Civil War Dbq Essay

While the American revolution created the United States, the Civil War determined what kind of nation it would be. Fundamentally there was one question left unresolved by the revolution: would the United States, born under the declaration that all men were created equal, continue to be one of the largest slaveholding countries in the world.
Between 1775 and 1830, slaves in the north gained their freedom while the institution of slavery became more entrenched in the South; both free blacks and slaves faced challenges during this time period and they responded through religious fervor, political writings, and rebellion. To begin, religious excitement throughout the South is an important attribute to the ideology behind slavery. Document

The proclamation made by Lord Dunmore in 1775 (Document A) announces that the way that slaves can earn freedom is by fighting for the King. He feels as though this is their proper duty to speedily reduce the colony back to order. The petition created by Paul Cuffe is another example of a political document that shows the limited rights freed slaves have. He demands the right to vote and own property, to be just as equal as the white man. Another example of the hardship faced by African Americans can be explained by Prince Hall in 1797. It was not easy being a free person of color in Boston because of the verbal abuse and terrorization of women. Twenty-three years later, the treatment of African Americans in Boston shows little change. “…cuts and placards descriptive of the Negro deformity, are everywhere displayed…” Hosea Easton (Document I). Although slavery was abolished in the North, states still did not want to deal with the freed slaves. Their only solution was to eliminate them from the picture completely. In time, there were two options for freed slaves: remain a slave or leave. Document H goes on to explain that the Vermont Colonization Society wanted to ship slaves back to Africa. To win the public’s vote, they informed them that Christianity would be diffused throughout the African culture despite their lack of native communication. Given all the

In 1829, the Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World by David Walker (Document J) is an attempt to stir the color people into an uprising which will grant total freedom. He goes on to remind the people that they are all American, and they shall be free under God. By referencing the Declaration of Independence, David Walker becomes very persuasive. He ends on an extreme note, “And woe, woe, will be to you if we have to obtain freedom by fighting. It a peaceful approach will not work, then they must turn to