Overview
Step1: download pdf
Step 2: Conduct a critical read of the following primary sources:
Defending Slavery-pdf
Harriet Jacobs.pdf
African American Josiah Henson.pdf
How often were slaves whipped.pdf
Step 3: Review the course lecture and assigned readings.
Step 4: Re-read the primary source and make connections between ideas in the source, lecture, and readings.
Step 5: Compose an original and critical response to all questions using your own words. Submissions should be presented in question/answer format.
Answers will need to be supported by evidence from the primary source, lecture, and assigned readings
Respond to the follow questions and then upload the file to the assignment, or you can cut & paste into the text entry window.
Defending Slavery
1. How did the pro-slavery politician, John C. Calhoun, defend slavery?
Who did he feel it benefitted and why?
2. By contrast, why does William Harper believe slavery is necessary and
"natural"?
3. How does Thornton Stringfellow defend slavery using the Bible? What biblical themes does he emphasize?
"Harriet Jacobs Deplores her Risks in Being a Female Slave, 1861"
1. How was Harriet Jacobs treated differently as she got older?
2. Why was Harriet Jacobs unable to avoid her master or fight back? In what ways did he manipulate her?
3. According to the reading, why was slavery particularly heinous for both slave and free women?
"African American Josiah Henson Portrays the Violence and Fears in Slave Life, 1858."
1. Where was Josiah Henson from? What was his life like before his family was separated?
2. According to Josiah Henson, why was his father punished, whipped and eventually sold? Why were other slaves invited to witness the punishment?
3. Why was Henson separated from his family? How does he describe this experience?
"How Often were Slaves Whipped?"
1. Why is it important to understand the frequency of whipping? What are some of the problems that historians encounter in trying to answer this question?
2. What is the primary source used in this reading? Who handled whippings on the Highland plantation?
3. According to the Barrow evidence how often were slaves whipped?
What were the purported "misconducts" of slaves that could lead to punishment? What other forms of punishment were used?
4. According to the reading were these punishments effective? How did Barrow perceive of himself and of the necessity of whippings?