Essay on slavery.

Essay on slavery.

answer and prepare the two following questions in advance. Support your argument with specific examples/evidence. Write essay with an argument first a brief introduction paragraph with thesis and it least three (3) additional paragraph support your argument and last brief conclusion( every question should be answered in 2 essay not only one)

1) Abolitionists Harriet Martineau (see “Cotton South” handout) and Frederick Douglass (see his Narrative) both saw the institution of slavery as harming society overall. They argued that the institution changed and harmed African Americans and white Americans, as well as being detrimental to the specific regions (Maryland and “Cotton South”) in which it existed. Why and how did both authors show or explain this? A strong answer will address all parts of the question (e.g., include Martineau’s views on the impact on whites, blacks, and the region and economy as well as Douglass’s views on the same). Be sure to write a balanced essay that includes information from both sources. Provide specific examples using BOTH Martineau and Douglass’ writings.

2) To what extent were the North and South similar (or not) to one another from the years 1788 up to 1850? In your answer, think about some of the following: the resulting impact or legacies from the American Revolution, industrialization, urbanization, market revolution, labor systems (free labor (paid wages) or slave labor), beliefs about African Americans and slavery, the expansion of cotton plantations, religion, westward expansion, and other institutions and beliefs in your answer. Develop a thesis and defend your answer with specific reference to at least two primary source documents (e.g., U.S. Constitution, Cotton South, Old Apprentice, Douglass’ Narrative)

life of Frederick Douglass

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23?msg=welcome_stranger

Apprentices No. 2

… It is generally admitted, that intemperance among mechanics, and among the boys employed by them, has alarmingly increased of late; and it is, I conceive, a natural consequence of the present loose system of taking boys. In the course of my inquiries I saw four or five boys, from ten to fourteen years of age, romping at their work; and upon asking, “Are not these boys apprenticed?” was answered, “Oh no! they are little journeymen; they are received upon the same footing, are paid their wages regularly, and know and feel that they are freemen; and of course soon discover it by their conduct. If one of them should dislike a word of reproof, he will call for his wages and quit me instantly; and there are employers enough who will receive them, and care nothing for their moral character, or their steadiness, or constancy at their work.“ There are too large a portion of mechanics who prefer the present system, as they look not beyond their own immediate wants. If they advertise for a lad ”who has some knowledge of this business,” they will be sure to find numerous disaffected boys, who have got through the first drudgery of their noviciate—which will save some trouble to their next employers. These men prefer that the boys should not be bound as in that case there is nothing binding upon them. If the boy is taken sick or is guilty of misconduct, he can be turned adrift upon the public or his friends, and no responsibility attached to the employer.

There is one important view of the subject, which this class of men seem entirely to have overlooked, viz. that they are contributing, by their practice, to form and to perpetuate the insubordinate characters of which they complain. Masters will tell you that their journeymen repeatedly leave them, with no word of explanation, for several days together; and it is proverbial that during the Spring races, troops of them invariably drop the paint brush or the saw, for the race-course; and the whole family is thus left in confusion till the races are past and the workmen are sobered. During last spring, I was hurrying to make some repairs for a tenant; three different mechanics undertook the job, and the workmen of each deserted for the race-course. Several of my friends experienced the same treatment.

Now, I ask, what is the cause of all these complaints? and why is a punctual mechanic so rare, as to induce the confession from one of the most worthy, “there is now no such thing as punctuality among them?&8221; Is it not because the natural tie between master and apprentice, has been rent asunder? As there is now no community of interest, so there is nocommunity of feeling between them. The master no longer lives among his apprentices, watches over their moral as well as mechanical improvement, accompanies them on Sunday to a place of public worship, counsels them when in trouble, keeps them and comforts them in sickness, and when he is able, gives them, with their good name, some assistance to begin the world for themselves….

AN OLD APPRENTICE ,For the New York Observer October 28, 1826

 

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