Congo as a Transit for Slaves - Essay Example

DOCUMENT 2 In each of the three letters of King Alfonso to the Portuguese king, he made mention of various requests. Some of these he asked for repeatedly which signifies the importance of these. Basically, King Alfonso asked that the king of Portugal order his officers to stop giving authorization to Portuguese merchants to do trade in Congo most especially when such trade involves items forbidden by the king. Also, he requested the king to send several types of people to perform different duties. This includes priests, grammaticians, masons, carpenters, doctors, surgeons, and pharmacists. However, King Alfonso’s most important request was that Portuguese merchants stop making Congo a transit for slaves. He requested that they do not accept free men being traded as slaves. King Alfonso always made reference to God’s service in his letters. However, he also reiterated his problem of losing control over his people. In his first letter, he wrote, “vassals….beginning to claim their independence.” This was due to the fact that his people were beginning to see how good free life is as they see from the lives of the Portuguese merchants. Also, this could be attributed to the fact that they were now able to obtain goods that were previously forbidden from them. King Alfonso believes that his kingdom is an extension of Portugal and that they must be given the same attention by the Portuguese King as he would give to his native land. Furthermore, Alfonso’s letters demonstrate the dependence of his kingdom on Portugal which may be seen as the same reason why he never requested that slave trade be ended or that Portugal vacate his kingdom immediately. Lastly, King Alfonso knows that without the Portuguese and the practice of Christianity his reign will be in jeopardy. DOCUMENT 2-2 Christopher Columbus’ journal serves as a window into his travels. It reflects his views regarding the places he visits and the people he meets. For instance, his journal relates his experience upon meeting the people of the new world. He described these people as people with very well-formed and handsome bodies, short coarse hair similar to the tail of a horse, and people that wear various colors of paint in different places on their face and body. He also noted their distinct complexion which was neither black nor white. Most importantly, Columbus described them as being “poor in everything.” He probably attributed such to the fact that they willingly accepted even the littlest of items that were given to them. He noted that what they were giving them had no value back home but these people eagerly accepted such items. Columbus found the people to be very friendly since they welcomed them so eagerly. The Indians provided them with what they needed such as food and water. In fact, the Indians had very high regard for Columbus and his men. They exerted effort just to give them what they need. Despite the language barrier, each group was able to communicate with the other through signs. Columbus noted the Indians’ high regard for them that he began to think that they were considered as men from heaven. The Indians practically worshipped the outsiders. They thanked the heavens for Columbus and his men, they went down on the ground, and they made offerings in the form of food and water. If an Indian were to have written a diary, it would have contained his adulation for the Europeans most especially how these people gave them gifts. DOCUMENT 2-3 The point of view from which an individual sees an event may have a great effect on how he interprets what he sees. This is exemplified by Bernal Diaz del Castillo’s journal and his description of Mexico, its way of life, and its people. Diaz was quite surprise in what he saw upon arriving in Mexico and upon visiting the town. For one, he noticed that in a way, there were traces of certain similarities between Mexico and Europe. This was most evident in the market place which Diaz visited. He was quite surprised to find such an organized market place where various goods were being sold. This is very similar to the market places in Europe. However, there were very noticeable differences between Mexico and Europe as well. The biggest difference of which would be that Mexicans engaged in the practice of human sacrifice. Also, Diaz noted that Mexicans collected and sold human excrement which he said Europeans would find strange and funny. Diaz also wrote about Montezuma. He noted that Montezuma was quite different from other Mexicans. He noticed the food that Montezuma was served, the multitude of guards that constantly surround him, and the high accolade that Mexicans accorded Montezuma. Although these were strikingly different from the lives of other Mexicans, Diaz believed that this was not unusual as Montezuma was considered royalty and therefore should be given royal treatment. Diaz’ journal also described his and the other men’s awe over what they saw upon entering Mexico. He noted the great towns, buildings, and temples which were built of stone and were rising from the water. Such sight took them by surprise because their perception of Mexico was a primitive and uncivilized place since they thought Europe was the only civilized place. DOCUMENT 2-4 Mexicans saw the Spaniards as warriors. They saw the Spaniards as conquerors who had knowledge of what it would take to achieve glory. However, their accolade for Spaniards began to change as soon as they Spaniards stepped foot in Mexico. After a good exchange of pleasantries between Montezuma and the Spanish head of mission, the Spanish revealed their true intentions. They came to Mexico not to form ties and bonds with the Mexicans but to take over the town and covet all the riches that Mexico had. Montezuma was at the mercy of the Spaniards. He merely served as their caretaker. While the Spaniards were away, he was in charge. He was the ruler. However, now that the Spaniards have arrived, Montezuma knows that he has to relinquish his post and be of service to the Spanish, giving them whatever it is that they want. Mexicans believed that the Spanish brutality was evidence of their primitive nature. Their use of force made them seem as barbarians. However, the Spanish had a different interpretation of it. They saw their conquest of the Mexicans as their victory which signifies their overwhelming power over the Mexicans. The Mexican perspective on the Spanish conquest may be biased against Spaniards. Since there have been numerous events that have occurred after the event in question, the Mexicans may have begun to believe that their troubles and worries are the result of the Spanish conquest. Thus, their writing regarding the conquest may be biased and full of emotion against the Spaniards whom they might blame for their plight. DOCUMENT 2-5 Juan Troyano’s description of the Coronado expedition was given as part an investigation. Since Troyano was part of the Coronado expedition, it will be quite easy to assume that in a way, he might try to protect himself and those with him most especially their leader, Coronado. Despite such possibility of bias, Troyano’s account of the events provides an insight as to what went on during the Coronado expedition and what it was on their minds as they went about their journey. Troyano’s accounts tell us that they were surprised that the Indians resisted them. They believed that the Indians would submit to them without offering any resistance. Also, the Spaniards thought that the Indians would consider them blessings or the Indians would fear them. However, these all turned out to be false perceptions as the Indians did not go down without a fight. In Troyano’s opinion, they used force against the Indians only because they were forced to do so. In other words, the Spanish justified their actions by saying that they acted in self-defense and that they initially used restraint in relating with the Indians. As previously mentioned, it is quite possible that Troyano’s account of the events maybe biased as he was an active participant in the expedition. Although his active participation may mean he saw and experienced first hand the events that unfolded, it could also mean that his credibility as an unbiased witness may not be good as the investigation being conducted was against the expedition and those involved in it. DOCUMENT 3-3 Robert Cole’s inventory provides ideas and clues as to what life was like during his time. His possessions give an indication as to what items were considered necessities during his time and what items or goods were valued. Based on what Robert Cole and his family owned, it is quite evident that farming and agriculture played a big part in their lives. Also, Cole and his family were not just farmers; they raised several different types of animals that they slaughter to feed themselves. Life during those years was very simple. Much of what they owned was the bare necessities. Food to eat, kitchenware, house wares, clothes to cover their bodies, and a few items to keep them entertained such as books. It also must be noted that servants during those times were considered possession as these were included in Cole’s inventory. Cole’s inventory gives indications as to the values he holds in terms of economics and family life. Primarily, his inventory indicates that Cole prioritizes the needs of his family and sees to it that these needs are well-provided for. However, Cole could also afford certain luxuries and on certain occasions, he and his family acquired such. For instance, Cole made plans to purchase new clothes for his family for Christmas. This is something that a regular planter would not do. Certain items in his inventory were valued in terms of pounds of tobacco. The reason behind this is that during that time there was instrument of exchange like the money that we use now. During that time, tobacco was the most common and one of the most important plants, thus, items were valued in terms of tobacco. Therefore, when one may decide to sell certain goods, they are paid for with tobacco. DOCUMENT 3-4 The testimonies given by various individuals pertaining to the event involving Katherine Watkins in 1681 revealed certain points of interest. Surprisingly, no one among the witnesses shared Katherine’s story. Katherine was the only one who made it seem like the mulatto; John Long raped and forced himself on her. However, only one other person gave a statement in support of Katherine’s allegations. The rest of the witnesses indicated a story that was the complete opposite of Katherine’s. In her story, Katherine portrayed herself as the victim of sexual abuse. However, the story of the other witnesses portrayed her as the aggressor who constantly pursued the mulatto. Katherine’s neighbors pictured her and her husband as unusual. They did not seem to get in contact that much with the Watkins. Also, their neighbors shared the impression that Katherine was very aggressive which is not typical of women during that time. Katherine went after the man that she wanted although she was married. Also, she seemingly did not care even if he was a mulatto of Thomas Cocks. This is the reason why many of the witnesses, especially her neighbors, considered her behavior aberrant. The testimonies regarding the event revealed the relations that occur between people in that time. It showed that slaves, servants and free people mingled and even shared a drink or two together. Also, this indicated that racial differences mattered very little as people of various races were shown to relate with one another. DOCUMENT 3-5 Nathaniel Bacon’s experience is a testament to the fact that divisiveness does not just exist between different races. Sometimes, even people from the same race can disagree on certain matters. More importantly, Bacon’s experience shows that not all white men were against the Indians. In fact, the governor of Virginia during that time believed in maintaining the coexistence of both white and Indians which mean avoiding any event that could damage their relations. Bacon’s assertions also show that vested interests among officials were already present at that time. Corruption does not merely exist in today’s time. Officials even of centuries ago already manipulated their power and position for their own interests. This was clearly demonstrated by the Governor of Virginia who Bacon accused of monopolizing trade with the Indians wearing paint although this was supposedly forbidden by law. Basically, Bacon and those who sided with him believed that they were fighting for the good of the people, particularly white people. Moreover, his accusations against the people in power demonstrated that their fight was not merely against Indians but against the system that did not favor them. Nathaniel Bacon is the olden version of today’s activist, one that fought with anyone or anything that impeded the rights of the majority. He fought not just against a different race but even against his own race. DOCUMENT 4-2 This excerpt reveals the religious faith of the people in the 17th century. John Dane and his family were very devout and religious. They lived their lives according to what the Bible says. Their decisions and actions are based on what is said about God in the Bible. Such faith in God is what led John Dame to resist the temptations that he met along his way. Such temptation came in the form of a naked woman who he could have slept with. However, he knew that it was against God’s will for him to do such and so, he walked out of the room. It was his belief and fear of God that led him to fight of the temptation. He knew that if he gave in to the temptation, God would find a way to punish him for it. John Dame believed in God so much that he believed that God sent him signs whenever he was in danger. Also, he believed that god’s providence helps him get through the most difficult of situations. For instance, he believed that it was because of God’s providence that despite having his house burnt down, he was still able to pick up and rebuild a life for him and his family. His decision to travel to New England was based on his belief that New England did not have as much temptation as England did. Seeing the many temptations that were in England, he decided to travel to New England to run away from such temptations. However, he soon found out that New England was not spared from temptations as well. John Dame believed that God constantly intervened for him and spared him from the many evils that existed in the world. He believed that it was God that determined what happens to one man. Therefore, man should do as God wills them to do in order to avoid the wrath of God and his punishment. DOCUMENT 4-3 Williams’ description of the Indians as “barbarians” is based on his comparison of the way of life that the Indians have with that of the English’. Since he is an English man, one would expect that his basis of judging the way of life and culture of another people would be that of his own. Williams detailed the type of clothing or the lack of clothing of Indians particularly at the early stages of their life. Also, he noted that Indians had very little knowledge of salutation. However, Williams noted that somehow, Indians and English are similar. For instance, he noted that some English men prefer to take off their clothes when they get home. Also, he noted that the are some English who also do not understand the concept of salutation. In terms of religion, Williams acknowledged that the Indians and the English both believe in a God and his creation. However, he noted that contrary to the English’ monotheistic belief, the Indians are polytheistic. Also, they believe that their Gods are creatures contrary to that of Roman Catholicism. It is quite obvious that Williams’ religion greatly influenced his observations. He believed that the Indians’ belief in multiple gods is the reason they live barbaric lives. Since he believes that there is only one God, Williams thinks that believing in more than one God is a sin that requires punishment which for the Indians, comes in the form of their misery. DOCUMENT 4-4 The law of the land must uphold the morality of people. It must likewise protect the rights that each person holds. The record of case filed in Suffolk County reveals the courts’ attempt to correct the immoral and abusive acts of its people in order that morality and good behavior be restored and promulgated. The different cases reveal that the law bases its prohibitions on what religion says is prohibited. For instance, fornication, otherwise known as pre-marital sex, is not illegal nowadays. However, during the 17th century, Puritan beliefs and laws dominated the country. Therefore, since it was against the belief of puritans for a man and woman to sleep together without the bond of marriage, the court considered this as a violation of the law. Basically, the values that the court aimed to protect are the very same values that the church was preaching and pushing for. Puritan values were the same values that the court was trying to protect. Since the court’s rulings were based on Puritan teachings, it made no distinction between man and woman. This is because Puritans believed that the same laws of God apply to men and women. Therefore, both men and women should receive the same punishment for acts that run contrary to Puritan belief. Today’s separation of church and state did not exist during the period in question. The church and the state worked as one and pushed for the same laws and values. The distinction between what is “right in the eyes of God” and what is “right in the eyes of the law” for God’s law and man’s law were one and the same. DOCUMENT 4-5 Witchcraft has long been associated with the work of evil. Society has stenotype witches as unmarried women who wore black and lived by themselves in dark and haunted looking houses. Witches have long been feared. However, witches were always considered fictional characters, products of people’s imagination. The case of Bridget Bishop shows the fear that people have of witches. Also, it shows that people attribute the occurrence of bad things to witch craft. Bridget Bishop did not fit the typical characterization of a witch. She was in fact married and a churchgoer. However, this did not stop people from accusing her of performing evil acts. The acts described by those supposedly bewitched are acts that are more of abuse rather than witchcraft. If indeed Bishop committed those acts of which she is being accused of, then I would think that she should be charged with harassment and abuse but not witchcraft. Witches supposedly cast spell on people that may cause them bad things. However, in each of the testimonies, Bishop’s acts were very upfront. She simply harassed the people to do what she wants. at worst, she could be considered a murderer but not a witch. The events of 1692 may serve as the foundation of today’s continued fascination with witchcraft. In fact, popular culture has embraced such concept as evidenced by people’s acceptance of the popular series of novels, Harry Potter. This contradicts the fear that people had in 1692 of witchcraft. Read More