Page 1 Of 2history 007a Spring 2022 Final Examinationpurpose The ✓ Solved
History 007A – Spring 2022 Final Examination Purpose: The purpose of the final examination essay is for you to craft an essay that brings together all of the elements (analytical, technical and craft writing) of the course. It is an opportunity to review your lecture notes, reading notes, primary sources and craft an essay that demonstrates an understanding of those materials and provides analysis of a historical event or topic. Remember you must have a clear thesis statement, provide the reader a clear sense of the direction of the essay and then build out from that foundation. Assignment: Choose one of the following prompts and compose a 9-10 page (double-spaced, 12-point font) essay, due Friday, March 4, 2022 at 11PM via CANVAS submission electronically.
The essay must be in MLA format, including a separate page for sources (if referenced). For guides on effective writing strategies, see this MLA-based online guide ( papers). Please submit as either a MSWORD or .pdf document. ï‚· Taken together the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are considered the foundational documents to American democracy. However, there are other documents and published speeches that have influenced the flow and direction of democracy in America.
Selecting at least four additional documents published or printed before 1865 and identify how these documents have had a profound impact on the mind and spirit of the population in America and possibly overseas. ï‚· There were Americans that thought American independence in 1776 was a monumental mistake. Without glorifying the position of royalists, analyze and examine the position of what some historians have estimated as one-third of the politically active population in 1776, as against the goals of the Sons of Liberty. Consider the situation in Europe, Protestantism verses Catholicism, French alliances with indigenous people, and the influence of slavery and abolition in your examination of their position.
Without taking a side, explain the Royalist position which was in opposition to the colonial patriots. ï‚· It is often called “the forgotten war†because it isn't studied much in school. But the War of 1812 played a big role in helping the United States grow up and become more than just a collection of states. With a detail examination of the reasons Congress and President Madison declared war on Great Britain on June 12, 1812 explain the goals and policy achievements they hoped to achieve. Also provide a deeper analysis on how the War of 1812 influenced American domestic and foreign policy long after the Treaty to Ghent was signed in Belgium. ï‚· “Slavery, slavery, slavery†is repeated in the majority of lectures in this course.
We accept as students of history that the cause of the U.S. Civil War was slavery, but why is the central cause and theme of that monumental conflict which killed over 700,000 Americans minimalized? Why is slavery taught almost as an afterthought by most teachers? Using your understanding of historical retelling and “the purpose of the past,†offer a thoughtful reflection on the use or omission of history and how this and other historic events shape American identity and culture. ï‚· Jolted by the raid by John Brown on Harpers Ferry, the South became convinced that its entire way of life, based on slave labor was irretrievably threatened by the election to the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Was Lincoln’s opposition to spread of slavery into the Western territories the prime motivation for Southern politicians to support secession and establishment of the Confederate States of America?
In a careful examination of the events and politicians of the time () explain the cause of the U.S. Civil War. ï‚· The Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson is our nation’s founding text. It has been referenced as one of the world’s premier statement on justice and citizenship. However, the document and the writer are full of contradictions. Using research and material that offers a specific understanding of the colonial world between 1774 and 1777, examine Jefferson’s understanding of equality and individual liberty.
Expand your analysis to include the Sons of Liberty, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin which may offer additional insight to Thomas Jefferson’s task to write the “Declaration of the Causes and Necessity to Taking Up Arms†for the Continental Congress. ï‚· Until the 13th Amendment and the 19th Amendment respectfully, people of color and women were denied the right to vote and participate as citizens in the Republic. However, the voices of Black citizens and women were not totally silenced. Offer a thoughtful analysis of these voices and what they represented and what they were attempting to share with their world (and our world). Consider including reflections on/about Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley, Lucretia Mott, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman. - End -
Paper for above instructions
Title: The Voices of the Marginalized: Black Citizens and Women in Early American HistoryThesis Statement: Despite being systematically marginalized in early American society, the voices and contributions of Black citizens and women were pivotal in shaping the dialogue around liberty, rights, and democracy, as demonstrated through the works of influential figures such as Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley, Lucretia Mott, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman.
Introduction
The formation of the United States was characterized by a profound contradiction: the fight for freedom birthed a nation that continued to practice slavery and deny suffrage to women. Even amidst this contradiction, there existed a robust network of voices advocating for justice, equality, and the recognition of both Black citizens and women. These voices, represented by influential figures, contributed to the ongoing struggle for rights and liberties in a nascent democracy that was often at odds with its own founding principles. This essay will analyze how these marginalized voices not only challenged the status quo but also paved the way for future social justice movements, all while highlighting their historical significance and the implications of their messages.
The Context of Gender and Race in Early America
To understand the impact of Black citizens and women in early America, it is essential to recognize the socio-political context in which they operated. The American Revolution (1775-1783) was celebrated for its ideals of liberty and equality, yet it also further entrenched inequalities related to race and gender. Women were relegated to the domestic sphere, and slavery remained an institution deeply ingrained in the economy and social fabric of the colonies, particularly in the South (Wood 11).
Abigail Adams: A Voice for Women’s Rights
One of the earliest advocates for women's rights in America was Abigail Adams, who famously urged her husband, John Adams, to “remember the ladies” when formulating new laws for the fledgling republic (Adams). Though often dismissed, her appeal represented broader concerns about gender inequality and women's exclusion from public life. Critics like historian Carol Gilligan argue that such comments reveal women's essential role as moral guides and the need for their voices in political discourse (Gilligan 24). Abigail's correspondence serves as a testament to early feminist thought, and her insights foreshadowed the suffragist movements that would emerge in the 19th century.
Phillis Wheatley: A Literary Pioneer
Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved African woman, became the first published Black female poet in America. Her work not only demonstrated her intellectual prowess but also challenged the racist assumptions of her time about the intellectual capabilities of Black individuals (Wheatley). In her poetry, Wheatley invoked themes of freedom and liberty, framing her own experiences within the larger narrative of the American struggle for independence. Her poem “On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewall” illustrates a keen understanding of morality and virtue, challenging the existing societal norms restricting her voice due to her race (Wheatley). Wheatley’s accomplishments, therefore, not only highlighted her personal talents but also offered a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing racist ideologies of her day.
Lucretia Mott: An Advocate for Equality
Lucretia Mott was one of the leading reformers of the 19th century and played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement as well as women’s rights. A Quaker minister, Mott’s belief in equality prompted her to challenge the institution of slavery and demand women's suffrage (Mott). Her influential speeches and writings emphasized the interconnectedness of the struggles for racial and gender equality, which resonated with many social reformers of her time. Mott’s alignment with both movements laid the groundwork for later intersections between feminism and civil rights, showcasing early feminist advocacy in action (Ostrander 75).
Harriet Beecher Stowe: Literature as a Catalyst for Change
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, published in 1852, was pivotal in shaping public opinion against slavery. Stowe utilized literature as a means to elicit empathy and ignite outrage about the brutality of slavery, engaging a broad audience beyond the abolitionist circles (Stowe). The powerful depiction of the human consequences of slavery made the issue personal and immediate for many American readers who had previously remained indifferent (McPherson 102). This literary activism mobilized support for the abolitionist cause, illustrating how voices in literature played a crucial role in advancing social change.
Frederick Douglass: A Voice from Within the Struggle
Frederick Douglass emerged as one of the most influential abolitionist leaders and eloquent advocates for equality in the 19th century. His autobiographies, such as Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, confronted the injustices of slavery head-on while articulating a vision of freedom that extended beyond racial lines (Douglass). Douglass’s speeches and writings underscored that the fight against slavery was inherently tied to a broader quest for human rights, positioning Black men—and by extension, women—within the ongoing conversation about American liberty and democracy (Blight 320).
Harriet Tubman: Defiance and Resistance
Harriet Tubman’s legacy as a conductor of the Underground Railroad remains iconic, symbolizing courage and resistance against one of the gravest injustices in American history. Tubman's bravery and strategic efforts to guide hundreds of enslaved people to freedom illustrate the profound impact of individual action in the face of systemic oppression (Tubman). Her contributions not only highlight the pivotal role women played in the abolition movement but also serve as a reminder that the struggle for equality is often fought on multiple fronts.
Conclusion
The voices of Black citizens and women in early American history were instrumental in shaping the national dialogue around justice, rights, and democracy. Figures like Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley, Lucretia Mott, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman laid the foundation for future activism, challenging systemic inequalities and advocating for inclusion. The narratives articulated by these figures enabled a collective awareness that transcended race and gender boundaries, ultimately contributing to the broader movement for civil rights in the United States. Thus, their contributions remind us of the enduring struggle for equality and the critical importance of amplifying marginalized voices in our historical retellings.
References
1. Adams, Abigail. Abigail Adams: A Witty Woman in Revolutionary America. Massachusetts Historical Society.
2. Blight, David W. Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. Simon & Schuster, 2018.
3. Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Anti-Slavery Office, 1845.
4. Gilligan, Carol. In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development. Harvard University Press, 1982.
5. McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press, 1988.
6. Mott, Lucretia. "Address to the Women of the United States." Proceedings of the First Woman’s Rights Convention, 1848.
7. Ostrander, Edward. The Rise of Women’s Rights in America. Press of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, 2020.
8. Stowe, Harriet Beecher. Uncle Tom's Cabin. John P. Jewett and Company, 1852.
9. Tubman, Harriet. What To the Slave Is the Fourth of July? 1852, New York Historical Society.
10. Wheatley, Phillis. Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. A. Bell, 1773.