Change Over Time, Essay Example

Introduction

Slavery is an unfortunate actuality in the history of the U.S. the practice was instrumental in the economic development of the region since it was the source of labor for the agricultural sector. The practice was also responsible for other events, which shaped the American country and society. The most notable incident spurred by slavery was the American civil war. In order to comprehend the significance of the practice in the region, it is crucial to analyze its history from inception to its diminish. Slavery has characterized humanity from the early historical days. Despite this, the periods between 1600 and 1800 were influential to the American society. The practice of slavery in the modern era originated from England. This was after a navigator, John Hawkins, with the involvement of other Englishmen, sailed to New Guinea where they used force, treachery, bribery and deception to procure slaves numbering to 300 Negroes and sell them to the Spanish. Despite the reservations of the English leadership, most notable the queen about the practice, Hawkins persuaded her that the practice was beneficial for the Africans since its facilitated civilization and Christianity among the community. With the popularity of territorial expansions by European powers through colonization of new lands, the American continent was introduced to the practice of slavery. The Spanish were cited to be the first to employ the services of the slave in the West Indies. King Charles V commissioned the licensing of Fleming to transport an annual contingent of 4000 Negroes as slaves to the region. This was due to the potential in the sugar and tobacco plantations in the region, which provided a new economic frontier for the European powers.  The slaves appeared to thrive in the region despite the local population succumbing to the harsh conditions of the required labor.  Despite this, it was until 1619 that the first slaves reached the American colonies of the English. In this incident, 20 slaves were sold to settlers in the region of Jamestown. This incident facilitated significant influx of slaves into the region. Despite the condemnation of slavery, slavery was instrumental in the economic, political and social development of the U.S.

Slavery was declared illegal in England. This declaration influenced the American colony7 since England was the principal power. Despite this, the influence of England in deterring the use of slaves in the American colony was minimal if not nonexistent. This is evident in the consideration that it took a civil war to declare slavery illegal in the region effectively. Despite the fist slavers being witnessed in the English America colony in 1619 in Jamestown, slavery in the region became significant in 1773. This was due to the activities of the English company in the region whereby they supplied the Spanish colonies situated in the south and Central America. This was after a contractual agreement whereby the company promised to provide Negro slaves numbering to 144,000 in a period of 30 years. This encouraged the dealings of the English factions in the practice. The establishment of the southern colonies, whereby plantations characterized the economy of the region, augmented the popularity of the slaves in the U.S. The settlers required cheap which could withstand the harsh conditions. The Negroes were perfectly suitable for the plantation in the region and encouraged their rapid increase in the region. About 200, 000 slaves were living in the colony by 1750. A majority of this population lived in the southern part of the colony. The fertile soil and suitable climates made agriculture successful in the region a success that was facilitated by the labor by the Negro slaves. The use of slaves increased the profitability of agriculture in the region resulting in economic success for the settlers in the colony.

The increasing number of slaves in the region led to the desire for freedom by the Negroes. By the 1800’s, there were approximately 700,000 slaves in the south and this translated to a third of the region’s population. The increasing number of free blacks in the American colony alarmed the white demographic, and this led to restrictions by the American states limiting the liberties of the black community. Despite this, the slaves established their roots in the country. The slaves’ participation in the war against the British reiterates this actuality. The slaves were instrumental in facilitating America’s freedom from the British during the revolution. Despite this, they were unable to facilitate their freedom. This contrasts to the slogan, which characterized the revolution citing the equality of men. Ironically, Thomas Jefferson, who was responsible for these sentiments, owned slaves.

The invention of the cotton gin was a notable innovation in the economic development of the region particularly the fertile south. By 1860, the slaves input in the cotton industry resulted in revenues amounting to 200, 000,000 dollars in cotton value.  The slaves had to conform to their owner’s wishes despite the blatant disregard by the whites concerning their liberties. During this period, there was disquiet about the issue of slavery in the U.S. Slaves escaped to the friendly regions including the northern states and Canada where they sought freedom and better living conditions. The routes employed to facilitate the escape of the slaves were referred to as the underground railway.

The differences concerning slavery were manifested in the politics of the country with the republicans led by Abraham Lincoln opposed the practice. This naturally meant that the southern states, which were the principle beneficiaries of slavery, would oppose the abolition of the practice. The stakes concerning the issues increased when Lincoln was elected the U.S. president. This means that he could use government mechanisms to effect the abolition of the practice. The southern states threatened to secede if the practice became abolished. These tensions were the precursor of the American civil war. The war despite its costs to the American region ended the practice of slavery in the country effectively. This development was entrenched in the constitution, in the 13th amendment. This meant that the black community who were instrumental in the independence of the country and the economic development of the region could be considered stakeholders in the nations. This meant that the slaves were free and could own property and participate in the development of the country as citizens. In the contemporary scenario, slavery is illegal globally and the United Nations is instrumental in enforcing this declaration.

Despite the prejudice and maltreatment experienced by the black community in the recent times, the American community has experienced positive societal transformation incorporating the black community as equals.

Conclusion

Slavery is a significant actuality in the history of the U.S. This is due to the contribution of the slaves in the political, economic and social development of the country. In order to comprehend the significance of slavery in America, it is essential to consider the historical perspective of the issue. It is apparent that slaves were an integral factor in America’s development to its current state.