Free History Discussion Essay Sample

The evolution of racial slavery in America was a slow process, which commenced with both white and black servants occupying an almost equal position in their master’s home. Since no rules or regulations governed the state of slavery in the nation, both races could acquire freedom. It later, however, became evident that this could not be the case for black servants. The growing animosity and white racism between the planters and the servants made it impossible for the black servants to gain their freedom. By 1641, Massachusetts legalized slavery, and with it came a set of rules to govern the relationship that could exist between the black slaves and the whites. It later became evident that racism was the main cause of the black slavery. For example, it is evident that after 1660, slavery became an inheritable trait linked to the black race. In addition, the rule of evading slavery through conversion into Christianity became virtually impossible after the white settlers stripped it from the black servants. The new laws enacted between 1661 and 1662, which governed sexual behavior among the slaves and their masters were solely governed by patriarchal norms. The male master of the home became the main authoritative image, and his word was final. Heavy fines also existed for slaves who had sexual relations with their masters. For example, women who had children with their masters had to pay fines and serve the duration of their slavery. This rules continued to weigh heavily on the lives of the black slaves.
Later on in 1692, the Salem witch trials hit Massachusetts seeing over 200 women killed over accusations of being witches. From an evaluation of the accusations, it is evident that most of the witchcraft accusations stemmed from their religious belief and not hatred or animosity against one another. People blamed small matters on the activities of witches, instead of examining them from rational perspective. Rebecca Greensmith, for example, confessed that the evil had misused her body on several occasions. This led to her death and that of her husband. In addition, preachers of the land also confessed that witchcraft was upon them and had come to occupy their home. While they knew to pray, most of them confessed that the power of the devil was a little much difficult for them to handle. For example, Reverend Parris was distressed when both his daughter and his niece were not able to relieve themselves from “bewitchment” even after prayer and days of fasting. When Mr. Parris finally called the doctor, he too claimed “witchcraft” had occupied the girls’ bodies, and it was impossible for them to find treatment. Even though particular scholars still believe that the girls might have been helped if only their parents had disciplined them, it is also evident that a society that holds “witchcraft” with great regard is bound to believe in its presence.
Boone Daniel as presented in his theme song and by the writing of Mack Faragher bears a few disparities. For example while the theme song would bring him out as a man who wore a coonskin cap, history shows that Boone did no such thing. In addition, his theme song brings him out as a warrior who fought to “make American Free.” While Faragher states that Boone was an excellent hunter who acquired the Indian ways faster, he was not a hero as the song points out. During his service with the British, for instance, he took part in both the Indian and the French war, but he was always ready to quit his position. In his view, withdrawal was much better than valor. In truth, Boone was not a hero, but simply a man with a few great skills. Even though he was famous for being an Indian fighter, he solely confessed that he had only fought and killed three Indians in self- defense. Faragher continues to note that, Boone was a man who valued outward appearance, and was tolerant of all people. While his theme song brings him out as some form of superhero, capable of freezing rivers, Faragher shows people that Boone was simply just a man.