American Democracy, Slavery and Women Flashcards
(42 cards)
What was the 3/5 ruling in early American democracy?
It counted enslaved people as 3/5 of a person for purposes of representation and taxation.
How was race tied to identity in 19th-century America?
Race defined social, legal, and political status, reinforcing white supremacy.
What was the economic foundation of the American South?
Slavery.
How was slavery justified as compatible with civilization?
Supporters argued it was a civilizing force for supposedly inferior people.
How was slavery in America compared to the Hebrews in Egypt?
Both were seen as examples of bondage and oppression.
What role did Britain play in the context of slavery?
Britain had established and profited from slavery but also led its abolition earlier than the U.S.
What contradiction did slavery present to early American Republicanism?
It conflicted with ideals of liberty and equality.
What was Thomas Jefferson’s view on slavery and race?
He acknowledged its evils but maintained racial prejudice and feared racial integration.
How did Franklin describe the psychological effects of slavery?
It dehumanized individuals, impairing their reason and conscience.
What did Jefferson say about integrating freed slaves into society?
He believed racial tensions would cause conflict and possible extermination.
What was Benjamin Franklin’s concern about ending slavery?
That abrupt emancipation could harm freed slaves and society due to their degraded condition.
How did Franklin describe the enslaved person’s condition?
As intellectually and emotionally diminished due to long-term oppression.
What did Franklin warn could happen to newly freed slaves without support?
Freedom might become a misfortune for them and harmful to society.
What did John C. Calhoun argue about slavery?
He claimed it was a “positive good” for both races.
What was Professor Thomas Dew’s argument against abolition?
That prejudice and social habits would still keep Black people in an inferior state.
What did George McDuffie claim about Black people?
That they were unfit for self-government and inferior in all respects.
How did William Drayton describe African Americans?
As naturally lazy and inferior, justifying their enslavement.
What common belief underpinned pro-slavery arguments?
Racial hierarchy and the supposed inferiority of Black people.
How did defenders of slavery view class structure in the South?
As a racial and economic hierarchy with whites at the top.
Who was William Lloyd Garrison?
An abolitionist who exposed the hypocrisy of claims that race mixing was unnatural.
What did Garrison say disproved “natural barriers” between races?
Mixed-race children born from enslaved women and white masters.
What did Garrison argue about sexual abuse in slavery?
That female slaves lacked protection and were often assaulted by their owners.
What did Angela Grimke mean by “the iron has entered into our souls”?
That abolitionists deeply empathized with enslaved people despite not sharing their physical suffering.
Who were Sarah and Angelina Grimke?
Southern-born sisters who became prominent abolitionists and early feminists.
