The Marriage between a Black and a White Person - Essay Example

Answer Miscegenation can be broadly defined as the marriage between a black and a white person (Cruz & Berson). The term became popular when the slavery was abolished in America and broadened the prospect of inter-racial marriage. Preceding the civil war, the blacks were considered inferior to the white population and political, religious and social ramifications of miscegenation were governed by ‘Jim Crow Rules’(JRC) which were associated with violence, intimidation and even lynching committed by whites against black people so that they do not try to become their equal (JRC, Internet). The scenario has not much changed. The blacks and ethnic minorities still have to fight for their rights in the twentieth century and struggle to avail privileges that are enjoyed by the white population. Answer 2 Andrew Jackson was the 7th president of America who had made a mark for himself when he had defeated the mighty British army at New Orleans. His great patriotism is backed by his many personal sacrifices. He was one of the most publicly favored presidents who had ‘repolarized American politics’ (Jackson). Those who backed were called democrats and the opponents came to be known as ‘republicans’. Though Jackson had considerably influenced the American politics and was especially hailed for his decision to veto for rechartering of the bank which had vested economic interests of the few, he, nevertheless, cannot be ranked as one of the greatest presidents of America. Jackson, during his military days had not only brutalized Indians but he was also known for his pro-slavery actions and had even bought black slaves for his home! Answer 3 Racial differences were very apparent in southern American states whereas the northern American colonies had considerably moved forward in terms of black population enjoying more rights and privileges. The defeat of the British forces lead to the independence of 13 British colonies of North America which were together called United States of America and in 1789, the first President George Washington took oath under the ratified constitution of America. In 1971, the introduction of bill of rights and other constitutional amendments paved way for abolition of slavery (Washington, internet). The attitude of the native Americans started undergoing rapid transformation as the non white population started asserting for their rights and became more visible in political, religious, social and economic arena. In the contemporary times also, the non white population of America has to fight against racial prejudices, but their support has significantly increased. Answer 4 White slaves masters primarily believed that their African slaves were racially inferior to them and therefore were not allowed to participate in social and economical activities which might provide them with opportunities to meet them as their equal. The white population maintained this racial divide through deliberate use of power lobby, muscle power and financial advantages that they enjoyed over their less privileged counterparts. Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of America, did not believe that the color of the skin mad another person inferior and spoke extensively on the plight of non white slaves who were victimized because they were poor and were denied the various opportunities and privileges that could have given them better socio-economic status (Jefferson). Answer 5 The delegates to the constitutional conventions sought to control the power of national government by exerting their financial powers and political support for their vested interests. But constitution of America derived its strength from the fact that it was established by the nationalists who wanted to have a strong national government that would have power over the states and be the uniting factor. The weakness of the document was that it was not represented by all the constituents and therefore, needed ratifications by states for amending laws when it brought more states under its umbrella. Answer 6 Alexis- de Tocqueville was a French philosopher, thinker cum historian, who studied in depth the evolution of america and published ‘Democracy of America’ in 1835 (Wikipedia). During his travels to America in early 19th century, he saw the rapidly changing socio-economic paradigms in the emerging new american society which was moving towards equality and freedom. The ‘tumult’ that he saw everywhere was the change within the social fabric. The religion in the southern american colonies promoted racial discrimination whereas, in the more emancipated northern america, people of non white origin had started enjoying rights and privileges that were hiterto denied to them. The worst feature of democracy in america was that though it gave equal rigts to people but the people who were financially better off had still more opportunities and were able to exploit their money power to gain favors with authorities. Alexis views are still relevant because money still has the power to significantly influence the issues and decisions of the people in authority. Answer 7 ‘Know-Nothings’ were members of secret political party which was opposed to the immigrants who had come in large numbers from Germany and Ireland from 1820 to 1845. They believed that the catholic immigrants (Irish and Germans) would not only directly impact their job opportunities but considerably influence their socio-economic status. They were also against the catholic immigrants who drank. The present day Know-Nothings are no more concerned about the immigrants being Catholics but they are more concerned about their job and social security which is threatened by the growing immigrant population. The globalization has also brought in a multi-cultural society with immigrants coming from different race, culture and nations. This new trend in the social fabric has also threatened their cultural identity. Answer 8 Theodore Roosevelt was the President of America who was passionately devoted to his country and very proud of the fact that people from the colonial era had completely assimilated into the mainstream American life. He strongly believed that the immigrants must be able to adapt American culture and assimilate it in their daily practice. No, he was not a modern day Know-Nothing because he wanted immigrants to completely adapt to American value system and culture. He was quite emphatic that the immigrants should ‘intent on becoming a good United States citizen like the rest of us..’ (Roosevelt). He wanted them to adopt American values while maintaining their own unique cultural identities. Answer 9 The forefront of the 19th century saw feminist movement in America. The women went out of their homes to earn wages in the factory or practiced as doctors, teachers and preachers. The women wanted to contribute equally at home and outside and therefore wished to make an earning by working (Feminist Movement). Seamstress was the most common way of earning, though, some of the women had made their mark in the male dominated areas like medicine, journalism, etc. In the late 19th century, some of the profession like medicine barred women and restricted opportunities for women. It was a difficult time especially because of the patriarchal society where women enjoyed fewer rights than man. Answer 10 Contemporary historians considered Abraham Lincoln as one of the greatest Presidents of America. During his Presidency, he was not much liked by his colleagues but was hugely popular with the public mainly because he not only issued ‘Emancipation Proclamation’ of slaves that became a catalyst for changes that America was to see in the future( Lincoln). But he was also responsible for ‘Republican Party’ for emerging as one of the strong national political organization that was able to garner the support of the people. Despite the country undergoing civil war, he did not often allow the force to defend the federal laws and instead called for volunteers who accomplished the task with much less violence. Reference Andrew Jackson. Available from: [Accessed 3 October, 2008]. Alexis- de Tocqueville. Available from: [Accessed 3 October, 2008]. Cruz, Barbara C & Berson, Michael J. Available from: [Accessed 3 October, 2008]. Feminist Movement of 19th Century America. Available from: [Accessed 3 October, 2008]. Jefferson, Thomas. Available from: [Accessed 3 October, 2008]. Jim Crow Rules. Available from: [Accessed 3 October, 2008]. Know-Nothings. Available from: [Accessed 3 October, 2008]. Lincoln, Abraham. Available from: [Accessed 3 October, 2008]. Roosevelt, Theodore. Available from: [Accessed 3 October, 2008]. Washington, George. Available from: [Accessed 3 October, 2008]. Read More