Defending Slavery Essay - 2484 Words

Defending Slavery The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of African slavery in America in the antebellum by late eighteenth century and before the antebellum crisis as discussed in Paul Finkelman’s book: Defending Slavery. This paper will summarize the first part of book taking as a main topic racial aspects of the slavery. After the introductory summary , this paper will focus in two specific sections found in the second part of the book: â€Å"Religion and Slavery† and â€Å"Racial Theory and Slavery†. Lastly, this paper will analyze these two themes used as a justification of African Slavery in early history of America In his book â€Å"Defending Slavery†, Finkelman presents a collection of historical documents†¦show more content†¦All of these documents were intended to support the theory that black race was not only different that white race but their origins came from different roots. Cartwright and Nott had similar approach. Th eir explanation from the biological standpoint was in some point linked to a religious interpretation of then bible. Thus, Cartwright depicts the origin of the three most predominant racial groups on Earth: Asian, Europeans and Blacks. He cites the Book of Genesis with the story of Noah and his three sons nd their settlements in three different geographical areas: North of Europe, Asia and Africa. According to Cartwright’s biblical interpretation, this last continent was occupied by Cannan and his descendents were not only black race but also were designated by God;s will to be servant. Josiah Nott extensively wrote papers about race. His argument were based on a theory known as polygenesis. Nott claimed that there had been multiple creations producing superior and inferior races and black race was destined to permanent inferiority. George Fitzhugh’s sociological opinion about slavery were irrational; he stated that slavery was the most perfect institution ever creat ed In his eyes it is the most perfect institution ever created. Southern slavery is perfect, because like the family dog, slaves are happy to be indolent and caredShow MoreRelatedDefending Slavery1997 Words   |  8 PagesCritical Analysis on Defending Slavery, Finkelman Paul Defending slavery demonstrate the opinions and knowledge that the Southerners held concerning blacks and slavery. Paul Finkelman talks about slave legitimacy in colonial America. He argues that the first defense of slavery became visible after the end of American Revolution; it attempted to justify continuous forced labor with the Declaration of Independence. This essay aims at critically analyzing ideologies and racial theories that SouthernersRead MoreMiranda Fleming. Word Count: 1,674. 3/16/17. Defending1674 Words   |  7 PagesMiranda Fleming Word Count: 1,674 3/16/17 Defending Slavery: Religion and Race The history of slavery in the United States divided people by the color of their skin. During the 16th thru 18th century, people of African ethnicity were automatically considered slaves. This not only created a parceling between races but also the demarcation of the northern and southern states of the America. The northern states had asseverated their opposition of slavery while the southern states upheld their concordanceRead MoreJohn Calhoun on Slavery Essay911 Words   |  4 PagesJohn Calhoun on Slavery Calhouns view was that slavery ought not to be considered, as it exists in the United States, in the abstract; but rather as a political institution, existing prior to the formation of the government and expressly recognized in the Constitution. The framers of that instrument regarded slaves as property, and admitted the right of ownership in them. 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