Discuss perpetuation and expansion of black slavery in the United States between 1776 and 1860
Hello everyone, as promised some thoughts about the final midterm: As always, pay careful attention to the actual question regarding the perpetuation and expansion of slavery. I think “expansion” is obvious in meaning– the spread of slavery physically into new areas. By “perpetuation” I mean the continued existence of slavery as an institution. So, in this essay do not talk about abolition or emancipation; those are limiting or ending slavery. Rather focus on events and ideas that will cause and allow slavery to spread and continue to be. Pay attention also to the time frame given in the question—between 1776 and roughly 1860. So, no need at all to give any background on the beginnings of slavery, just jump right in. I would probably move chronologically. Here are some ideas (This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of everything you might cover.) Also, since I’m giving you some ideas, you need to do more than just give them back to me. Flesh them out and make them your own. So, I’d start in 1776 and the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson here avoided protecting slavery yes but also avoided limiting it when he changed “property” to pursuit of happiness. Consider also the excerpt condemning slavery that congress did not approve. Next, I’d look at the situation in the early 1780s of the federal government giving control of western lands in the South to southern state governments in order to protect against secessionist movements. This of course inadvertently allowed for the spread of the institution of slavery. Consider some things about the 1787 US Constitution, especially the so-called three-fifths compromise. Does it mention slavery? What might this imply? Consider also some industrial/economic factors as well like the 1793 invention of the cotton gin. Think also about how religion in the South helped to perpetuate slavery. Here’s some other events to look at and figure how they play into the situation: 1820 Missouri compromise, Compromise of 1850, 1854 Kansas Nebraska Act, 1857 Dred Scott decision, This should get you all started, let me know if you have further questions. As always, be sure to carefully edit and proof read. Midterm Essay Prompt: Discuss the perpetuation and expansion of black slavery in the United States between 1776 and 1860. In other words, what events and situations caused and/or allowed the institution of slavery to continue to exist and spread as the United States population grew and pushed westward. Midterm Essay Guidelines: For full credit, answers must be written at a college level and in your own words. Do not simply copy the textbook. Be sure to answer the question completely. The response to each midterm essay prompt needs to be no less than 1500 words in length or about 5 pages in 12 point font, double spaced with 1 inch margins. Be sure to include footnote citations and works cited. Students should be sure their name is typewritten at the top corner of the assignment. Be sure to include footnote citations and works cited. Include an accurate word count at the end of the essay that does NOT include footnotes or works cited. Each paper is worth 250 points. *NOTE*: The file that you upload into Canvas needs to be saved as .rtf instead of .doc for this assignment. Here is how: 1. Save as, 2. Save as type (drop down menu), 3. Choose “Rich Text Format”, 4. Save. Email me with any questions