Introduction
Early American history is one filled with struggle and determination from various groups that sought to achieve certain freedoms and rights that cost them a lot. The African American community was one such particular group that fought various forms of oppression in America, including slavery and inequality. Greater introspection into the extremes this oppressed group was willing to brave for freedom offers the realization that their fight was in fact, a fight for all American citizens. The fights against slavery and democratic discrimination began in the 19th century and shaped the course of the world. This research paper follows and analyzes the fight by African Americans and establishes that their struggle did not only benefit them but also the whole nation. The research paper seeks to establish whether the struggle was truly essential for the entire nation. Initially, there is a detailed summary of the fight, the triumph, an evaluation of how the victory benefited the world, and how this can be extended to modern situations.
Evidence to Answer the Question
The fight against slavery began with revolts in America to resist the suffering workers were subjected to by their masters. This struggle continued alongside many other tussles within the country, including the push for independence. The fourth of July was the most monumental day in American history as the country attained independence on that day. With the acquisition of independence, people expected changes to occur but the lives of African American slaves remained as desolate as they had always been.
They continued to be subjected to untold suffering and unimaginable pain at the hands of their masters who handled them inhumanely. Fast forward to the 19th century, certain African American icons of the struggle provide a breakdown of what the fourth of July meant for the black community (Douglass, 1852). Fredrick Douglass’ abolitionist speech is iconic and provides a clear mental picture of what the struggle entailed and the gains made. He said, “…in conclusion, notwithstanding the dark picture I have this day presented, of the state of the nation, I do not despair of this country. There are forces in operation which must inevitably work the downfall of slavery” (Douglass, 1852). This illustrates the resolve of the people fighting for a new way of life that included freedom for all.
Fredrick Douglass delivered his speech during the 4th July celebrations where he reminded oppressors that their celebrations were vanity. He recounted that their commemoration of independence was an insult to the African Americans in the nation who continued to suffer the wrath of slavery. He informed them that despite the attainment of independence many years before, the black community continues to suffer. He termed their celebrations mere mockery to the slaves and spat on them for even trying to associate the liberty gained from independence with black people. He called out the hypocrisy demonstrated through his invitation to the auspicious event of celebrating independence while his people continued to suffer (Douglass, 1852). He concluded his speech with a message of hope and resilience on that occasion where he informed the oppressors that the fight was ongoing. He alluded to invisible and dedicated forces that sought to liberate the African American people.
The struggle against slavery and inequality continued for many years before slavery was finally abolished and the concept of paid labor was instituted. Jourdon Anderson sent a letter to his master after the abolishment of slavery and this writing provides a descriptive image of the situation beforehand (Child, 2012). He recounts the minimal healthcare visits he had and the brutality he was subjected to by his master who even tried to shoot him. He states that if it was not for the intervention of George Carter who took the Pistol from his slaver, Anderson would be dead. He says, “Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me” (Child, 2012). He recounts the turmoil he was put into alongside his ancestors and wife in the hands of his slavers.
He demands recompense for the thirty-two years he worked without pay and the 20 years his wife served without compensation. He provides these as some of the conditions that would demonstrate goodwill if his former slaver wanted him back in service. The letter to the employer also clearly states that life is better for his family without the burden of slavery on him. He works and earns his dues, and so does his wife. His children are thriving in post-slavery America and attending school (Child, 2012). In the final part of the letter, Anderson demonstrates immense resolve when he opts for death if forced to choose between starvation and freedom. This provides an image of how dire the situation was while the slaves served their masters in captivity. He mentions that in addition to mistreatment by the colonel, he was also wary of the inhumane nature of the colonel’s family. He demonstrates immense forgiveness as he wishes the colonel well and hopes he was not harmed.
Evaluation of the Research
Defeating slavery was crucial in encouraging colonized countries where the slaves hailed from originally. The nations under colonial rule were encouraged to make the armed struggle against the colonialists and consolidate efforts in the fight for independence (Malisa & Nhengeze, 2018). The descendants of those who fought slavery were crucial organizers for the countries aspiring for self-rule. They informed their people about crucial resistance tactics and shared stories that strengthened them. They encouraged them to not fear losses, including the loss of life because the liberation would vindicate them in the end.
The win for African American slaves in America was also instrumental in compelling the ruling class in the country to grant more freedom. In the subsequent years, congress granted women equal rights, including the right to own property and vote for their preferred leaders (Stevenson, 2019). The nation was also more receptive to other races that formed a parcel of their citizenry. Later on in the history of America, the nation would admit Spanish-speaking Americans as citizens and advance them equal rights. Democracy was also fostered by the fight against slavery and the eventual success of African Americans. The concept of democracy was no longer conceived on race as the basis but on the person, regardless of their roots. This has been vital in safeguarding the position of America as the godfather of democracy in the world and the spread of this ideology globally.
Extension to New Situations
The fight against slavery was eventually won and black people were granted the right to offer their services as they found fit for pay. They were also allowed to participate in elections much later on, and this was not just a win for African Americans, but a win against impunity (Stevenson, 2019). The victory against slavery set the stage for future struggles within the republic. It encouraged people to fight for what is right with the belief that success was on the horizon. The people were comforted by the thought that time was not a determinant factor in the fight for equality (Malisa & Nhengeze, 2018). Regardless of how long it took before freedoms were attained, the fight would be worthwhile in the end and victory was guaranteed. The victory of African Americans against slavery was also a win for human rights and enforced global belief in the equality of all people. This crucial win set the stage for future legislation that focused on ensuring peace was fostered in America.
New situations are always arising in America and the world in general where people are required to resist unjust regimes. Past struggles are always a reminder that with determination anything is attainable. These include the recent push against police brutality against African Americans in the US that was dubbed Black Lives Matter. The protests held borrowed from the tactics employed by heroes who fought against slavery. The names of these heroes were also mentioned during the protests as a reminder of what determined people are capable of achieving. The victories in the past were also motivating as the advocates conjoined the two struggles into one, stating that the current one was an extension of the slavery one which was not concluded.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fight against slavery was a fight for humanity that took a long but eventually bore incredible fruits. The win created a ripple effect of actions that influenced the trajectory of the entire world in general. Slavery was dehumanizing as narrated by various accounts of former slaves who offer invaluable insights into how chaotic the world was during that period. The narrations demonstrate the impunity of those who felt superior to other people and races, hence mistreating them. The fight against slavery was a necessity for a better world and set the stage for democracy, equal women’s rights, and the independence of countless states. Defeating slavery turned out to benefit everyone, as the resolve of oppressed people was strengthened and their actions justified.
References
Child, L. M. (2012). The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Freedmen’s. Gutenberg.org. Web.
Douglass, F. (1852). Oration Delivered in Corinthian Hall, Rochester. Lee, Mann & Company.
Malisa, M., & Nhengeze, P. (2018). Pan-Africanism: A Quest for Liberation and the Pursuit of a United Africa. Genealogy, 2(3), 28. Web.
Stevenson, A. (2019). “Degrading Servitude”: Free Labor, Chattel Slavery, and the Politics of Domesticity. In: The Woman as Slave in Nineteenth-Century American Social Movements. Palgrave Studies in the History of Social Movements. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. Web.