Text Analysis- Crime of poverty by Henry George

In this article, Henry George, a political economist , examines the root causes of poverty in United States. He calls poverty a social crime- imposed by the society on poor people. He holds the view that the vast majority of poor are not wholly responsible for their situation. Instead, it is the conditions inflicted by the society on them, that lands them into this vicious cycle of poverty, thus rendering them helpless.
The author appeals to logos by stating the point of land monopolisation as  the root causes of poverty. He holds the view that land monopoly is an unequal distribution of land and it only gives benefits to those who acquire that land, whereas those who lives on it are considered no less than slaves. The author appeals to pathos (emotional quality) by stating the point that those who who extremely hard ought to be rich whereas those who do not believe in hard-work deserves to be poor. But, unfortunately, the order of nature is reversed and working class, who is hardworking, is considered as poor. Henry George appeals to ethos by stating that there is a need to take action against land monopoly, not by dividing the land , as it can only leads to conflicts, but by dividing the income that comes from land monopolies. Also, there is a need to abolish taxes, that rest on capital and raising all our public revenues by the taxation of land values.
The article holds great historical significance because it challenges the myth of individual blame for poverty, and rather place the whole blame on the flaws of the society, particularly monopolisation, that is , somehow, responsible for this widespread problem.
I find the article highly convincing . Henry George conveys his ideas in a very clear and descriptive manner and if we analyze carefully,his words are true to a large extent. It is not the individuals who need to be blamed for their poverty. Rather, it is the restrictions imposed by the society on them, that are responsible for the poverty crisis.

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?

Text analysis - Declaration of Sentiments, American Anti-Slavery Society, 1833

The article focuses on American Anti-Slavery Society founded in 1833 in Philadelphia, that sought an immediate end to slavery. The anti-slavery society was one of the most prominent abolitionist organisations in the U.S. history, whose aim was to  oppose slavery based on both the principles of equality as well as on the commands of Biblical scripture. The society condemned slavery and accused slave owners of the sin of being "man-stealers". It strongly argued that blacks were brutally tortured merely for the crime of having a dark complexion. The society offered its major demands which were:

1.  Abolition of slavery.
2.  Aboliton of laws that favour slavery.
3.  Slaves should be set free and brought under legal protection. 
4.  The compensation should be given to the emancipated slaves and not to the owners who brutally abused them.

The articles holds great historical significance because it demanded the end of slavery, which is one of the most controversial and conflicting issue in the U.S. history and had profound and devastating consequences on the nation. Slavery is one of the most unforgettable experience and a blot on American history, whose repercussions exist till today.

The article is highly convincing. The words depicted in the article are deep, highly impactful and gives an insight into the pathetic condition of slaves. Most importantly, it reflects the disturbed emotional state of the slaves and their desire to be free.