History

Answer each Question in separate paragraphs
Question:
1) Why did the Dred Scott decision galvanize opposition to slavery among northerners?

2) What were Helper’s, Fitzhugh’s, Lincoln’s and Douglas’s views on black people? (Were they racists?)

3) What persuasive strategies did the different participants in the slavery debate use to make their points?

4) What were the fundamental conflicts between the various individuals in the sources?

ANSWER

History

Dread Scott’s decision to galvanize opposition to slavery among northerners

Dread Scott’s decision is based on his experience as a slave. He understood the pain and agony that slaves experience at the hands of their bosses. Scott has been captured from his native land and taken into a territory where slavery was the norm. He had been taken into a territory that was declared free, and this made him achieve freedom (Stewart, 1991). After his experience as a slave, Scott is committed to helping change the lives and status of the blacks. He desired to change the people of color’s perception since they were portrayed as “beings of an inferior order” and unfit to associate with the white community (Stewart, 1991). The increased rate of racism in the northern region threatened the welfare of the slaves. An end to slavery was the most appropriate strategy that would unite the community.

The views of Helper, Fitzhugh, Lincoln, and Douglas on black people

Helper, Lincoln, and Douglas all had a racist attitude towards black people. Even though they did not directly support slavery, their perception and attitude towards people of color showed that they disliked this group.  Helper believed that African Americans were an “undesirable population” that ought to be colonized in Africa (Stewart, 1991). He also describes them as an emancipated group. These descriptions show that Helper disvalued and undermined the status of black people.  Douglas argues that the West should be allowed to prosper and succeed where institutions are expected to develop policies that primarily targeted their best interests. Lincoln’s negative perceptions about the people of color are evidenced by his argument that Western communities should be free states to confine slavery (Stewart, 1991). He also highlights his lack of desire to develop political and social equality between whites and blacks. As for Fitzhugh, his ideas and suggestions show that he offered support for the black community. He spoke for a power-hungry “slave power” conspiracy that intended to enslave most free white men in the North and South (Stewart, 1991). His actions show his consideration for the black community’s needs and welfare, calling for an end to slavery. His claim that whites and blacks were born with equal status indicates his support for black lives.

Persuasive strategies used by the participants in the slavery debate to make their points

Supporters of the slavery debate argued that their rights are enshrined in the Constitution. For example, saves have a right to own properties and should never be denied this opportunity. States that overlook slaves as potential property owners interfere with their rights. Every human has natural and alienable rights that should always be respected and obeyed. According to Weissbrodt (2002), different laws have been enacted to abolish slavery as it interferes with rights and privileges. The opposing side argued that communities are based on the white basis and that blacks do not stand a chance to be actively incorporated in the social setting. Also, the physical difference is a key factor that divides people in line with their background. The white and blacks races will never live together in terms of social and political equality because of their physical differences (Stewart, 1991). Also, the Declaration of Independence did not recognize the black community. Thus, blacks have no status at the community level and will always assume a lower position than their white counterparts.

Fundamental conflicts between individuals in the source

One of the key conflicts is the stand about slavery, where some view it as a wrong approach while others find nothing absurd with practice. For example, while Lincoln believes that slavery is an inappropriate action, Douglas considers it a suitable practice as long as a community desires and has a right to have it. The authors also disagree about white slavery. Fitzhugh’s idea that white slavery is an effective approach shows his disinterest in black people’s status. In contrast, others demand that whites continue being the majority group and receiving all the attention they deserve.

References

Stewart, Virginia. (1991). “A House Divided: America in the Age of Lincoln.” Chicago Historical Society, Clark St. at North Ave., Chicago, IL 60614. Permanent exhibition.

Weissbrodt, D. S. (2002). Abolishing slavery and its contemporary forms. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.