Experiences of African Americans During the Civil War Period Essay Example for Free

Experiences of African Americans During the Civil War Period Essay The 1860s and 1870s were particularly trying times for African Americans. The Civil War which lasted from 1861 to 1865 saw America undergo social and political change as Americans struggled to redefine their idea of race and face the question of slavery. More importantly still were the experiences of blacks during and after the war as they fought to be accorded the same rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In the early days of the war, the issue of slavery was avoided vehemently by Lincoln and Davis (Norton et al. 2008) despite it being an essential issue in the war between the North and South. In fact, freeing the slaves was never an agenda of the North. The North was against slavery because they perceived the South, who was pro slavery, as a threat to the North’s social and political order (Norton et al. , 2008). Consequently, being against slavery did not necessarily mean Northerners were not racist. In fact, many still saw themselves as racially superior to the blacks. Despite the apparent racial prejudice, blacks in the South still saw in the Union army their route to freedom. After Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation allowing blacks to serve in the Union cause, thousands of slaves, amongst them, one John Boston (Linden Pressly, n. d), fled their masters and joined the Union army in their fight against the South. Many blacks sought to assert their manhood despite discrimination in the army through the display of bravery and valor. Still more died, like the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts regiment, in their fight for equality. Therefore, although Lincoln had given them a motive to reak free, it was the blacks’ own courage to fight for their own freedom which ultimately led to their emancipation. The North’s victory over the South in 1865 meant that the slaves were finally free. As freedpeople, one of their foremost desires was to own land as land meant subsistence and sufficiency (Norton et al, 2008). Also, because it was all they had known to do, many fell back on plantation agriculture as their livelihood. Some, like Josua Culverson and Major X Whiteing, applied for leases through the U. S. Com of Plantations (Linden Pressly, n. ). Because most freedpeople had no money to purchase land, they could only lend it on credit. However, because of preexisting prejudices, freedpeople found even that to be a task. Consequently, they returned to their old farms where they had worked as slaves. However, unlike previously, these freedpeople sought to better their situation by reaching an agreement with the owner through a system known as sharecropping. Often, such an agreement would entail the provision of food and seeds in exchange for a portion of the crop earnings (Norton et al. 2008). Such is the case between William R. Steen, a white citizen, and Caroline, a colored woman; along with 7 other Arkansas freedpeople whom by contract, had to give one third part of the crop raised upon the farm by their labor to the owner of the farm (Linden Pressly, n. d). The years 1865 to 1877 saw efforts in reconstructing the war-torn South. A huge hurdle existed then to reconcile the freed blacks with southern whites, who were so used to operating in a slave society that their prejudices could not be eradicated so easily. Furthermore, they were threatened by the rise of black status and into the ranks of political power so much so that a group of whites came together and formed the first Ku Klux Klan; a society which sought to maintain white supremacy through intimidation, violence and terrorism (Norton et al. , 2008). Klansmen committed murder, arson, and rape whilst asserting their notion of white supremacy. As a result, despite having been emancipated, the freed blacks still suffered considerable pain and fear under the hands of the Ku Klux Klan. Amongst the most targeted were blacks who had rose to political power. Ann J. Edwards, the daughter of a black Congressman recounted that â€Å"We, his family, lived in constant fear A day or two before election a mob gathered†¦in front of the house, and we thought the end had come. † (Sterling, n. d). More gruesome was the story of Joe Johnson who was elected into the Republican office. He was burnt nearly to death, and shot because of his refusal to resign from office (Sterling, n. ). His execution was witnessed by his wife who could do nothing against the oppressive terror and violence of the Ku Klux Klan. Blacks were not the only victims of the Ku Klux Klan regime. Whites who openly supported blacks saw their lives being threatened as well. Hannah Flournoy, a black woman, gave account of an execution involving a white Georgian who had supported the black cause. â€Å"[Men] bolted right in and commenced shooting†¦They were disguised but I knew a great many of them. Hannah â€Å"thought it right to take [Ashburn] in† and was â€Å"willing to die for him† simply on the basis of him being a Republican (Sterling, n. d). The incident reflected the loyalty of many blacks to stand beside those, white or otherwise, who sought to uphold their natural rights. Teachers were another group being targeted. Colored schools came under the attack of the Klan and were burnt to the ground (Norton et al, 2008). Many blacks endured the hardship of abuse and violence despite its injustice and unlawfulness. Recounted Harriet Hernandez, â€Å"He struck me on the forehead with a pistol†¦kicked me over [the fence]†¦dragged and beat [me and my daughter] along. † Despite the blacks being freed in the South, the activities of the Ku Klux Klan ensured that blacks would not enjoy the same rights as whites. â€Å"[Colored people] have no satisfaction to live like humans†¦all summer I have been working and it is impossible for me to enjoy it†, said Harriet (Sterling, n. d). Despite all the violence inflicted on them, blacks exhibited extraordinary courage in the face of threats by Klansmen. Emeline Bremfield whose husband was a target of the Klan, stood unwavering in the face of death, as the Klan confronted her of her husband’s whereabouts (Sterling, n. d). Blacks even went out of their way to fit into a black aggrieved society. Many like, Caroline Smith and Lucy McMillan, dressed down in order not to stand out for fear of being whipped (Sterling, n. d). Although the Ku Klux Klan‘s primary motive was the assertion of white political power, Klansmen took every opportunity they got to assert white supremacy mindsets. McMillan’s house was burned simply because she had mentioned she wanted to own land. Smith was whipped only to remind her not to â€Å"sass any white ladies† (Sterling, n. d). Aside from the destruction of property and life, black women suffered in yet another form – sexual assault. Klansmen sought to assert their superiority over black women by sexually harassing them. Some black women were even mutilated, like Frances Gilmore who was â€Å"cut with a knife†, or gang raped (Sterling, n. d). Racial hostility and terror ultimately brought down the Republican regime in the South. Efforts by the Ku Klux Klan prevented strong presence of the Republican coalition in the South and a restoration of the Democratic majority. The Klan continued to terrorize black people and ran amok until the Enforcement Acts and subsequent persecutions brought an end to the first Klan. Overall, the blacks suffered greatly during the Civil War and Reconstruction Era. Despite having obtained emancipation, prejudices continued to affect their lives. Although we now know that it did not succeed in driving them out of the country, blacks today continue to face the same prejudices.

Androstenedione Essay -- essays research papers

Androstenedione-the truth comes out Androstenedione entered the national spotlight in the summer of 1998, when Baseball home run record-holder Mark McGwire told reporters that he used The supplement to improve his performance. Since McGwire's admission a Little more than 18 months ago, androstenedione use has increased 500% According to a recent press release by Barry McCaffrey, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Manufacturers claim that "Andro," as the supplement is commonly known, Boosts the body's natural testosterone levels and increases Muscle-building ability. Body-builders tout it as a natural alternative to Anabolic steroids. Nevertheless, questions remain about the efficacy and Safety of this widely available substance, which is currently unregulated By the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Androstenedione is a steroid hormone that is part of what is called the Production pathway for testosterone. Testosterone promotes muscle growth, But it also increases body hair, can cause acne, and enhances growth of The prostate gland. Some believe that higher levels may adversely affect Cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health. Manufacturers claim that Andro boosts testosterone levels, allowing Weightlifters to increase muscle mass without resorting to synthetic Steroid injections. Andro is touted as "natural" because it is normally Made in the adrenal glands and testes. Anabolic steroids are synthetic Derivatives of testosterone not found in the body. In theory, Andro Supplements are converted to natural testosterone in the body. Despite a lack of persuasive evidence that Andro can actually Boost muscle mass, the supplement has been heavily marketed And is widely used by athletes and body-builders. Despite a lack of persuasive evidence that Andro can actually boost muscle Mass, the supplement has been heavily marketed and is widely used by Athletes and body-builders. Nevertheless, according to a study by Douglas S. King, PhD, and colleagues At Iowa State University, androstenedione does not appear to help build Muscle or increase blood testosterone levels. Published in the June 2, 1999, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the Study compared testosterone levels in 20 young men who were on a moderate 8-week muscle-training regimen. Half of the subj... ...tes. Most of the subjects In King's study were relative newcomers to weight training, and such Inexperienced weight trainers generally make impressive gains in the early Phase of resistance training. Those gains could overshadow, statistically, Any potential benefit from androstenedione. As Yesalis notes in his editorial, "Future studies may need to focus on The effects of a higher dose of androstenedione administered over a period Longer than 8 weeks." Dr. Yesalis concludes with a call for government review of the supplement. "In the case of androstenedione," he writes, "the study by King et al Contributes to the evidence suggesting that the government should Carefully consider intervening and remove androstenedione and its Derivatives from the market." Meanwhile, in light of the potential health hazards and lack of evidence For androstenedione's muscle-building power, consumers should proceed with Caution and consult a physician before traveling this largely unmarked road. ANDROS-D (Andro) Ingredients: Each capsule contains Pure Micronzed Androstenedione - 100mg. Zinc - 15mg. Bioperine - 2.5mg. Suggested Use: Take 1-2 capsules daily.

Indentured Servitude in Virginia Essay

In some European countries including England some of the poor and many laborers were brought to the English colonies by way of ships to work on the farms within these colonies. Because of such an immense amounts of Tobacco crops being planted on these farms, a great deal of blood and sweat was needed for the cultivation of these crops. These poor workers were enticed by the idea of a new and better life in America. By the hiring of Indentured servants, the planters would have a greater chance of gaining economic success. Once the indenture (contract) was up the servants would also possibly receive â€Å"freedom dues† which appeared to be a ‘win, win’ on both sides. Unfortunately, this was seldom the case. The year is 1623 and Richard Frethorne has written a letter about his life as an indentured servant just three months after arriving to the colony. As we can see from the author’s narrative, Virginia of 1623 was a different place from England. It was the first permanent English settlement in the new world (Jamestown). This land of marsh like consistency and vast forests contained some hostile Native Americans, (pirates, and rogues who could and did attack at any time). Subsequently these Indians resisted slavery; they protected their homeland and way of life. The tone of the author is one of humility and despair. Being from England he has never imagined the lifestyle of the indentured servant, which is literally a life just a step above a slave. The difference being that a slave was considered personal property as was an indentured servant however, an indentured servant was only a servant for a specified time and a slave was slave for life. Mr. Frethorne has been brought to the point of begging and at the same time he is trying to inform his parents of the life he is  living which is simply the lowest form of existence. He describes death and disease like scurvy and dysentery all around him. There is such an ache in his belly (hunger), he misses England terribly, he’s feeling isolated, his fellow shipmates are dying at such an alarming rate and these are only some of the things Mr. Frethorne is fighting against. His reasons for leaving home and becoming and indentured servant are not explained but, it is clear that he did not mak e the best life choice. Without capital Mr. Frethorne found himself in a predicament he could not get out of without help. Richard Frethorne is disillusioned, sad and confused. Even knowing the reason for his current state, Richard longs for a better life or at least to have enough to eat for now. He explains to his parents trying to get them to understand what he is experiencing he states â€Å"You would be grieved if you did know as much as I do†. His diet is extremely poor, only consisting of water gruel (which he later calls it loblollie) and a mouthful of bread and beef. He writes that his meal in England for one day is more than what he eats in a week as a servant. His situation is precarious and back breaking work along with almost total famine have resulted in weakness of body and spirit. Mr. Frethorne describes the fear he has of the Indians coming again & again for they have already fought with them and made slaves of two of them. The daily fear Richard Frethorne exhibits is palpable as he tries to communicate this as best he can to his parents while trying to give them a complete view of his life. The plantation is very weak and the numbers of the original group are quickly dwindling because of such hellacious living conditions. He states â€Å"there are only 32 to fight against 3000, if they (rogues) should come† and the closest help is at least 10 miles away. He also states the last time they came, 80 people were killed. This would scare the begeezus out of anyone, so his belief that GOD can protect and save everyone, gives him some solace. Coming from a family that was not at all wealthy but were at least more comfortable, he begs for help in the form of food. There is nothing to comfort Mr. Frethorne and he sees no future improvement. He also informs his parents of the people he calls his friends, the Jacksons. He calls them â€Å"godly folks† who have loved him and protected  during various times, especially when the servants would come to Jamestown. He is quite descriptive of the daily routine, no matter the weather while in Jamestown and if not for Goodman Jackson, his situation would surely be worse off than it is. With no money to purchase his needs they have stepped into help. Having no clothing except for 2 rags that are used for shirts, one poor suit (that he claims is well guarded to keep it from being stolen), a pair of shoes, socks and two bands (collars) Richard Frethorne writes to his father saying, â€Å"if you love me you will redeem me suddenly , for which I entreat and beg†. He is truly in dire need. (Frethorne) (ushistory.org/us/5b.asp Indentured Servants)Richard Frethorne closes his letter by asking his parents anything they can send will be greatly appreciated as he informs them of what can be sent and what is best. He lets his father know what will happen in case of his death and ask to not forget him, â€Å"but have mercy and pity my miserable case†. He sends his love and regard to his family as well as, the Jacksons.

Conservatism in American politics Essay

Conservatism commonly emanates from the domestic policies of republican administrations (Maisel 84). This ideology finds reflection in fiscal policies that support the major role of state and local governments in domestic affairs with the federal government focusing on foreign relations, national defense, and federal legislative enactments. Conservatism also means economic policies espousing minimal government intervention in business and economic growth via supply side economics by boosting production through capital access and tax breaks. Strong nationalist and religious values dominate conservative policies (84). However, there are also democratic administrations with conservative policies. Ronald Reagan was a republican when he became president and considered a conservative. His fiscal policies included the largest tax cuts to boost production, reduction in government spending on domestic areas, and concentration of expenditures on national defense (Light 243). The stress on federalism and the role of the state government became stronger through community level solutions and private sector initiatives on social issues such as the drug problem (252). Economic policies included loose or minimal regulation of the business sector such as removing price controls on domestically sourced oil and limiting the entry of imported automobiles from Japan to protect the local car industry (251). His administration also sought to control monetary supply to reduce inflation (250). Religious beliefs came into play in his handling of the AIDS issue by excluding those with AIDS from mainstream society based on the premise that AIDS is a manifestation of immoral acts. George H. W. Bush was also a republican president and a conservative. As the Cold War ended, his administration faced a huge budget deficit (Light 256). With limited funds and the burgeoning domestic issues, his fiscal policy focused on basic issues by increasing federal spending on education, health care for mothers and children, and technological research. Bush signed into law a number of bills that supported civil rights with the disabilities act and environmental protection via the clean air act (285). His administration also supported federal expenditures on the country’s highway system and law enforcement initiatives (285). He campaigned against new taxes but failed to achieve this because of strong pressure from the democrat majority in the legislature (277, 283). Bush implemented laissez faire. His administration was a key player in creating the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement that removes tariffs for goods traded by America, Canada and Mexico (285). This agreement controlled intellectual property and eased cross-country investments (285). Bill Clinton was a democrat but considered by some as a conservative because of some controversial policies. The conservative aspects of his fiscal policy included tax cuts through the earned income tax credit that operated as a way of reducing the tax exaction for workers with below a floor amount (Light 277). The signing of the budget reconciliation law decreased the taxes paid by those with low income and small businesses (285). He also signed NAFTA, initially negotiated by Bush (288). The non-conservative aspects of his fiscal policy included increasing taxes for wealthy citizens, budget allocation for healthcare reform and health insurance program for children, and extension of copyright regulation (285). Clinton’s economic policies had a tinge of conservatism with deregulation of trade (288). However, he was able to achieve economic growth by focusing on controlling inflation, reducing unemployment, and securing social welfare and other services (285). Conservatism emerged in his ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy that allowed entry of homosexuals into the military as long as they do not disclose their sexual orientation (279). This received lesser criticism from conservatives and strong criticism from the gay and civil rights movements. In contemporary administrations, the trend is towards renewed conservatism given emerging conditions. The divide between the conservative republicans and non-conservative democrats is slowly diminishing (Maisel 86), with flexible administrative policies considered on an issue-to-issue basis.

Imigration Laws essays

Imigration Laws essays Immigration, the entrance of people into a country for the purpose of settling there, has always played a central role in Canadas history. It was much a feature of ancient times when the ancestors of Canadas native peoples migrated from Asia by land via Beringia or by sea via the Japanese current, as it is of the present day, when immigrants from around the world come to this country in the thousands. At no time has immigration played a greater role in Canadian history than during the twentieth century. In fact without the immigrants who have settled in all areas of the country since the turn of the century, Canada would not be the culturally rich, prosperous, and progressive nation that it is today. The flood of people that poured into Canada between 1900 and 1914 and the dramatic changes in immigration patterns that occurred in more recent decades created a present day population that bears little resemblance to the population in 1900. Now the question is, should the federal g overnment restrict the number of new immigrants coming into Canada? If the government did restrict it, Canada would not be the country it is today. For example we would not have the economy we do today. New immigrants provide a huge labor force for our country. Thanks to the Chinese immigrants, we now have a railroad that stretches all the way across our six thousand kilometer country. Now if the government did restrict immigrants we would not be near the place we are now. Currently we have most of our country settled, we could not have done that without the immigrants from other countries. Even though a country with many cultures is more difficult to operate politically, it is still worth it to have all these people in our country. So to answer the question, no the government should not limit the number of new immigrants coming into Canada. Among those barred form entering Canada during the 1930s were thousands of de...

Russians As the Others in 1920s and Early 1930s Hollywood Essay

Russians As the Others in 1920s and Early 1930s Hollywood - Essay Example The movie can be used as a symbol of the fate of Russians in Hollywood. It must first be understood that Russians had very limited success in Hollywood with the possible exception of Kirk Douglas whose parents were Russian Jewish immigrants. But this was because Douglas had no accent issues as he was trained at American Academy. However the rest of the actors of Russian descent had marginalized success in Hollywood as their accent forever sealed their fate and they were limited to either smaller side roles or at best character actors. They couldn't make it to the mainstream roles. Freaks (1932) is a sign of that fate. The movie is symbolic of what happened to those Russians who tried to enter the Hollywood. In this movie, the only Russian born actress, is the leading female character of Cleopatra played by immensely beautiful Olga Baclanova. Baclanova had arrived in USA with Moscow Theatre group. Her first love was stage and that is what she was doing when a role in Freaks was offered.

Feature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Feature - Essay Example Regenerative braking is the technology where the friction energy from braking physical systems such as elevators going down are captured and converted to usable energy, in this case electricity that can then be used to power the elevator system and to supply the electricity needs of the immediate floors and areas within the building. This regenerative braking feature of the elevators is attributed to the technology work of Kone, the provider of the elevator system to the Bullitt Center. The placement of the elevators and the provision of stairs add to the energy efficiency of those elevators because such limit the use of the elevators themselves. Moreover, by design, the elevators are 60 percent more power efficient than regular elevators used in other buildings. All these add to maximum energy efficiency and electricity savings for the Bullitt Center, while at the same time making sure that those who do need the elevator system, such as the disabled, are able to access the elevator systems conveniently. This feature adds further to the overall energy efficiency of the building and the regenerative braking adds to the electricity sources of the building, apart from the solar panels installed on the roof (Hanscom; EarthFixMedia; Bullitt