McKenzie Kearl

HIST 1700
Dec 13,2016
Slavery
Slavery in the states was one of the most controversial and difficult
issues to have ever faced America as a nation. Slavery started in the 1600s
when the first African slaves were brought to the new world to assist in the
production of crops such as cotton and tobacco in the south states. This
social event in history was very powerful and influential on American society.
Through-out the years many African American men and women have stood
up for their rights as citizens of the United States to help create a better
understanding of how slavery has impacted not only their lives but the rest
of the country as well.
African American men, women and even children were commonly sold
into slavery and forced to work under a salve holder. The conditions of which
they worked were poor and under kept. Slaves were treated unfairly and
often times torn from their families in order complete labor without any
chance of freedom. Life as a slave was not easy, in Virginia laws were passed
which suggested that it was not a crime to kill or beat an unruly slave.
Meaning that if a slave was disobedient or tried run away and was to be
captured, than it was not against any law to be punished for it. These laws
were also set in place in order to limit the rights of slaves as they could not
own land or get married.
After slavery was abolished in 1865 two men by the names of Booker T.
Washington and W.E.B. DuBois expressed their feelings on the newly
awakened issues that former slaves would soon have to face in the new
society. Yet both men have a similar background as African Americans their
views were not necessarily the same in regards to the new labor and
education sources for the black communities.
Booker T. Washington was an African American educator who had
previously endured time as a slave in the state of Virginia. During the Atlanta
compromise in 1895, Washington enforces his feelings on the workforce and
the new lives of African Americans within the United States. Due to the
abolition of slavery Washington feels that it is important that whites and
colored citizens learn to co-exist amongst one another. He feels that Natives
should be a part of Americas growing and vast economy in order to help
make a change in this industrial nation. He speaks not on the views of racism
for African Americans at the time, but rather he speaks up for growth and
change within with new society. He asks only for support and acceptance of
the black community as he wants everyone to feel welcomed into this new
era.
W.E.B. DuBois on the other hand was also of African American decent.
Dubois, a civil rights activist whose main concern for African Americans in
the states was not that of labor, but rather education. Dubois felt that it was
most important for these new citizens to gain a high and reliable education.

He felt that African Americans should become politically educated and

participate in movements such as voting, in order to eliminate the potential
to be ruled by someone they do not support.
Both of these men have had a great impact on the after effects of
slavery in the United States. Each giving their views of what they feel should
come next. Although slavery has had such an influential impact on the world
we know today it was not necessarily a highlight of American history. Yet the
outcome of this difficult time has created many new opportunities for not
only African American culture but all other immigrant cultures now living
within the United States. The prominent struggles of these men and women
have now ended up in history text books in schools all over the country.
Many individuals such as Washington and Dubois have come forward to
make a stand for their rights including Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr.,
Malcom X and many others. All of these people have been subjects to either
slavery or racism during their lifetimes.
Slavery has proven to be one of the most influential issues that
America has even been a part of. Slavery was a stepping stone within
Americas history. Although it had its negative effects, the outcome of this
controversial period has helped create a better, more understanding country
we live today. Today slavery is a thing of the past and is no longer practiced
in the United States. Racism still continues in some areas within the states
but is not regularly seen as there are many laws that prohibits such behavior.
Today America is known for its acceptance for immigration. Of the nearly 316
million residents of which accompany the United States, it is home to nearly
13 million legal immigrants coming from a vast range of different cultures.
Slavery was an eye opening event in the nations growth that has helped
make America what it is today.

Sources:
Washington, B. T. (n.d.). Atlanta Exposition Address. Retrieved December 12,
2016, from http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/
DuBois. (n.d.). W.E.B DuBois Critiques Booker T. Washington. Retrieved
December 12, 2016, from http://historymatters.gmu.edu/
History.com Staff. (2009). Slavery in America. Retrieved December 12, 2016, from
http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery