African American History - Research Paper Example

African American History (1600-1877) OUTLINE The events that shaped African American history and converted the blacks from being slave to free people were forced transportation of black people for slave trade, American Revolution, the Great Awakening, the very famous war of 1812 and the civil war. Slave trade is the first incident that shows the deprivation of Black population of their basic human rights as blacks were transported to other lands for labour purposes. Second in line is the event of Great Awakening, which helped people to recognize their existence according to their religion, as Great Awakening resulted in unity of Americans and Christianity faith. Third important event is the American Revolution that started in 1775 as clash between the Great Britain and the thirteen British colonies in America. During American Revolution, blacks wanted their rights and human treatment from Americans. British unwillingness to sign the commercial agreement, British support to Indians on American frontiers and failure of British army to withdraw from American territories were the causes of irritation for Americans due to which, the war of 1812 was there. Civil War is the last important event that helped the blacks in gaining freedom as at the end of civil war, formal identity was given to black people as Americans. AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY (1600-1877) African American history revolves around arrival of African American or black American ethnic groups in US. Migration of black people from Carrabin and transportation of slaves in 16th century changed the history of the region. Five very influential events took place from 1600 to 1877. The events that shaped African American history and converted the blacks from being slave to free people were forced transportation of black people for slave trade, American Revolution, the Great Awakening, the very famous war of 1812 and the civil war. Slave trade leads the other events in the African American history. In 1619, first slave was brought to Jamestown as a servant. This event opened the doors for bringing non-Christian black people as servants in the US. Number of slaves rose to 25000 in 1700 in American colonies1. Next in order was “Great Awakening”, known as watershed period in American life. Great Awakening swept the colonies by having greater social and religious effects on the people’s life. Period of 1730-1740 is known as revivalism period that spread throughout in American colonies2. Individual spiritual experiences got importance over the routine church proceedings. After the period of Great Awakening, the next mega event in African American history is American Revolution. It began in 1775 due to conflict between Great Britain and thirteen colonies. After the end of revolution in 1783, another mega event is the war of 1812. War was fought between America and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815 but peace treaty for ending the war was signed in 1814. Than the reconstruction period started in which black people were granted American citizenship with full rights. Mid eighteenth century saw a big shift in American policies towards black and black people also shifted to south for living the lives as per their own wishes3. The impact of all the events on African American history 1600-1877 shall be discussed in detail in this paper. Great emphasis shall be laid on the war of 1812, because of events taking place during this period. Spanish and Portuguese settlers brought Africans with them in the new world. About 2,75,000 Africans were brought to south and north America at the start of 16th century. First African slave was brought to Jamestown in1619. More Africans were then brought to those areas having good land for cultivation but labour was short. Many slaves used to die during transportation due to inadequate food and medical treatment. Earlier the differences in treating European and African slaves were almost negligible but soon they started differentiating whites from black people in 27th century. Virginia law clearly defined lifetime slavery for African people in the year 16624. This made clear on black people that white slaves are being treated in a different way than black. Slavery system got fully functional in colonial America by 1740. Cotton growers and tobacco growers demanded more slavery in southern states for cheap labour. Southern states received about 92% of total black Americans by 1850. Blacks were ruthlessly used as labour and their culture and lifestyle saw a decline. Proper slave markets were established and wives were separated from husbands and children taken away from parents5. This attitude of masters ruined the life of blacks. Slaves were not granted any property and blacks used to receive brutal punishment from the owner on a small mistake. The slave masters were raping young black women in all the slave markets without any restrictions6. White people of America made every effort to tease the blacks by giving poor quality of food, dressing and living. Education was another area kept away from the reach of blacks. Blacks started responding against the government policies in 18th century. Prosser, Vesey and Turner represented the blacks on every forum against the whites. Thousands of blacks managed to escape to Canada under the difficult circumstances. Even then, there were blacks who were ready to accept the superiority of whites over blacks. Blacks united themselves in the name of religion and they followed their religion under the worst conditions as well. This helped blacks to maintain unity for raising voice against slave masters. Great Awakening period is known as watershed period of American life. This event had long lasting religious and social effects on the people of land. It is evident from history that England could not influence the religious life of colonial America and England received same resistance in Ireland. The initial signs of “Great Awakening” were seen in 1679 with occurrence of series of periodic revivals. Publication of Newton’s “ Principia Mathematica” in 17th century, normal church proceedings were under great strain. Newton gave new idea of exploration of universe for changing one’s own destiny. He emphasised on reducing gap between God and man by reading the blueprints wherever they are found in universe7. This changed the mindset of people because now they understood that life is not purely controlled by God alone and they have a lot many things in their own hands as human beings. Jonathan Edward is renowned intellectual of theological works in America. His role in shaping the Great Awakening was exceptional during 1733-1735. Edward delivered a historical sermon naming “sinners in the hands of angry God”8. He highlighted the unreliability of life. He said that after death we might face unending fire and trouble. Edward received overwhelming response for his sermon. This response surprised people as it produced huge gatherings of people in favour of the sermon. Puritans heard him saying,” If you try, God will aid your salvation”. Edward wanted to convey that salvation is in the hands of God but people’s understanding was different9. George Whitefield is also a famous figure of “Great Awakening”. He travelled the eastern seaboard telling people how to get close to God. He also criticized government for leading people to hell by not demanding salvation of people10. Great Awakening resulted in unity of Americans and Christianity faith and lifestyle prevailed. It helped Baptists to grow better than ever before. George Whitefield established a school for educating the people of area. Therefore, he proved it true that when ground is level at the foot of the cross than education should also be available for everyone. Whitefield was the first one to support black people11. This helped authorities to think for expulsion of slavery from the society. Change started to appear between the old faith believers and those wanted to change them with changing circumstances. The awakening helped people in correcting their direction to right path and right believe. The American Revolution started in 1775 as clash between the Great Britain and the thirteen British colonies in America. The process of revolution was slow and took a lot of time. There were several reasons that convinced the thirteen colonies to seek independence from Great Britain. Several events lead to revolution and these are discussed below. Britain won the war from France in 1763 but recovery from huge debts was not possible. Therefore, Britain demanded revenue from colonies. French defeat reduced colonial dependence on Britain for protection. Currency act of 1764 clearly stated devaluation of colonial currency is harmful for British trade. Stamp act was introduced in 1765; aim was to get the tax from colonies for defence12. Boston massacre took place in 1770. This event increased hatred in blacks against British army. An open clash between colonists and British army resulted in death of black people13. This event showed enmity of Britain towards colonists. Other leading events are tea act, Boston tea party and Bunker Hill. British forces tried all means to tease colonists through open clashes but American Revolution grew despite all the restrictions. Black wanted their rights and human treatment from Americans during the great revolution. It is said that about one third of the colonists favoured the rebellion. Another one third supported the British instance in colonial America. Rest of the one-third colonists adopted a neutral way and neither supported separation from Great Britain nor the rebellion activities. Finally, the revolution ended in 1783. War of 1812 was fought between America and Great Britain. The war ended in 1814 by signing a treaty in Europe. Gulf of Mexico and Canadian borders were the main battlefields where the war was fought between the rivals. The war casted huge damage to men and material until it came to an end by treaty of Ghent. British unwillingness to sign the commercial agreement, British support to Indians on American frontiers and failure of British army to withdraw from American territories were the causes of irritation for Americans. Americans anger increased against Britain during French revolution wars of (1792-1802) in which Britain and France were the main players. Britain and French besides fighting purely military battles also fought commercially and tried to block trade routes14. French and Britain maritime policies were indulged in different crisis with US in 1790. Great Britain and France further worsened situation in 1803 when US observed violation of its neutral seas. Great Britain announced to take its sailors from any American merchant ships having the British sailors onboard. This changing situation was clearly giving the indications of a war in near future. Some Americans argued with authorities to wage a war against the Great Britain for redeeming the national honour. People who demanded war against the Great Britain were known as War hawks. War hawks met congress in 1811 and demanded war against Great Britain. US were not ready for a bloody war in 1812. Therefore, American dream of conquering Canada could not be materialised in campaigns of 1812 and 1813. American forces launched a three-prong attack Canada but could not succeed due to lack of coordination in attacking forces. In west, American forces surrendered Detroit to Britain in the year 1812. Americans were initially successful in targeting Britain’s frigates in the seas but slowly Britain started tightening the blockade against the American ships causing damage to merchant ships, thus exposing the complete American navy to British attacks15. 1814, was again a bad year for American forces. British had defeated napoleon and they rapidly shifted all their military assets towards America. Britain initially planned to attack America from three areas which were New York, New Orleans and Chesapeake Bay. Britain forces were near success in summers of 1814. Americans were unable to hold British diversionary attack in Chesapeake Bay and Britain forces entered in Washington D.C and burnt government buildings. “Fort Mchenry” was strongly defended by American forces and British forces were forced to retire. In 1814, New Orleans showed population of French, Spanish and African people with many economic activities. Its location near the Mississippi river enhanced its strategic value. Taking advantage of the waters, Sir Alexander used more than 50 ships to transport 10000 veterans from Jamaica16. Another great leader general Jackson arrived in New Orleans in 1814 and constructed very strong defences around the city’s main venue of approach. British forces advanced through a difficult terrain to challenge the American forces. Two American forces informed their commander regarding presence of enemy forces in the area. General finally motivated his forces to fight back the British troops. Using his experiences of war, general launched an attack on enemy forces and gained valuable time for Americans forces. This act of Americans halted the advance of British to New Orleans. Bloody campaigns remained continued between American and British forces at number of places. War of 1812 resulted in loss of human life and damage to infrastructure as well. The treaty of Ghent was finally signed to end the war but it remained unable to address the causes of the war. It was signed in Europe prior to Chalmette plantations. Period of 1861 to 1865 was the period if American civil war. Abraham Lincoln was the US president who issued the Emancipation proclamation. The thirteen amended of US constitution outlawed slavery in US. After that, fourteenth amendment was passed which granted complete rights of citizenship to black people. Period of 1865 to 1877 was the period of black progress and reconstruction under the protection of union troops17. Efforts were made during this period to give equal citizenship rights of African -American. Black people used their right of voting in elections and they were also selected in congress. First public school system was established through a bill in the southern states. Black established their own churches, schools and became landowners. Many black shifted to Mississippi for becoming landowners of their lands that were undeveloped. This shifting of blacks to Mississippi changed their life in a very short time and they became landowners of more than 50% of the land in Mississippi. End of civil war gave formal identity to black peoples as Americans. Black people migrated from north towards south for making their community strong and for establishing business18. This move also generated huge economical and cultural activity in the south. Many black came as soldiers and at the end of war, they remained there. Black people still living in north tried to complete their activities fast and shifted to south. African American history (1600-1877) comprises of number of events that took place. Slave trade for economical and religious purposes was the initial step that gave birth to other events. Inhuman treatment of blacks in the hands of white American compelled black people to take stand against the government policies. Great Awakening, revolution, war of 1812 and civil war all demanded great sacrifices from the black people. But arrival of Africans in America had a great impact on America culture and lifestyle. They still follow the religious teachings and culture and lifestyle that they brought with them from Africa. It was the voice for rights raised by the black people that finally gave them the independence and equality in American society. BIBLIOGRAPHY Black Jr., Timuel D. and Museum, DuSable. Bridges of Memory; Chicago's First Wave of Black Migration: An Oral History. New York: Northwestern University Press, 2005. Franklin, John Hope, and Moss, Alfred. From Slavery to Freedom. A History of African Americans. New York: McGraw-Hill Publications, 2001. Holt, Thomas C. and Brown, Elsa Barkley. Major Problems in African-American History: From Freedom to "Freedom Now," 1865-1990s. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt , 2000. Kidd, Thomas S. The Great Awakening: The Roots of Evangelical Christianity in Colonial America. London: Yale University Press, 2007. Painter, Nell Irvin. Creating Black Americans: African American History and Its Meanings, 1619 to the Present. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. . Read More