American History

The Gilded Age was a period of ambition, sophistication, and elegance wherein Americans became more appreciative of European aristocracy and culture.  There was an increase in the demand for high-society portraits, idealization of and fascination with women, and desire for rural images such as vacation spots.  The art of bronze casting was perfected during this time. Artists and wealthy patrons collaborated on many different projects like never before (The Gilded Age par. 5). Different artists with their different skills on various media brought luster to the era.

Winslow Homer was the son of an amateur watercolorist (Winslow Homer par. 1). His apprenticeship to a lithographer and his freelance work to illustrate for Harpers Weekly honed his skills in line art drawings. He went to France to observe European art before he pursued his painting career. Although he was also good in oils, he was more popular for his watercolor creations. His paintings were usually low in tone and color but his technique using broad masses and clear lines show traces of his past work when he used to make line drawings for Harpers Weekly.

Louis Comfort Tiffany was the child of very famous jeweler, Charles Lewis Tiffany.  Louis his passion for the arts as a painter but later grew fond of stained glass in 1875. He established a glassmaking factory of his own and experimented with different ways of coloring the medium. His decorative glass called Favrile, iridescent, freely shaped glass mixed with  bronze-like alloys and other metals became very fashionable not only in America but in Europe as well. His creativity in glass led him to be commissioned by President Chester A. Arthur as redecorator of some rooms in the White House. His impressionistic effects and highly creative innovations in the glass industry made him one of the front liners of the Art Nouveau Movement (Encyclopedia Britannica par. 2). His distinct career as designer of jewelry, windows and decorative glass spanned 57 years and he also holds the patent for his creation of the opalescent window glass (Tiffany  Co. par. 5).

Augustus Saint-Gaudens is particularly famous for his sculpted monuments and skill in coin making. He created the statue of Admiral Farragut (Madison Square, New York City) in 1881 followed by the monument of Lincoln (Lincoln Park, Chicago) in 1887, followed by Samuel Chapin or The Puritan (Springield, Massachusetts) and the Shaw Memorial in Boston (Augustus Saint-Gaudens par. 2). Although known for his sculptures, President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned this cancer-stricken artist to redesign American coins and he was able to produce the double eagle coin which up to date is still considered the most beautiful American coin ever issued by the US Mint (United States par. 6)
Thomas Wilmer Dewing is a renowned figure painter who went under the tutelage of Jules Lefebvre in Paris, France for three years.  He was a member of both the National Academy of Design and the Society of Ten American Painters.  His participation in the Paris Exhibition of 1889 was received well (Encyclopaedia Brittanica par. 1).  He is considered a sensitive figure painter and accomplished draftsman whose specialty was on creating ethereal pictures of women (Thomas Wilmer Dewing par. 2).

George Inness is famous as a landscape painter who started out as a map engraver in
New York City. He went to Paris in the 1850s and this made him an exponent of the Barbizon-style of painting where his landscapes emitted distinct moods that were done with looser brushwork and dark palettes. This helped define the Tonalist movement. He is best known for his style of painting simply by memory as opposed to most who need the subject present to create a project (George Inness par. 2-3).

John Singer Sargent was an accomplished pianist before his mother, put him in the direction of the fine arts. He became student to French painter Carolus-Duran and his early paintings showed much influence. By 1882, portrait commissions began to demand much of his time. He grew tired of painting conventionally and decided to explore his own worth by combining the artistic styles of different artists such as Edouard Manet, Velazquez, Titian, etc. in a single project like Madame X. This notoriety lessened projects.  His focus on murals and watercolor by the latter part of his career produced great projects that are displayed at the Boston Public Library, Bostons Museum of Fine Arts, and the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library at Harvard University (Weinberg par. 1-6).

Frederick MacMonnies was an accomplished painter and portraitist but his popularity was in sculpting. In 1893, he joined the Worlds Columbian Exposition in Chicago and was well-recognized for his fountain for the Court of Honor (Frederick William MacMonnies par. 1). His Bacchante and Infant Faun which was a sculpture that depicted a nude woman dancing on her right toes with a nude child in her arms and grapes held high on her left hand scandalized society when it was first placed at the  Boston Public Library.  He withdrew it from the world until he offered it to the Metropolitan Museum 13 years later where it was given more appreciation (Works of Art par. 2-5).

The Gilded Age was an era of great change for America, a nation beginning to understand its importance in the international arena.  The sudden improvement in lifestyle made the country boastful of its industrial accomplishments but blinded by the instability of the economy they have built.  It was the great performance and creations of artists such as MacMonnies and the rest of the discussed that gave it the luster required to make it truly gilded.

American imperialism took place between the late 1880s and the early 20th century. The United States embarked on a massive expansion policy which extended the American social, economic and political influence in all parts of the world.  Historians consider this period to be one of the most important periods in the history of the world which has enable it to be the most powerful country throughout the 20th century. The American imperialism had several motives. Moreover, the effects of the expansive policies were far reaching both in the United States and around the world (Tomlinson, 1991).

Just as the English imperialism that had took place earlier, there were several reasons that prompted American imperialism. Many scholars are for the argument that the American imperialism was as a result increased need to create market for goods as a result of industrial revolution to make the investment more profitable. Moreover, as the 20th century approached, expansion was inevitable if the United States had to remain significant in the world due to increased competition. Advocates for the expansion policies claimed that the American economy produced more than the local markets required. Expanding the market for the surplus and creating demand was essential for the economic prosperity of the country. Economic influence in foreign countries required some political and social influence. Therefore the basic motives for the expansive policies adopted in the age of imperialism were economic. But religious motives also took center stage during the American imperialism. The American imperialism was necessitated by the need to promote Christian civilization throughout the world (Streich, 2009).

In the second half of the 19th century, the American population had increased significantly. Industrial production and the need to cleat more wealth were also evident which resulted into demand for more markets and resources. The Americans supported the idea of imperialism because of the fear that the American resources would be exhausted sooner than later and the problem of overproduction with limited markets. The Americans also desired international status which was held by the economies from Europe. This meant expanding international markets and owning territories overseas (Streich, 2009).

The American imperialism started with the Spanish American War when United States gained possession of several countries in Central America which were occupied by the Spanish. Islands such as Hawaii and Cuba were in the interest of the United States way before the start of the war. America was aware of the resources held by the Central American countries especially Cuba and American companies had started investing in the island. On the other hand, Hawaii served as a perfect port in the Pacific together with other island which was controlled by the United States in conjunction with the Germans. The port provided an efficient access point to trade with the Asian countries especially China. The United States also exerted pressure on the European economies to ease the trade limitations that blocked the entry of the Americans in trade with countries in Asia (Streich, 2009).

Being entirely a Christian country, the Americans designated themselves as the Gods chosen nation. They therefore considered imperialism as an important channel of spreading Christianity in other parts of the world. This was the main reason why the United States decided to keep Philippines which was captured from the Span after the war. The Americans considered spreading the gospel to the nations they considered uncivilized their moral obligation. It was the duty of the Americans to uplift the lives of the majority who lived in poor conditions around the world (Bacevich, 2008).

Although American imperialism was very popular among the Americans, it received a lot of criticism from some elements in the business, some members of the public and prominent leaders. Most of the opposition was on the capture of Philippines by the United States which resulted into death in the late 1990s. This approach was considered to be against the principles of the American society, democracy and freedom, by some leaders while labor leaders thought that the labor markets would be negatively affected by foreign workers. Americans opposed to the trends formed the Anti Imperialism League. They spoke against the United States occupying Philippines as a strategic route to Asia. The Americans were accused of mercilessly killing the Filipinos while the protestant missionaries from America working in Philippines were accused of forcefully converting Filipino Catholics (Streich, 2009).

In the early 20th century, American imperialism was an important political debate in the United States and was the main issue in President McKinley reelection campaigns. Although Philippines was not independent until mid 20th century while the United States continued to intervene in the internal affairs of Cuba, Puerto Rico attained independent and formed a civil government in 1901 (Streich, 2009).

The age of imperialism is an important period in the history of the United States. It marks the period when the United States implemented expansive policies resulting into political and economic influence around the world. Though it was criticized by a large number of people, it created markets for American goods leading to increased productivity and played an important role in the spread of Christianity.

In th1840s, a complex controversial mix of economic, political and social factors triggered America to expand its boundaries. Many Americans desired and supported their country to occupy as much land on the continent as possible. These Americans saw profitable economic opportunities in this stretches of arable land, pacific coast ports and others dreamed of settling in this beautiful terrains. They also wanted their country to be a front runner in its rapid expansion across the continent before other foreign nations. These Americans expansionalist desires were the main reason which fueled America to extend its original boundaries and acquire massive territories in the southwest and on the pacific coast as well in Texas and Oregon. This acquisition was the principal objective of American foreign policy in1845.(Griswold, D.C., Richard1990)

The Oregon country was the land located north of California and Westside of the Rocky Mountains. Earlier in the sixteenth century the territory was claimed by many countries like Spain, Russia, Britain and the Unites States. By mid 1820 Spain and Russia surrendered their claim on Oregon, leaving only America and Britain, who agreed on a joint occupation of the territory and allowed citizens of their countries to settle, this agreement ended in1846.The Oregon settlers from Britain and America  were very different groups. British settlers were mainly fur traders associated with the Hudson Bay Company while American settlers were very diverse people with different goals and thoughts. The arrival of the protestant missionaries into the Willamette valley in 1830 marked the beginning of the American settlement .American desire for fertile soil of the region spread rapidly to the east and triggered massive migration of thousands of Americans westwards along the Oregon trail. This massive settlement scared the Britain those citizens fur trading activities were declining in the area. British government advocated for a negotiated settlement in this Oregon issue. After winning elections president Polk one of his major foreign policy was the settlement of the Oregon issue with Britain, among other policies like annexation of Texas and the acquisition of California from Mexico. Negotiation between Britain and the United States over the Oregon territory began in 1845. Initially American negotiators proposed that boundary to be drawn at the forty-nine parallel, bisecting Vancouver Island but British negotiator rejected this proposal. This made President Polk to campaign for more territory and threatened British by announcing the America intention to terminate the joint occupancy agreement within a year. Americans north expansionalist supported Polks provocative actions but southerners cautioned that they could not risk going to war with Britain over Oregon territory .British leaders were also against any conflict and considered their important economic relationship with the United States over Oregon. In June 1846 America senate quickly approved the Oregon treaty with Britain, settling the boundaries at the forty-ninth parallel with the exception of Vancouver island which entirely by the Britain. (Griswold, D. C. Richard 1990)

In 1846 a war erupted between the U.S. and Mexico. Triggered by land-hungry North Americans, who wanted to obtain trading ports on the pacific coast and spread from Atlantic to pacific. US-Mexico war was because of unresolved conflicts between Mexico and Texas. After gaining independence form Mexico in1836, Texas was annexed by America in 1845.However the southern and the western bounders of Texas remained disputed. Tension between the two countries increased when U.S. government offered to pay off Mexican debt to American settlers if Mexico allowed the U.S. to purchase the territories of Alta, California and New Mexico from Mexico. Mexico lost most of its land in the war to America leaving it bitter and very unhappy with America. U.S. victory brought a huge patriotism in its efforts to acquire more land westwards. The country had already acquired the southern half of the Oregon country in 1846 in its policy of expansionalist and fulfilling its citizens belief in their countrys manifest destiny. The signing of the Guadalupe treaty started the Mexican cession in 1848.The treaty was about giving up Texas, California among other states. This agreement made Mexico loose almost half of its territory. The U.S. in return gave Mexico fifteen million dollars and promised to protect all Mexican living in Texas and in the Mexican cession. Although some senators in US criticized US and said it had no right to grab Mexican land, a few years later US needed more flat land for building railway line hence it purchased more land from Mexico and Americans were very happy with the new expanded America boundaries. (Griswold D.C., Richard 1990)
                 
The End of The War of and Missouri controversy Events
The war of 1812 was specifically a war fought between the United States of America and the British Empire particularly great Britain and British North America provinces as well as antecedent Canada. The war base was mainly on the Atlantic ocean and on the land, coasts and waterways of north America and it was fought between 1812 to1815.The united states started the war for various reasons First British had introduced various trade restrictions to stop America from trading with their long-time rival(France).America contested this restrictions as illegal under international law. Most important, America wanted to protect and maintain its national honor in the face of what they considered as British insults. The war of 1812 ended with no involvement of major geographical changes, except Carleton Island which was captured buy the United States and it was never returned. There were no more policy changes. The end of the war affected America in different ways first during the war especially in 1814 things were tough for America and it was facing a near disaster, but it emerged victorious in the battles of New Orleans and Baltimore hence a successful fight against Britain increased its national patriotism and assisted in uniting America in to one nation. The best known patriotism legacy of the war was the star spangled banner which was later used by America army during flag raising ceremony and later the congress made the U.S. national anthem. Although United States never got complete victory after the end of the war but the war real affected America positively because American saw the war as evidence in success of their democratic experience. The war paved way for a period of American history known as the era of good feelings, a time when most Americans felt united behind a common purpose. The war was a sign of assurance that the country as in a position to defend itself from any foreign threat hence now it was time to focus on its expansion at home. It demonstrated how American government, military and naval forces and the patriotism of the people were effective and performing. it led to later election of war heroes presidents like Andrew Jackson among others These war heroes election was entirely influenced by their military fame during the war. The war also indirectly caused the decline of federalist power, it also acted as an awareness to the United States that their was need for professionalism in the Us army, this was a significant development because it enabled the training of officers at the U.S. military academy. The Missouri compromise was an agreement passed in 1820 between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in Americas congress. Its aim was to regulate slavery in the western territories It prohibited slavery in the former Louisiana territory .Missouri controversy created a dispute involving the competition between southern and northern states for power in congress and control over future territory hence this intensified the division between the two American factions.(Griswold D.C., Richard 1990)
                                     
Southerners Support for Slavery
In the period towards the civil war, seventy-five percent of white southerners did not own slaves, considering the number of non-slave holders in the antebellum south, even though southern whites supported slavery. Circumstances in the newly formed southern states were different. The African American population both slave and free was much larger. In Virginia and South Carolina nearly half of the population was of African decent, infant according to historians South Carolina had a black majority population throughout its pre-civil history. Other southern states also had large black minorities. Because of their deep-rooted racial discrimination and ignorance about the complex African culture from which many slaves were from, the southern white were convinced that free black Americas could be a threat to white survival. The southern white support for slavery was because they believed that slavery was crucial and a necessary tool to control the African America race. In the Southern states slaves played a major economic role. Most of the southern states depended on agriculture as their main economic activity. States like Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, The Carolinas and Georgia, generated their wealth from the cash crop they grew hence many white southerners believed that the backbreaking hard labor needed to produce tobacco, cotton, rice and indigo, which were the regions major cash crops were Blackmans responsibility but not the white men. Because of the above reasons, the southerners whites were determined to retain slaves even after the revolution. This laid the foundation of the dangerous division between the free states and the slave states that later lead to sectionalism and civil war. In the southern states slaves were divided into three stages Developmental, high profit and decade. In the developmental stage slaves were used as cheap sources of labor. They were forced to work on dangerous places during extremely hard labor like clearing virgin land for plantation, building of dams, dikes roads and any other building necessary for plantation. The southerners also used slaves successfully as source of labor in factories such as the Tredgar iron works in Richmond. Slaves were also used to do very hard labor in the salt mines and turpentine plants of North Carolina, the coal mines of western Virginia and the sugar mills of Louisiana. The southerners confined black American slaves in the rural areas to provide labor and as a mean of population control.

How the Events of 1850s caused Civil War
Some historians argue that slavery was the main cause of civil war, however there are a series of events in the 1850s that set the United States on an evitable advancement towards the civil war. The American civil war was a war between American states. Eleven southern states declared their secession from the United States and formed the confederate state of America. These states led by Jefferson Davis fought against the United States (the union) which was supported by all the Free states and the five Border States. Election of Lincoln was the final trigger for secession in 1860.Efforts which were going on to compromise the southern and the northern like the Corwin amendment and the Crittenden compromise failed completely. Southern leaders feared that President Lincoln would stop the expansion of slavery and put it on a course towards extinction. The slave states after the election of Lincoln were the minorities in the house of the representatives and it was evident in future they will remain minority in the senate and Electoral College against an increasingly powerful north. Even before Lincoln took office seven slave states had already declared their secession and joined together to form the confederacy. Tariffs and the nullification crisis Industries in the north expanded and hoped to sell their goods to the southern market, which was rich with money from the profitable agricultural business. To the northern surprise the southerners did not buy their products, they imported cheaper goods. To protect the northern industries Jackson imposed heavy taxes on many of the imported goods that could be manufactured in the north. States like South Carolina passed the ordinance of nullification in November 1832, refusing to collect the tariff and threatened to withdraw from the union. Jackson ordered federal troops to Charleston a secession crisis was averted when congress revised the tariff of abomination in February 1833.
               
Economic changes there was a huge disparity between the northern and southern economies, this created tension and panic between the two unions. Before and after the depression the economy of the south prospered. Southern agricultural products, especially cotton which totaled over half of all American exports before the war. The panic of 1857 devastated the north, and left the south virtually untouched. There arose a clash of the wealthy agricultural south and poorer, industrial north. This clash was intensified by abolitionists who were using class struggle to further their cause. Breakdown of political systems the political process in America became disintegrated. There arose division in political parties and part members become rebellious against themselves. Even in national politics things were the same. Fights and fields were common in political arenas. Between 1837-1861, eight people become president, but none of them served for more than a single term in office. New political parties rose up with funny names like constitutional union, free-soilers and republican. Democrats for instance in Georgia were strong, but factional fighting broke the party along pro-union and states rights lines. Whig party disintegrated in early 1850 increasing the political turmoil in America. People like former speaker Howell Cobb mobilized pro-union democrats, most from north Georgia to take over the government in 1851, after his attempt to end slavery failed. The increasing power of the west and self-serving politicians like Stephen Douglas dominated the political environment as the north and the south battled for philosophical control. United states become divided in many issues including slavery. Slavery was viewed as a southern institution, the modification of the cotton gin in 1793 created a greater demand for slaves hence the institution of slavery prospered instead of declining. The northerners banned the practice in the North West territories hence this intensified the conflict over slavery leading to civic war. (Griswold D.C. Richard1990)

The United States constitution is the worlds longest surviving written charter of the government, it was written in 1787, ratified in 1788 and has been in operation since 1789.It strengthens the national government and made the union of the America more perfect as well as declaring its supremacy to the state. During the first eleven years under the constitution, United States was not completely united because events which later lead to the civil war occurred when United States was still under constitution. The American constitution clearly establishes the supremacy of the national government over the state, on condition it remained within constitutional parameters, but the new America under the constitution was not fully united, because most events that triggered civil war occurred in the face of the new constitution. When Lincoln was elected into the office, most of the southern states and particularly, South Carolina triggered a wave of secession by declaring its intention of leaving the union, These southern states justified secession arguing that the northern states were uncooperative with the fugitive slave clause of the US constitution, and the federal government had no right to restrict property rights and specifically the southern states rights to own slaves. The southerners further argued that United States voluntarily entered into the constitutional union in the founding era hence the deep South reasoned they were at liberty to leave the union at their own pleasure. United States under the constitution was not united because the constitution allowed the federal government to oppress its citizens by imposing high taxes, In addition the federal government was unwilling to listen to its law abiding citizens hence this was one of the causes of division in America whish later resulted to the civil war.

The Pilgrims of Plymouth had encountered many problems in their voyage towards the New World. Strong winds against their way and violent storms had cross the way of the Pilgrims. In particular, one of the main beams of the ship has been damaged by the storm and was put to repair during the course of the voyage. Upon their arrival on Plymouth, they also had experienced the actions by savages (Native Americans) through their stay on land. The Pilgrims also encountered problems on their shelter, together with the shortage in food and coldness during winter.

The Pilgrims had showed a friendly connection with the Native Americans. They gave the Native Americans entertainment which they believed best fitted the savages. In return, the Native Americans had taught the Pilgrims how to survive in their new discovered place. Pilgrims were taught to plant corn and other edible vegetables that really help the Pilgrims survival.

According to John Winthrop, the Puritans had faced the scenario of an outbreak of a disease. This outbreak of small pox resulted many deaths among the Native Americans. John Sagamore had died, together with his people. Like the Pilgrims, Puritans had encountered feew resistance from the natives.
Anne Hutchinson is an English woman who arrived in the New World and became a preacher. She was charged by the court of preaching against the Puritan doctrine, which include public lectures consisted of sixty and eighty persons.

The Puritans, based on the laws pertaining to adultery, opposition to vanity and witchcraft had all suggested strict punishments. The Puritans, considering all the punishments to a sin can be considered as strict and firmed group of people.

The Portuguese established trading stations in equatorial Africa. These trading stations financed slave hunts in the African West coast. After each trading station met its quota, the slaves were loaded in ships bound to the New World. The slaves were chained by groups. The women were not separated from the men. They were fed once every two days. Water was available but insufficient in quantity. After the ships loaded the cargo in Cuba, they were then sold in plantations.

In his narrative, Equiano wrote that slaves working outside plantations were treated cruelly. Most of them suffered severe punishments like the so-called iron muzzle. Some slaves had their tongues cut so that they would not experience the punishment. Fear ruled the minds of slaves. Indeed, even Equiano thought that the eyes of paintings followed him  a sign of psychological condescending. In his narrative, Equiano admitted of attempting to wash his color.

The children were loaded in a special compartment of the ships. The infants were attached to their mothers while older children were cast into the tunnel. Child slaves had little value in the plantations and even in private homes. Slave traders found it necessary to separate the children prior to the shipment. However, in Cuba, child slaves were preferred in private homes.

The slaves at St. John could only hope for a greener pasture in the New World, far from violence and cruelty. However, this was an empty dream because the New World was a cruel world  a wall which destroy the human soul and reinforce the ideals of slavery.

The Jesuits were known for their zeal in spreading Catholicism in the New World. Father Le Jeune, a French missionary, was not an exception. He spent years traveling and teaching the essentials of the Christian religion in New France. In his commentary, he noted that the Indians, contrary to popular opinion, were eager to learn the Christian faith. According to him, the Native Americans were but learners of faith, simple, and condescending to the Christian religion and its priests. However, this did not result in mass conversions.

In his commentary, Le Jeune noted the egalitarianism and openness of some tribes, particularly the Hurons and the Montagnais. These were symptoms of chaos. Father Le Jeune also criticized the nomadic lifestyle of the tribes he encountered  treating it as a sign of non-civility. The missionaries were shocked at the apparent influence of shamans in certain tribes. Indeed, in order to discredit the shamans, the missionaries established schools, seminaries, and other centers of learning. The Christian religion (Catholicism) became the emblem of civilization and political unity. Some tribes accepted Christian baptism but most of them simply ignored the missionaries. In response, the French king increased the number of missionaries working in New France. Le Jeune noted that this was due to the ignorant nature of the Indians.

Apparently, many of Le Jeune generalizations about the Native Americans were either inaccurate or incomplete. For example, his treatment of nomadism seemed to transpire from his belief that permanency is the primary indicator of social unity. This is not the case even in classical anthropology.

Slavery was regarded as a very peculiar institution which was strongly defended by those who gained from it while at the same time, the slaves themselves hated this activity but had very little to do so as to get out of it. The white farmers in both the South and the North vehemently opposed the activity by viewing it as evil. Slavery was regarded as an economic necessity for some, a business for some, and for the slaves themselves, it was their way of life which they eagerly wanted to escape.

Slave viewed the activity as exploitation and control by slave owners so that they could provide available and cheap labor force. They viewed the exploitation as a direct one while at the same time they felt used to help the white people live a comfortable life. There was oppression in the camps where these slaves were taken to work in. slaves were always in heavy chains and caning was the routine in these camps. Many people died before reaching their destinations where they could work

Slavery was forced upon the Africans by the whites who thought that they were strong and could exploit the blacks by exposing them to extreme working conditions which were inhuman. It is evident that without slavery, the white population could have been non-existent in this continent. And if they could have been there, they could be in a very pathetic state with utmost weakness, destitute, and misery. It is argued that the Africans brought to the north the already existing slaves in Africa and what changed were the masters (John 57).

There were many evil activities happening in places where slavery existed and these institutions were responsible for the abuse that the slaves experienced in the north even though the whole system in the life of human is composed of all sorts of evil and compensation. Slavery in the Old South comprised of forced labor with little or no pay at all. Slaves were regarded as property with no rights who could only serve in the firm of their masters who totally owned them. They provided free and cheap labor to their masters and what they got in return was only food and filthy shelter. Slaves in the Old South were in some cases beaten to death in case they refused to work or when they demanded for some privileges.

It was common to see slaves receiving slash from their masters as form of punishment with the aim of reforming them to be more obedient to their masters and some got permanent injury I the process due to this form of punishment. Most scholars have argued that this method of punishment was intolerable and degrading to slaves even though the people of the Old South saw this kind of punishment only degradable to a child but not to adults.

Slaves were forbidden by the constitution to get any form of education and they argued that people who work with hands during the day does not need an improvement of the mind or amusement through leisure. The denial of any form of education to slaves made them face economic hardships since they had no experience in any office work by the time of abolition of slavery.

Slaves were not allowed to marry with any race in the slave holding nations. But on the other hand, the Old South during the slavery period was like a brothel. The women slaves become of use by men in superior positions to look for sexual gratitude with these women. This led to the siring of mothers of mixed races who sought sexual regarded as outcasts.