1. Why did the KKK target black education?
Ultimately, I believe that it was due to the inferiority complex that many of the Southerners had following their crushing defeat in the Civil War. Although the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) allegedly started with innocent intentions, they quickly masked their destructive, terrorist motives. Their resentment and hostility for the “Negro population” spilled over into the educational arena, especially among uneducated whites.
According to the text, schools were easy targets and many felt that teaching blacks would make them like whites, potentially giving them superiority. As a result, the uneducated whites sought to keep them down by committing heinous acts and instilling fear among the black population throughout the South. Plantation owners also sought to prohibit this, because a black in the classroom meant one less former-slave (plantation worker) in the field tending to the harvest.
2. After a lot of violence and the death tolls rising to the thousands, the federal government finally intervened with the KKK Acts of 1870 and 1871. Why did they allow the violence to happen for so long without stepping in?
It was not that they necessarily condoned the violence; the problem was that there were no laws on the books in a state like Florida that prohibited whites from actually killing blacks. As Reconstruction collapsed during President Grant’s term, Republicans proved to be no match for those Democrats’ who engaged in political violence, economic coercion, and bloody violence. According to the text, masked Klansmen employed hit-and-run guerilla warfare tactics against those Republicans and blacks who engaged in civil equality, free labor, and political democracy. It was challenging to arrest them and virtually impossible to convict, since they often held higher office. Although he KKK Acts of 1870 and 1871 marked federal intervention into the problem, it did little to curb the counterrevolutionary violence in the South with other groups perpetuating the terrorist activities.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Why did so many die?
2) What were the two major factors that lead to so many deaths in actual combat?
The combination of mechanized weaponry (i.e. rifles, gunboats, etc.) and archaic Napoleonic battle strategies condemned even the best warriors of this era to their slaughter. This dramatically changed the landscape of modern warfare for generations to come. There were just so many people in each of the battles that they would ignorantly lose countless lives and amass massive casualty counts.
1) What was the biggest cause of death in the Civil War, and why?
The most significant factor in the Civil War that led to 633,000 Americans to lose their lives, included a combination of a lack of medical facilities to treat the casualties that amassed in battle, along with a lack of understanding of the spread of germs (bacteria) in these facilities. As these soldiers lie wounded on the battlefield, some for days, they would often die from bacterial infections before, during, and/or after they were finally treated for their wounds. Ironically, disease claimed twice as many lives as combat itself.
I also believe that there were two additional factors that drove the number of deaths so high. One was the amount of hostility that was shown toward one another as these individuals fought so fervently to preserve their belief systems. Southerners believed that the right to own slaves was God-given and their livelihood was at stake; whereas, Northerners were fighting for the cause of freedom on behalf of black Americans. This rendered it one of the most brutal conflicts in American history as friend fought against friend, brother against brother, and often father against son. They also thought that this conflict would be over in a matter of weeks, but four years later it was rare to find a family unscathed by the ravages of war.
The combination of mechanized weaponry (i.e. rifles, gunboats, etc.) and archaic Napoleonic battle strategies condemned even the best warriors of this era to their slaughter. This dramatically changed the landscape of modern warfare for generations to come. There were just so many people in each of the battles that they would ignorantly lose countless lives and amass massive casualty counts.
1) What was the biggest cause of death in the Civil War, and why?
The most significant factor in the Civil War that led to 633,000 Americans to lose their lives, included a combination of a lack of medical facilities to treat the casualties that amassed in battle, along with a lack of understanding of the spread of germs (bacteria) in these facilities. As these soldiers lie wounded on the battlefield, some for days, they would often die from bacterial infections before, during, and/or after they were finally treated for their wounds. Ironically, disease claimed twice as many lives as combat itself.
I also believe that there were two additional factors that drove the number of deaths so high. One was the amount of hostility that was shown toward one another as these individuals fought so fervently to preserve their belief systems. Southerners believed that the right to own slaves was God-given and their livelihood was at stake; whereas, Northerners were fighting for the cause of freedom on behalf of black Americans. This rendered it one of the most brutal conflicts in American history as friend fought against friend, brother against brother, and often father against son. They also thought that this conflict would be over in a matter of weeks, but four years later it was rare to find a family unscathed by the ravages of war.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
1. Why were African American soldiers not given the right to fight immediately upon their enlistment into the Union army? Why were they only allowed to do manual labor?
ANSWER:
According to the text, the War Department questioned their ability to fight effectively as soldiers and white leaders were fearful of the reaction of white soldiers. So, black men were employed as manual laborers and their wives were hired to serve as laundresses or cooks. Ironically, the navy took them in to service right away.
2. Even when given the right to enlist, why did some African Americans choose not to enlist?
ANSWER:
The Militia Act of 1862 offered blacks the legal right to enlist in the army or naval services, but the problem was that the pay was so low, much lower than whites, and working black men did not want to leave their family destitute. This was a challenging dilemma for many blacks in the US, because these northern white men were dying to emancipate them from the bondage of slavery and they figured the least they could do was to serve alongside them.
3. What were the Pros and Cons of the recruitment of black soldiers in the Union?
ANSWER:
The challenges associated with blacks joining the ranks of the army or navy were many and at times, quite severe. They were often treated as inferior and punished severely for any insubordination, real or perceived. This, accompanied by the reduced pay scale, as compared to white soldiers, led them to reconsider their options. However, the benefits by far outweighed the challenges… Black soldiers were elevated in status, even though they were still considered second-class citizens. They were taught to read, write, and lead others, having a renewed confidence and strength, due to having earned full citizenship for themselves, their families, and all blacks residing in the US. Black Americans now had a sense of pride in what they had achieved for themselves and their nation. They continued to serve beyond the Civil War and into the Reconstruction Era, where they also functioned in elective office and as schoolteachers, among a multitude of other vital and influential professions.
4. What was the significance of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Regiment? How did the Union allowing African American's in to the army change the lives of those who participated and their families? Was it positive or negative and why.
ANSWER:
They were vital to the cause of establishing liberty for all in America and without their help, in the fight and behind the scenes, there is a strong likelihood that the North would not have prevailed, as they did… Many black soldiers claimed to have felt freedom in their bones as they were transformed from slave to freeman to soldier virtually overnight. Although this was the case, the black soldiers experience in the Union army was problematic, at best. Initially, they were required to work in supportive roles and were often treated worse here than when they were in slavery. Despite such harsh conditions, the motivation to fight for the experience and preservation of their freedom is what propelled them remain involved and proactively engaged.
ANSWER:
According to the text, the War Department questioned their ability to fight effectively as soldiers and white leaders were fearful of the reaction of white soldiers. So, black men were employed as manual laborers and their wives were hired to serve as laundresses or cooks. Ironically, the navy took them in to service right away.
2. Even when given the right to enlist, why did some African Americans choose not to enlist?
ANSWER:
The Militia Act of 1862 offered blacks the legal right to enlist in the army or naval services, but the problem was that the pay was so low, much lower than whites, and working black men did not want to leave their family destitute. This was a challenging dilemma for many blacks in the US, because these northern white men were dying to emancipate them from the bondage of slavery and they figured the least they could do was to serve alongside them.
3. What were the Pros and Cons of the recruitment of black soldiers in the Union?
ANSWER:
The challenges associated with blacks joining the ranks of the army or navy were many and at times, quite severe. They were often treated as inferior and punished severely for any insubordination, real or perceived. This, accompanied by the reduced pay scale, as compared to white soldiers, led them to reconsider their options. However, the benefits by far outweighed the challenges… Black soldiers were elevated in status, even though they were still considered second-class citizens. They were taught to read, write, and lead others, having a renewed confidence and strength, due to having earned full citizenship for themselves, their families, and all blacks residing in the US. Black Americans now had a sense of pride in what they had achieved for themselves and their nation. They continued to serve beyond the Civil War and into the Reconstruction Era, where they also functioned in elective office and as schoolteachers, among a multitude of other vital and influential professions.
4. What was the significance of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Regiment? How did the Union allowing African American's in to the army change the lives of those who participated and their families? Was it positive or negative and why.
ANSWER:
They were vital to the cause of establishing liberty for all in America and without their help, in the fight and behind the scenes, there is a strong likelihood that the North would not have prevailed, as they did… Many black soldiers claimed to have felt freedom in their bones as they were transformed from slave to freeman to soldier virtually overnight. Although this was the case, the black soldiers experience in the Union army was problematic, at best. Initially, they were required to work in supportive roles and were often treated worse here than when they were in slavery. Despite such harsh conditions, the motivation to fight for the experience and preservation of their freedom is what propelled them remain involved and proactively engaged.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Text Analysis.
1. Based on Barrow’s personal experience that whippings did not improve work habits among the slaves, why do you think he continued to whip them often?
Whipping was definitely not the best method to motivate slaves to do a good job. Nonetheless Barrow kept doing it whenever there was a chance. At that time I believe peoples’ mentality was different then today’s days. The motivation approach was not known well as today. Masters way to rule was primitive and based on physical punishment. Over time we see that this is not going to work. This method is never bringing any results and more over progress. People are naturally created free and a chance to make them slaves is very low because they will always resist this status. I do see in the book that some slave owners used another way to motivate slaves. For instance the tried to encourage work with promises of small gifts and brief holidays. It was very positive step towards progress. But in general as long as people are slaves they will always resist to perform high quality job until they become free.
2. Why do you think the plantation owners preferred whipping as the main source of punishment?
Plantation owner did not know the better way to motivate slaves. Whatever they did was the best method known. I think this is common rule in a slavery world; If you don’t do a job you will be punished. Another thing is that whipping is increasing fear. We know that whipping was public. And normally victims were tied to a stake in the quarter, and the others were made to watch. That was a simple logic, public punishment for all to see. It was a false idea to get the rest into fear.
3. How does paternalism endorse and contradict slave whipping?
During this period of American history, paternalism was believed by slave owners to be a form of “Christian Guardianship,” typifying the responsibility of slave masters to provide for and manage their slaves. In essence, it represented the father-child relationship that these plantation managers believed they had to fulfill, according to the state laws, which gave nearly “uncontrolled authority over the body” of the slave. Ultimately, paternalism encouraged a slightly higher standard of care for the more valuable slaves, primarily because it made economic sense. Productivity was essential on the plantation and it became increasingly important to make slaves “last as long as possible” by doing “whatever it takes to promote their health and make them more prolific.”
One of the most significant challenges that the entrusted guardians (slaveholders) believed they had was in dealing with those dependents (slaves) that were naturally lazy and at times, insubordinate. The more archaic forms of punishment (branding, mutilation, etc.) were considered less humane and eventually abandoned, while the whip remained the tool of choice for these pseudo-guardians to exercise control over their flock and producing a hardworking, conscientious, and efficient labor force. The use of the whip was the most effective form of coercion that remained for slaveholders; however, slaves often used this concept to appeal to their master’s inherent need to see themselves as good, decent, and merciful human beings.
Specifically, paternalism endorses slave whipping by creating the illusion of compassion (albeit, insincere) with slaveholders needing to maintain control in a more humane manner. Their practice was justified in their mind, by convincing themselves that it was absolutely necessary to further exert their guardianship beliefs. They extended greater provisions of food, housing, clothing, mid-day rest periods and days off when the harvest was complete. In reality, this was highly contradictory, because the Bennet H. Barrow records indicated that whipping did not change the slaves’ behavior or mentality, only reinforced them. It perpetuated needless drama of slaves denying their master what they wanted the most each day, an ability to control them and break their will. In the end, it only served to strengthen the slaves in their fight for freedom, justice, and equality.
5. What prevented slaves (especially those in lower south) from retaliating against their confinement and torture?
Many of those slaves from the Upper South were able to escape to the North or even travel to Canada. For those in the Deep South, with the exception of Texas where they fled to Mexico, it was virtually impossible to escape very far. By 1860, Whites outnumbered Blacks 2:1 in this region of the US and experienced seemingly constant paranoia about slave revolts. In response to this perceived and on rare occasion, real threat, the Southern Whites were heavily armed and there was little protection for the slaves who wished to escape. In fact, it proved to be suicide for them when they did with Nat Turner’s story serving as an example.
The term, “lying out” was given to the slaves who tried to escape, but surrendered after only a few days of being without food, shelter, and/or chased by slave hunting dogs. Slaveholders employed several methods of tracking them and worked tirelessly to make examples of them as a deterrent to revolt. The story of Denmark Vesey, a free Black carpenter from Charleston is one that exposes the conspiratorial nature of slaveholders as they implicated him and a multitude of others in a plot “to riot in blood, outrage, and rapine.” Although there was no valid evidence to convict, 35 were hanged (including Vesey) and 37 more were banished from South Carolina.
Although this type of action was meant to deter, the resiliency of the slaves’ human spirit shone through; thus, creating a vibrant African American culture that enabled them to endure over two centuries of slavery the oppression that was to follow. In spite of the hopes and aspirations dimming for some who experienced the brutality of this culture, slaves were able to affirm their dignity and worth by striking back physically, culturally, and spiritually. Many worked tirelessly to resist the tyranny of theirs captors and sabotage their master’s interests. Protesting their bondage by sustaining the religious beliefs, sense of community, and family worth empowered them to show the slave master that they were in fact, not omnipotent. A hard lesson to teach, and even harder to learn…
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Text Analyses. The " Wounder Working Wire"
1. How has the invention of the telegraph changed the culture of the 19th century compared to the America we know today? How do our values differentiate?
The "Wonder Working Wire"
It’s was a great turn in the history of the whole world. Morse’s invention was a revolution. From that point the speed of information had become as never before fast. It was success, which later on connected all major cities in US and then Europe. Congress immediately voted to build an experimental line between Washington D.C., and Baltimore. More then fifty thousand miles of wires webbed the nation by 1861. Morse was a skilled entrepreneur who grew rich from his invention.
Now you can imagine what era had been started in 1840. The electronic world was conceived from that point. From simple dots and dashes we grow to internet, cell phones, radio, television and more.
2. What are some examples as to how the economy changed from the telegraph and opportunities that arose from it?
The world was changed completely. American businesses, nwespapers, government, and everyday life. The telegraph allowed railroads to run safely according to precise schedules. Investors from across the country could learn the latest stock prices from the New York Stock Exchange. News could be gathered from other parts of the country so quickly. The telegraph met so many needs and simplified life in thousand times.
3. What do you think could have inspired Samuel Morse to create the telegraph?
I think it was a time of progress and innovations when America just began grow up. Time of change and inventions. Morse was inspired by everything that was happening in front of his eyes. He was definitely was inspired by Andre Ampere, Alessandro Volta and Joseph Henry. But beside of these great people at that time was everything growing: roads, ship canals, transportations, trains, business, government, newspapers. I think he had a lot of different sours of inspiration.
The "Wonder Working Wire"
It’s was a great turn in the history of the whole world. Morse’s invention was a revolution. From that point the speed of information had become as never before fast. It was success, which later on connected all major cities in US and then Europe. Congress immediately voted to build an experimental line between Washington D.C., and Baltimore. More then fifty thousand miles of wires webbed the nation by 1861. Morse was a skilled entrepreneur who grew rich from his invention.
Now you can imagine what era had been started in 1840. The electronic world was conceived from that point. From simple dots and dashes we grow to internet, cell phones, radio, television and more.
2. What are some examples as to how the economy changed from the telegraph and opportunities that arose from it?
The world was changed completely. American businesses, nwespapers, government, and everyday life. The telegraph allowed railroads to run safely according to precise schedules. Investors from across the country could learn the latest stock prices from the New York Stock Exchange. News could be gathered from other parts of the country so quickly. The telegraph met so many needs and simplified life in thousand times.
3. What do you think could have inspired Samuel Morse to create the telegraph?
I think it was a time of progress and innovations when America just began grow up. Time of change and inventions. Morse was inspired by everything that was happening in front of his eyes. He was definitely was inspired by Andre Ampere, Alessandro Volta and Joseph Henry. But beside of these great people at that time was everything growing: roads, ship canals, transportations, trains, business, government, newspapers. I think he had a lot of different sours of inspiration.
How often were slaves whipped?
Whipping was the method of physical punishment on the most plantations for slaves. Masters controlled whipping and limit of the number of strokes was different. Some planters allowed fifteen lashes, some fifty and some one hundred. But a lot of history record has more severity description then frequency. And as one slaved described it “They treated them just like dogs.” “ She was herself whipped till the blood dripped to the ground.” On the average, a slave was whipped every four and half days. Sixty of the 77 slaves who worded in the fields were whipped at least ones. Sometimes slaves were beaten to death.
On the Barrow plantation whipping was public. Slaves were often tied to a stake in the quarter, and the other slaves were made to watch. Most masters tried to encourage work with promises of small gifts or promised day offs but the most motivation was punishment.
Who could escape to be beaten and why?
How many slaves according federal census, Barrow owned in 1840?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)