Tyranny In The 1700s Analysis

Some people of the 1700s, were free to have slaves that worked for them if they so chose to do so. This statement is one that everyone can agree on. People of the 1700s, also had freedom of religion. I question how these two actions can occur during the the same time period. Most people would agree, in today’s time period, that slavery is wrong and goes against all morals. It is cruel and oppressive. Cruel and oppressive is also the definition of “tyranny.” Tyranny is brought up in document five of the reading by Daniel Shay and his followers. Shay discusses how the leaders of the country were going against the slaves’ “prayers and petitions,” and that they are becoming the definition of a tyrannical government. This is ironic considering her uses the word “prayers.” Praying is an act of religion, a free right at this time, so would it not make sense for the government to grant their prayers. The government makes several hypocritical statement and their points do not always make sense when comparing that acts of slavery and the acts of free religion. The first …show more content…
The document is written by slaveholders in Virginia, that are against the the abolition of slavery. The very first sentence of the second paragraph says “It is supported by Scripture.” “It” referring to slavery. They describe how similar acts of slavery are described in the bible, therefore it is correct and they should be able to continue to own their slaves. They use this tactic because they realize that freedom of religion is also a major topic of discussion during this time period. They are able to use their right of freedom while also trying to persuade the government to give them what they want. They think, well if the government is granting us with free religion then they must obey our right to believe slavery is discussed in the bible, and act upon