Using at least three documents (a mix of primary and secondary sources) from the Library of Congress and National Archives, write a summary of the Amistad Affair. This is your opportunity to be a little creative. Assume a role and perspective of the time and write as though you were trying to convince people of the need to outlaw slavery – what would you tell them about the conditions of the slaves? How would you answer any objections to your cause? Remember to put yourself in the early 19th century.
Make sure you use evidence from the sources and source types noted in your prompt to support your points. You may use sources other than those found in Recommended Resources, but you should write at least 300 words in your response.
SOURCES CAN ONLY BE USED FROM ONE OF THESE TWO LINKS (can use both sites or just one but the three documents can only come from these sources)
https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/amistad
https://www.loc.gov/collections/slaves-and-the-courts-from-1740-to-1860/?q=amistad
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SECOND DISCUSSION (separate from the first discussion)
This discussion looks at the growth of the American economy, expansion to the West and conflict in the Early Republic, as well as, reform programs brought about by the Second Great Awakening as a consequence of the growth to the West and the addition of new states.
Instructions
Select one (only one!) of the following topics on the Antebellum Era and the Second Great Awakening and write a response prompt by the initial post date:
- Based on at least one primary and one secondary source, explain the causes of the War of 1812? How did the United States come to war with Great Britain instead of France? How did these events foreshadow what was to come (secession and the Civil War)?
- Based on at least two primary sources and your readings (course readings and linked documents) on the First Industrial Revolution of this period, how do you think the Revolution changed life in America prior to the Civil War? How did people work or live or play in ways they had not earlier?
- Based on at least two primary sources and your readings (course readings and linked documents) this module, what were the consequences of the huge expanse of open land to the West on the development of America? Was there any downside to the expansion of the frontier, do you think? (Hint: Consider things like the fight over expansion of slavery, territorial organization, and statehood.)
- Based on at least two primary sources and your readings (course readings and linked documents) on the Great Awakening and reform movements of this period, describe a cause you personally would have taken up had you lived in the early 19th century. Why do you embrace this cause, what do you hope to accomplish?
Make sure you use evidence from the sources and source types noted in your prompt to support your points. You may use sources other than those found in Recommended Resources, but you should write at least 300 words in your response.
SOURCES THAT SHE LISTED TO HELP WITH DISCUSSION:
Tecumseh. “Tecumseh Calls for Pan-Indian Resistance.” 1810. At The American Yawp Reader. http://www.americanyawp.com/reader/the-early-republic/tecumseh-letter-to-william-henry-harrison-1810/.
Washington, George. “Farewell Address.” 1796. At The American Yawp Reader. http://www.americanyawp.com/reader/a-new-nation/george-washington-farewell-address-1796/.
US Congress. “Congress Debates Going to War.” 1811. At The American Yawp Reader. http://www.americanyawp.com/reader/the-early-republic/debate-over-the-war-of-1812-1811/.
