It is no secret that hierarchy has been essential in the advancement of the human race. From the Romans to the Mongolians to the Ottomans, the largest and most organized societies in history have used this class separation to surpass their disorganized inferiors. That being said, the appointment of power to some individuals over others…
In An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, the theme is evident. The story is about the peril of a man, Peyton Farquhar, a white farm owner in the South during the Civil War. At the beginning of the story, he finds himself about to be hung and it explores how he got there and his…
In 1865, after the Civil War, the long process of Reconstruction began. Congress passed new laws to give African Americans freedom. First, they passed the Thirteenth Amendment which officially ended slavery. Congress then created the Freedmen’s Bureau to help the recently freed slaves. After President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments were…
Amistad is a recreation of the true story about an 1839 slave revolt on a small Spanish schooner, La Amistad, ironically the Spanish word for “friendship.” Spielberg does a great job in recreating the Amistad revolt that spurred a series of trials beginning in the lower courts of Connecticut and ultimately ending in the Supreme…
Slavery played an important role in the development of the American colonies. It was introduced to the colonies in 1619, and spanned until the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The trading of slaves in America in the seventeenth century was a large industry. Slaves were captured from their homes in Africa, shipped to America under extremely…
Throughout the early 1800’s the country was split in many areas over many issues. Some of the more severe clashes between differing groups resulting from such issues as slavery, expansion, and internal improvement. With all of these controversial topics to worry about along with the vast diversity in the nation, caused separation and tensions throughout…
Frederick Douglass’s writings reflected many American views that were influenced by national division. Douglass was a very successful abolitionist who changed America’s views of slavery through his writings and actions. Frederick Douglass had many achievements throughout his life. Douglass was born a slave in 1817, in Maryland. He educated himself and became determined to escape…
In the Novel Beloved, by Toni Morrison unmasks the horrors of slavery, and depicts its aftermath on African Americans. The story is perfect for all who did not experience nor could imagine how it was to be an African American in America circa the 1860’s. Beloved lends a gateway to understanding the trials and tribulations…