From Slavery to Citizen: Slavery in the USA
The United States of America; a land known for its diverse culture, dedication to rise above mediocrity, and ability to revolutionize the world. America has become "The city upon a hill" for many foreigners. It has been identified as an emblem for greatness and success. The States ' success has been accounted to presidents, voyagers, and even philosophers—but what about the slaves? The foundation of America was not built by the hands of the forefathers. Dare it be said, the expansion and colonization of America would not have been possible without African American slaves. The establishment of African American slaves in the eighteenth and nineteenth century not only shaped/defined the enhancement …show more content…
Through the hands of slaves came about the construction of railroads and locomotives and the production of cotton and tobacco. The hand which slaves had in America 's expansion is often times overlooked. It could be argued that their disregard is due to the dreadful manner and conditions in which they were treated. Slaves were not seen as servants but less than servants. Some could even go as far as to say that they were seen in the equivalence of animals. "We were all ranked together at the valuation. Men and women, old and young, married and single, were ranked with horses, sheep, and swine..." (Douglass 265). In Frederick Douglass ' autobiographical novel, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Frederick affirms this idea by divulging the way men, women, and children were categorized. Slaves were judged by their abilities in the likeness of animals instead of the …show more content…
In the eyes of Colonial Americans, African Americans were destined to a life of slavery and destined to labor for their success. What was once seen as a "necessary evil" transitioned into a justifiable right. Moral/ethical conflicts were overlooked and political compromises were made. They adopted the notion that because African Americans were not on their level (socially, mentally, and physically), it was okay to make them their slaves. Pro-slavery activist even went as far as to incorporate religion, claiming that because slavery was referenced in the Bible, it was only natural for them to have slaves as well. The objectification of slaves continued on to where slaves were now seen as property. Slaves were forced to endure harsh labors and were bound by law to do as told. If slaves were to try and express weariness by rebelling or escaping captivity, they could legally be put to death according to the Virginia Act of 1642. As years continued, a clear distinction of slavery was seen down in the southern region as opposed to the northern region. Eventually, laws such as "The Missouri Compromise" and "The Kansas-Nebraska Act were made to determine which states were to be identified as slave-permitted states and free
The United States of America; a land known for its diverse culture, dedication to rise above mediocrity, and ability to revolutionize the world. America has become "The city upon a hill" for many foreigners. It has been identified as an emblem for greatness and success. The States ' success has been accounted to presidents, voyagers, and even philosophers—but what about the slaves? The foundation of America was not built by the hands of the forefathers. Dare it be said, the expansion and colonization of America would not have been possible without African American slaves. The establishment of African American slaves in the eighteenth and nineteenth century not only shaped/defined the enhancement …show more content…
Through the hands of slaves came about the construction of railroads and locomotives and the production of cotton and tobacco. The hand which slaves had in America 's expansion is often times overlooked. It could be argued that their disregard is due to the dreadful manner and conditions in which they were treated. Slaves were not seen as servants but less than servants. Some could even go as far as to say that they were seen in the equivalence of animals. "We were all ranked together at the valuation. Men and women, old and young, married and single, were ranked with horses, sheep, and swine..." (Douglass 265). In Frederick Douglass ' autobiographical novel, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Frederick affirms this idea by divulging the way men, women, and children were categorized. Slaves were judged by their abilities in the likeness of animals instead of the …show more content…
In the eyes of Colonial Americans, African Americans were destined to a life of slavery and destined to labor for their success. What was once seen as a "necessary evil" transitioned into a justifiable right. Moral/ethical conflicts were overlooked and political compromises were made. They adopted the notion that because African Americans were not on their level (socially, mentally, and physically), it was okay to make them their slaves. Pro-slavery activist even went as far as to incorporate religion, claiming that because slavery was referenced in the Bible, it was only natural for them to have slaves as well. The objectification of slaves continued on to where slaves were now seen as property. Slaves were forced to endure harsh labors and were bound by law to do as told. If slaves were to try and express weariness by rebelling or escaping captivity, they could legally be put to death according to the Virginia Act of 1642. As years continued, a clear distinction of slavery was seen down in the southern region as opposed to the northern region. Eventually, laws such as "The Missouri Compromise" and "The Kansas-Nebraska Act were made to determine which states were to be identified as slave-permitted states and free