minerals and craft (Clarkson 2007). Baron Greneville
argued that something that is wrong remained so regardless of the person doing it. He argued that
other countries such as Britain ought not to have participated in the trade even if it was
profitable. Britain ought to have cleared itself from the stain of slavery. In Africa, slavery was
different from that in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Most of the slaves in Africa were victims of
political warfare or judicial punishments. The enslaved people could not have their generations
enslaved as well.
The Quakers lead by Benezet argued that Africans should not be treated as inferior
human beings. Some whites who held slaves such as Captain Thomas Phillips in his writing
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implied that slavery was wrong. William Wilberforce argued that slavery was damaging Africa
because of the crude means of capturing slaves (Phillips 1693). Africans had suffered greatly
because of being separated from their families. In opposition to the Biblical argument for the
slave trade, Britain quoted texts such as Luke 16:13 that says that no man can serve two masters.
Granville Sharp reasoned that slavery was an oppression, abominable in the eyes of God.
Women also became actively involved in the antislavery movement. They used their public
space to petition mistresses to stop slavery. Such include Harriet Tubman who argued that all
women are equal regardless of their skin color.
Bibliography
Adams, Abigail. “Abigail Adams to John Adams, Braintree, March 31, 1776.” Reading the
American Past Selected Historical Documents. Michael P. Johnson. Boston: Bedford/St.
Martin’s, 2012. 127. Print.
Aboukhadijeh, Feross. "Chapter 16: The South and the Slavery Controversy, 1793-1860"
StudyNotes.org. Study Notes, LLC., 17 Nov. 2012. Web. 28 Jul. 2015.
<https://www.apstudynotes.org/us-history/outlines/chapter-16-the-south-and-the-slaverycontroversy-1793-1860/>.
Boundless. “The Proslavery Argument.” Boundless U.S. History. Boundless, 21 Jul. 2015.
Retrieved 22 Jul. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/u-shistory/textbooks/boundless-u-s-history-textbook/slavery-and-reform-1820-1840-16/theold-south-121/the-proslavery-argument-647-9459/
Proslavery: A History of the Defense of Slavery in America, 1701-1840, By Larry E Tise,
(Athens: The University of Georgia Press, 1987)
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Captain Thomas Phillips (a slave trader), A Voyage made in the Hannibal 1693-94 (published
1732) Crevecoeur, J. Hector St. John. “Distress of a Frontier Man, 1782.” Reading the
American past Selected Historical Documents. Michael P. Johnson. Boston: Bedford/St.
Martin’s, 2012. 132. Print.
Roark, James L. “Chapter 13, The Slave South. 1820–1860.” The American Promise: A
Compact History. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. 151. Print.
Roark, James L. “Chapter 15, The Crucible of War 1861–1865.” The American Promise: A
Compact History. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. 161 & 165. Print.
Thomas Clarkson. James Arnold and Alexander Falconbridge, ships doctors. Bristol (2007).
Question 3: Influence of Context and Assumptions
a. Explain how the event/person is viewed within the context of the time it exists.
(Cultural, political, global)?
b. Compare the event/person with another of its time?
c. How would this person/ event be view in today’s world? What are the main differences?
in the context of then and now? (Are there things that would be unacceptable now that were?
normal then or vice versa?)
The era of The Slave South or the also referred to as the antebellum years were the most
chaotic in the history of the United States. The period is best described from the economic
perspective that marked the development of the US from a poor nation that depended on
agriculture to a leading global economic powerhouse. This period divided the North and the
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South on the basis of economic, social and political trends. There was a widespread market
revolution that shifted the two regions from being agricultural economy to trade and wage-based
economy. Eli Whitney’s cotton gin that saw a market boom for the North. Other invention in
industry and transport technology allowed the cheap and efficient flow of crops from the West to
the North. These developments in manufacturing created the wage labor system.
The mass migration of the people from their land saw a rise in urbanization. By 1820,
millions of people flooded the northern cities to find jobs in the industrialized economies joining
Irish and German immigrants. The wage labor system transformed the social status of the
Americans giving rise to the first middle class. The middle class comprised of mainly whitecollar and skilled laborers and was instrumental in bringing a variety of changes. Such reforms
affected alcohol consumption, prostitution, prisons, asylums, education and slavery. This period
also saw a rise of religious activities, also referred to as the Second Great Awakening.
The antebellum years saw many political struggles especially those related to states’
rights. The South comprised of people who believed that the states should have the final word on
the interpretation of the Constitution. John Calhoun, a democratic-republican, argued that the
states created the Constitution and should, therefore, nullify such laws. Others such as President
Andrew Jackson held that the federal government had authority over states. This debate almost
caused a civil war in the Nullification Crisis of 1832-1833.
The issue of slavery sparked a heated debate almost dividing the nation. More northerner
realized the horrific injustices of slavery, as the southerners became reliant of the slave labor for
their cotton plantations. Aristocratic viewed the westward expansion of slavery as important in
the survival of social and aristocratic economic order. Others opposed the expansion of slavery
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from the South. Such debate was key in the Missouri crisis, the annexation of Texas and the
Mexican War.
In the Global context, Western European countries abolished the slave trade. Although the
implementation was slow, the combination of economic inducements saw the Industrial
Revolution that created a market for wage labor. Industrialized countries formed a consensus that
slavery had no social or economic place in the future.
I would compare the Industrial Revolution of the antebellum years to the 21st century
Industrial Growth. While there are differences in the development since the first industrial
revolution, there are certain features that remain characteristic of industries today. In the 18201860 industrial revolution, plants relied on engine powered energy. Most of the technologies
were driven by people with the growth of wage labor system. Most of the invention were related
to agriculture, transport and manufacturing. The modern industry development seems to reduce
the amount of human labor as manufacturing systems become more capital intensive. There have
been numerous inventions in communication systems as the world seek to become a global
village. Despite these changes, human labor is still important in manufacturing and wage-based
market system still reign. The power used to drive manufacturing system is still based on nonrenewable energy sources such as oil. There are, however, slow changes in relation to energy.
Corporates as well as the government are moving toward green energy as a means of
environmental sustainability. Despite the controversy surrounding it, nuclear energy has been
tapped in various countries as is being used in industries.
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Question 4: Student's Position
a. From your viewpoint explain why the historical information you chose to save will be a
benefit to future generations?
b. Think of a reasonable scenario that could happen today or in the future where the lessons
learned from this event/ person will be needed?
In my opinion, saving The Slave South will benefit the generations to come because it is a
reminder of the challenges that been overcome to make America the powerhouse it is today. In
the event that problems related to social strive arise in the future, The Slave South can be a
pathway to overcoming it. The issues of human dignity should remain supreme over social,
political or economic aspirations.
The American Constitution harbors the belief that are people have natural rights that accrue
to them because of being human. This beliefs is fundamental for people to realize the American
Promise. Society, group and government have a duty to treat people equally regardless of their
origin, color, gender, or other physical diversity. Sadly, centuries after the abolition of slavery,
human exploitation is not news in America. People continues to suffer because of unemployment
and economic strive. Others work overtime to be able to afford their basic needs or pay their
bills. We cannot be wrong to say there is still some form of civil strife. I believe that cases of
racism in America are not extinct. It is, therefore, important to save The Slave South to retain the
knowledge that a free society is key to economic growth.
I believe that there are possible events that the Southern slavery can be applied. For example,
the modern marginalization of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people) calls for
the resilience shown by the abolitionist movement. LGBT people continue to fight for their
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rights as the minority in society today. In their fights for integration into the mainstream society,
they should understand that minority can also win in the same way as abolitionist movements,
they have no military, power, money, and are few. Although peaceful negotiations are important,
an action may be required. The slave abolitionist ridded on the precarious freedom to the extent
of risking their lives. They, however, with determination achieved despite these restrictions.
Since the founding fathers fought for equality, it is important for the society to treat the minority
equally. This case should be the same for people with disability, women and young people who
are often marginalized by the society. The Slave South is therefore, very relevant in the world
today.
Question 5 Summary
1. How has your topic influenced society today?
2. Why will it be important to save this event for future generations?
3. What will it teach future generations about values, society, policies, etc...?
4. What would be some possible negative consequences of your choice?
The Slave South has influenced the US society by promoting equality in the sight of the
law. It is the basis of American history of democratization and promotion of individual liberty.
People can no longer be considered less human because of the color of the skin or other physical
elements. Equality has become the creed for all men, women and children. People can no longer
be considered the property of others. Today, America is an epitome of democracy thanks to the
slavery event. I believe that America could not have become the World’s superpower with
slavery still an issue. Saving the slavery event will remind the future generation of where they
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have come from and thus avoid such conflicts. The Slave South instilled values of equality,
freedom, individual liberty, and perseverance. It earmarked the power of change in society.
Despite the importance of saving The Slave South, there are some foreseeable
undesirable consequences. I believe that the event cannot be looked separately from the Crucible
of War. The Crucible of War saw the separation of the Confederation. It would be difficult to
concretely define the benefits of the slave abolishment without understanding the amendments
raised by the Crucible of War. The amendments outline the rights of all people to be treated
equally. It also gives states rights to be independent of interference by the federal government.
Losing such information may not guarantee a reoccurrence of slavery in the future.
History is important in keeping track the development of a nation. By saving the Slave
South, the future generation can learn from the past and avoid similar pitfalls in the future.
Infringing the rights of individuals to be treated equally in the face of the law can only lead to
chaos, war and anarchy. Such events should be avoided at all costs.