CDL- The right to fight: Black soldiers in the civil war

The article represents one of the most important paradigm shift in the American history- entry of black men into the U.S army. Although it was not easy for the blacks to enter into the army (due to racial prejudices against them and the bitter memories of slavery period), a 26 year old seaman from New Bedford-James Henry Gooding, realized that it is crucial for the blacks to enter into the army, due to several reasons. First, doing so would put an end to slavery. Second, their patriotism and courage on the field of battle would help improve their position in American society, thus saving them from white prejudice. He want his people to fight for liberty, justice and equality and not just for money.In other words, the label of being a U.S soldier will provide a new positive identity to blacks. Many blacks followed his advice and started recruiting in the army. However, the struggle did not end there and they had to face discrimination again. They were, first, assigned to manual labor rather than fighting, and were given unequal wages. This prompted Gooding to write a letter to president Lincoln, in which he defended their position by stating that they are soldiers, not laborers. Thus, they deserve equal pay. His efforts bore fruits and in 1864, congress equalized the pay of black and white soldiers.The army greatly shaped the dignity of black soldiers. It gave them a new confidence, proud at their achievements, as well as a legal citizenship and gain of civil rights.The entry of black soldiers into the U.S army during civil war proved to be a stepping stone to their dignity and respect in the U.S society.

1. What was the initial reaction of the union after the entry of blacks into the U.S army?

2. How did the status of being a U.S soldier affected the minds of African-Americans? Was it successful in preserving their dignity in the long-run?

CDL- How often were slaves whipped

     The article describes the cruelty of the slavery period in Antebellum America and the atrocities suffered by slaves, particularly “whipping”. This is one of the most common forms of punishment given by slave-owners to the slaves, in the event of making a mistake or disobeying their masters. On large plantations, this power was delegated to the overseers. The number of lashes depended on the seriousness of offence. Whipping was a widespread and frequent practice. Males and females were whipped indiscriminately. One of the most important evidences of its severity came from the diary of Bennet Barrow, a plantation owner, who owned 129 slaves. His diary mentions confining slaves to a plantation jail, putting them in chains, shooting them, having slaves mauled by dogs, holding their hands under water, etc. In the twenty-three month period, Barrow recorded 160 whippings. Thus, on an average, a slave was whipped every four and a half days. More than half of the slaves, who worked in his fields, were whipped at least once. There were several methods used by the masters to whip slaves. Some used whips that raised welts, thus causing bruises. Some resorted to cowhide whips that broke the skin, whereas some were even beaten to death. Slaveholders believed that cruel punishment to slaves is the only method that could encourage them to work hard and improve their flaws. However, the results of whipping were, in fact, counterproductive. Instead of improving the slaves’ mistakes and encouraging them to work hard, it only provoked resentment and an everlasting pain among the minds of slaves.

1. What were the consequences of whipping the slaves? Was it successful in improving them?
2. Why was no legal action taken by government/law-organizations to stop the whipping?