Holt African American History Chapter 5 Holt African

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Steps to Freedom Section 1 The Antislavery Movement Section 2 The Coming Conflict Section 3 The Civil War—Freedom Won Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Section 1: The Antislavery Movement Main Idea Both black and white Americans helped support the antislavery movement in the early to mid-1800 s. Reading Focus • What were the origins of the antislavery movement, and what led to its growth in the early 1800 s? • Who were some black abolitionists, and what methods did they use? • Who were some white abolitionists, and what methods did they use?

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Building Background In the early 1800 s reform movements swept the nation. Reformers sought to improve conditions for white Americans in factories, prisons, and crowded cities. In addition, a growing number of reformers turned their attention to the issue of slavery. Both black and white Americans grew increasingly vocal in their opposition to the South’s “peculiar institution. ” These reformers demanded change—and they would be heard.

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Origins of the Antislavery Movement • Dates back before the American Revolution – Early colonists such as the Quakers protested against slavery – As independence struggle grew more people joined call to end slavery; first antislavery society formed in Philadelphia in 1775 • Not a major force until early 1800 s with religious revival known as Second Great Awakening – Rebirth of religious fervor encouraged reform – Reform focus contributed to growth of antislavery movement • More Americans viewed slavery as moral wrong that went against religious beliefs – Social reformers united and formed organizations to oppose slavery

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Reading Check Analyze What contributed to the growth of the antislavery movement in the early 1800 s? Answer(s): A religious revival known as the Second Great Awakening and the subsequent focus on social reform

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Black Abolitionists American antislavery groups differed in their goals; some opposed spread of slavery but wanted it kept in place where already existed; others wanted to abolish slavery. Abolition Movement Black Militants David Walker • Campaign to abolish, or end, slavery • Militant black abolitionists favored use of force • Free black merchant; published 1829 pamphlet, Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World • Supporters called abolitionists • Free blacks among most vocal in group; took great risks in supporting abolition • Wrote and spoke calling on African Americans to resist slavery by any means necessary • Called on African Americans to rise up against slavery

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Many Voices Walker not alone • New York abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet urged slaves to resist • In 1843 speech he declared, “Strike for your lives and liberties …” • Shocked by calls for violence, others looked for more peaceful methods to end slavery Frederick Douglass • Black abolitionist who opposed the use of force • Had escaped slavery; was gifted writer and speaker for abolition • Published antislavery newspaper, The North Star; wrote about his life • Traveled across U. S. and British Isles giving speeches on evils of slavery; his eloquent appeals drew people to the movement

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 The Black Abolition Movement Douglass one of many Racial discrimination • Free blacks gave speeches, held antislavery conventions • Unfair treatment of people of a certain race—discrimination • Published many antislavery newspapers • Free blacks in the North still faced unequal treatment; took direct action to fight against discrimination • Personal accounts of slave life helped educate Americans • Sojourner Truth—leading abolitionist and women’s rights activist; famous speech, “Ain’t I a Woman” delivered in 1851 • Elizabeth Jennings sued a railway company and won; paved way for second legal case which opened streetcars to black passengers

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Reading Check Contrast How did militant abolitionists differ from other black abolitionists? Answer(s): Militant abolitionists favored the use of force, whereas other black abolitionists did not.

Holt African American History Chapter 5 White Abolitionists White activists William Lloyd Garrison • Thousands of white activists joined antislavery movement during mid-1800 s • Many became leaders in the movement • White journalist; one of foremost abolitionists in nation • 1831 newspaper, The Liberator • Radical abolitionist who called for immediate end to slavery Sensational action Cost of support • Garrison burned copy of U. S. Constitution in 1854 • Helped found the New England Anti-Slavery Society and the American Anti-Slavery Society • White abolitionists contributed own money for lecture tours; purchased freedom of many slaves • Often risked own lives

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Other White Abolitionist Leaders • To abolish slavery, needed to persuade people to join cause; white abolitionists used many methods – Published antislavery newspapers (Garrison); published pamphlets and books (Theodore Weld) • Weld’s Slavery As It Is helped inspire Uncle Tom’s Cabin – Uncle Tom’s Cabin was Harriett Beecher Stow’s 1852 novel of terrors and tragedies of slave life; novel sold 300, 000 copies the first year – Novel drew new supporters to abolitionist cause • Some used political means – Arthur and Lewis Tappan favored legislation; established Liberty Party as first antislavery political party in U. S. • Militant John Brown thought that only force could end slavery – 1849 moved to black community to learn evils of slave system firsthand from former slaves; he believed nothing short of war would end slavery

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Reading Check Find the Main Idea What methods did white abolitionists use to spread their message? Answer(s): Published newspapers, distributed pamphlets, gave public speeches, published accounts of slavery by former slaves, created a political party

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Section 2: The Coming Conflict Main Idea Disagreement over the expansion of slavery led to conflict between the North and the South, and in time to the secession of the southern states. Reading Focus • How did the expansion of slavery create rising tensions between the North and the South? • How did black and white northerners react to the Fugitive Slave Act? • What conflicts intensified the debate over slavery into a crisis? • What further events led the nation to split apart?

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Building Background As tensions over slavery intensified, the North and the South edged closer to conflict. Disputes over the expansion of slavery began to escalate and erupt into violence. Could the country continue like this—half slave states and half free states? The rising tensions between these two opposing forces would soon tear the country apart at its seams.

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Rising Tensions • Growing number of Americans now settling the West – Hoping to find wealth, obtain land of their own – Issue of slavery’s expansion into new territories arose • The Missouri Compromise – Tension between slave and free states increased in early 1800 s – 1819 Missouri Territory applied to enter the Union as a slave state; if accepted would tilt slave state–Free state balance in Senate in South’s favor; Northerners upset about losing power in Senate – Others opposed expansion of slavery on moral grounds – Issue resolved with Missouri Compromise of 1820, which admitted Missouri as slave state and Maine as free state and banned slavery north of the 36° 30′ N latitude in unorganized territory of Louisiana Purchase • Delicate Senate balance was maintained but tensions remained high

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 The Compromise of 1850 New territories sought statehood • Issue of slave or free states continued • Politicians fought over issue; a few tried hard to maintain balance • In 1848 the U. S. gained vast amount of land in West as result of Mexican-American War; debate over allowing slavery intensified California applies • California’s leaders applied for statehood as free state in 1849 • This would upset the balance in the Senate • The South feared loss of economic and political power; Southern leaders threatened to secede from the Union as a last result • Some northerners countered, “Let them secede!”

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Henry Clay, author of the Missouri Compromise, came up with a plan to solve the California problem. After much debate, Congress passed a series of laws called the Compromise of 1850. Details Territories Appeasement • Compromise resulted in California joining Union as free state • Popular sovereignty, a vote of the people, would determine slave issue • Agreement included a tougher fugitive slave law to appease the slave states • Slave trade ended in the District of Columbia • Neither side completely satisfied with compromise • Rest of land gained from Mexico was organized into New Mexico and Utah territories

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Reading Check Find the Main Idea Why were the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Compromise of 1850 necessary? Answer(s): to allow new states to join the Union while maintaining either the balance of power in the U. S. Senate or peace between the North and the South

Holt African American History Chapter 5 The Fugitive Slave Act • Compromise of 1850 settled one dispute and triggered another—a dispute over the Fugitive Slave Act – Southerner slaveholders felt that northerners ignored the law and offered aid to escaped slaves – New law made assisting runaway slaves a federal crime; commissioners were appointed to enforce law; citizens expected to “aid and assist” • New law meant anyone who helped or hid fugitive slaves was subject to heavy fines and imprisonment – Federal marshals had great power; could arrest fugitive slaves who had been free for decades – African Americans accused of being runaways had to prove that they were free, a difficult and near impossible task • Law put many black northerners —whether legally free or escaped— at risk

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Fighting the Fugitive Slave Act Northerners infuriated • More were encouraged to support the fight against slavery • In the North people openly resisted new law; organized against it • Abolitionists urged African Americans to prepare to defend themselves Harriet Tubman • Famous black conductor for the Underground Railroad determined to help fight the Fugitive Slave Act • In Troy, New York she came to the aid of Charles Nalle who had been captured and was going to be returned to slavery in Virginia • As a crowd pushed forward Tubman helped him escape

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Black Self-Protection Groups Blacks organized Warrants for escapees • As threat of capture increased blacks organized to protect themselves • September 1851 armed group pounded on Parker’s door to serve warrants • Self-protection groups were successful • Parker’s wife blew a horn for help and neighbors came to their aid; in the battle that followed, the slave catchers retreated • Developed alert plans if slave catchers were seen in area • William Parker, one of the organizers, used the plan to save four men at his house • Arrests for treason followed and Parker became a fugitive, leaving his family behind

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Reading Check Summarize What did African Americans do to try to protect themselves from the Fugitive Slave Act? Answer(s): They helped captured African Americans escape, and they formed self-protection groups to warn one another of danger.

Holt African American History Chapter 5 The Conflict Becomes a Crisis Throughout the 1850 s the dispute over slavery raged on. Three key events brought the crisis between the North and the South to a head. The Kansas-Nebraska Act • Passed in 1854, the Act organized Kansas and Nebraska into territories and allowed the issue of slavery to be determined by popular sovereignty • The Act bitterly divided the nation; proslavery and antislavery forces sent supporters to Kansas to help influence the vote there • Abolitionist John Brown settled in Kansas • “Bleeding Kansas” became a violent battleground

Holt African American History Chapter 5 The Dred Scott Decision Lawsuit • 1857 Supreme Court case • Upon return to slaveholding Missouri Dred Scott sued for his freedom • Enslaved Missouri man traveled with his slaveholder to Illinois and Wisconsin Territory where slavery was illegal • His argument: living on free soil had made him free The Court ‘s Decision Fifth Amendment • Deeply divided Court ruled against Scott’s argument; Scott could not sue because he wasn’t a citizen under the U. S. Constitution • Based decision on property rights; the Compromise deprived slaveholders of those rights without due process of law • Also declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional • Abolitionists felt ruling put Supreme Court on side of slavery

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 John Brown’s Raid Radical Abolitionist October 16, 1859 • John Brown contributed another link in the chain of events • Brown and his 21 men set out for Harper’s Ferry, Virginia • By 1859 he had decided force was only way to end slavery; came up with plan to attack federal arsenal, capture guns, and arm a slave revolt • Harriet Tubman supported his plan; others warned him against it • Broke into the arsenal; but few slaves joined his revolt • Trapped the next day; Brown was convicted and hung for treason before year’s end • Many Northerners viewed Brown as a hero; church bells tolled in salute at his death

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Reading Check Sequence What series of events in the mid-to late 1800 s led to increased conflict between the North and the South? Answer(s): Kansas-Nebraska Act, Dred Scott decision, and John Brown’s raid

Holt African American History Chapter 5 The Nation Splits Apart Unpopular compromises, laws, and court decisions of the 1850 s had deepened the divisions in the United States. Ideological, economic, and political divisions over slavery would rip the country apart. The Election of 1860 Gained Support Lincoln Chosen • Established in the 1840 s, antislavery political parties had limited success • Abraham Lincoln joined the new party in 1856; addressed the Illinois Republican convention in 1858 with dire prediction • In 1860, Republicans selected Lincoln as party’s presidential candidate • In 1854 antislavery parties united to form the Republican Party in time for the upcoming election • Lincoln stated, “A house divided against itself cannot stand” • With a division in the Democratic Party, Southerners split their vote and Lincoln won the presidency

Holt African American History Chapter 5 The First Southern States Secede • Many Southerners irate over Lincoln’s election • “A party founded on the … hatred of African slavery is now the controlling power, ” wrote the New Orleans Delta • Election propelled seven southern states—South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas—to secede • New nation formed in December 1861 • The Confederate States of America, also called the Confederacy

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Reading Check Draw Conclusions Why did many southerners oppose Lincoln’s election to the presidency in 1860? Answer(s): They feared that because Lincoln was a Republican, he might try to outlaw slavery in the South.

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Section 3: The Civil War—Freedom Won Main Idea The Civil War led to new roles, rights, and freedoms for African Americans in the North and the South. Reading Focus • What events led to the outbreak of war between the Union and the Confederacy? • In what ways did African Americans contribute during the Civil War? • What led Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation?

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Building Background After years of painful dispute, the United States broke apart. Several southern states formed the Confederate States of America to protect their way of life, including the institution of slavery. Secession, however, did not end the dispute between the North and the South. The tense situation would require only a spark to unleash the heat of war.

Holt African American History Chapter 5 War Breaks Out Lincoln took office on March 4, 1861. He hoped the states would return peacefully to the Union. Instead war came two months later. An Attack Leads to War • Confederate officials started seizing federal arsenals, forts, and other property in the South; Lincoln declared property still belonged to Union – Ordered U. S. Military to protect all such property • Confederates determined to take Fort Sumter, South Carolina – Lincoln sent in ships with essential supplies; worried troops would follow, Confederates fired on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861 and took the fort • The Civil War had begun and Lincoln sent troops to put down rebellion – Most states rallied to his call for troops; several slave states still in Union refused – Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina joined the Confederacy

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Preparing for War • With outbreak of war, both sides prepared armies to fight • Black men in the North volunteered to fight; the Union army turned them away; African Americans created informal military units and trained for possible active duty • A few Union generals disagreed with the decision not to accept blacks in the army – Contrabands, escaped Confederate slaves, began turning up at Union army camps seeking protection and offering to help the Union cause – Offered noncombatant positions such as cooks or hospital orderlies – The navy approved active enlistment of black men in September 1861 • African Americans contributed to the war effort of the Confederacy – Slaves grew much of the food; such labor freed white men to fight – Slaves served in noncombat positions as cooks or wagon drivers

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Reading Check Analyze Early in the war, how were Confederate slaves able to contribute to the war effort in the North? Answer(s): They escaped to Union army camps where they contributed to by serving in noncombat roles

Holt African American History Chapter 5 African Americans in the Civil War African American finally got the chance to fight in the Union Army and played a crucial role in the war effort in many capacities. Enlistment of Black Troops • No quick victory for Union; war continued and more died • Northern attitudes about use of black troops changed • July 1862 Congress approved limited enlistment of blacks Black Regiments More Recruitment • Some formed in Union controlled South • Black leaders called on men to serve; the 54 th Massachusetts Infantry one of first black regiments • 1862 First Louisiana Native Guards also known as the Corps d’Afrique organized • Confederacy tried to recruit in March 1865; few enlisted • Two more regiments fielded; general recruitment approved in • War was over one month later 1863

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Hardships and Heroism Unique Hardships Treatment U. S. Navy • Black troops received fewer supplies, less training, and less pay • If captured, black troops faced more severe treatment • One-fourth of all Union sailors in the War were black • Took steps to counter such discrimination • Confederate troops enslaved or executed captured black soldiers • Robert Smalls was one who proved his bravery and loyalty • Members of the 54 th Mass. Infantry protested unequal wages by refusing pay for over a year • U. S. government finally agreed to pay same to all troops • White troops were held as prisoners of war • In all, 186, 000 black men served bravely in the Union forces • Black troops fought with distinction in more than 250 engagements; with 23 Medals of Honor, nation’s highest military award

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Heroic Black Women in the Civil War • Black women displayed outstanding bravery during the conflict – Many women served as nurses – Others traveled with troops to help cook, sew, and wash • Nursing the sick most common job – Nurse Susie King Taylor, wife of officer in 1 st Carolina Volunteers – Also taught soldiers to read and write in spare time • Sojourner Truth – Leading black abolitionist worked to support war effort – Helped raise money and supplies for southern black refugees – Met with President Lincoln, who convinced her to nurse wounded black soldiers in Freedmen’s Hospital

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Black Military Spies More War Efforts • Served Union Army as spies • Union officials found black spies were very effective at passing Confederate information • Found to be better at avoiding detection than white spies Female Spies • Harriet Tubman gathered information from southern slaves – Praised for her “remarkable courage, zeal, and fidelity” • Mary Elizabeth Bowser another well-known black spy; worked in home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis – Pretended she could not read; listened to conversations and examined documents; passed valuable military information to Union officials

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Reading Check Summarize In what ways did African Americans contribute to the war effort for both the North and the South? Answer(s): They served as soldiers, manual laborers, spies, nurses, and support personnel.

Holt African American History Chapter 5 The Emancipation Proclamation One crucial unanswered question—what would Lincoln do about issue of slavery? Abolitionists argued war pointless if not to end slavery; many white northerners opposed emancipation, or the freeing of slaves. Resolving the Issue of Slavery • Lincoln in difficult position; personally opposed to slavery, he could not afford to lose northern support for the war • Many white northerners would not risk lives for African Americans • Ending slavery was not a war aim; preserving the Union was; Lincoln feared ending slavery might lead other states to secede

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Fear of Consequences Border States Issue Still Raised • There were still slave states in the Union • As Union troops pushed into Confederate territory thousands of contrabands sought refuge with them • Border states of Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri stayed in the Union • Strategic militarily because of their location between the North and the Confederacy • Union could not risk losing these states • At first the administration supported returning contrabands to slaveholders; some commanders did so • Actions infuriated abolitionists; pointed out this was helping the Confederacy

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Taking Action Lincoln’s Plan • Lincoln and his advisors decided to take action against slavery • Lincoln proposed compensated emancipation in the border states • Dilemma: Lincoln did not believe he had constitutional power to end slavery • Border states to receive federal funds in exchange for passing laws to abolish slavery over time Border States Refused War Struggles • These states loyal to Union, but not ready to end slave system on which economies based • Union leaders convinced Lincoln that ending slavery in the South was important militarily • All four border states rejected Lincoln’s plan • Confederacy would be crippled without slave labor

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Lincoln’s Decision Commander in Chief Needed Victory • Lincoln used constitutional power as commander in chief to end slavery in the areas that were rebelling • Lincoln waited for a Union victory to announce full plan; Chose Battle of Antietam in September 1862 • Began forming new plan for emancipation; first step was April 1862, ending slavery in the District of Columbia • Once again Lincoln offered compensated emancipation to slaveholders in border states • Soon after, Congress outlawed slavery in all U. S. territories • Also declared would free all enslaved African Americans in rebel areas of the South on January 1, 1863

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Response to Lincoln’s Plan Reaction to Lincoln’s announcement was mixed. Some abolitionists were hopeful that it would deal a death blow to the institution of slavery. Others were angry because the plan did not go far enough. • Plan called for end to slavery in areas in rebellion and did not include border states and parts of the Confederacy under Union control • Other northerners opposed Lincoln’s plan – As Lincoln feared, some white Union soldiers resigned rather than fight to end slavery in the South – Unskilled workers in North feared flood of black workers would increase job competition; had rioted in Illinois earlier when former slaves were hired to help harvest crops • Many northerners rallied behind Lincoln’s plan; for them, freeing slaves would help shorten the war • Many Union soldiers in favor of destroying all that gave the enemy strength

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Lincoln Issues the Emancipation Proclamation • Emancipation Proclamation issued January 1, 1863 • Groundbreaking order proclaimed all enslaved African Americans in rebel areas to be emancipated, or free • Many African Americans and abolitionists rejoiced as news spread; a major step for ending slavery achieved • Great emotional impact in the North; initially little effect in the South – Applied only to slaves in Confederate areas where Union had no power to enforce order – Effect on the South changed with Union advances; advancing troops freed slaves they encountered, liberating thousands of enslaved people each day

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Spreading the Word Northern African Americans risked their lives to spread the word of freedom in Confederate-held parts of the South. Upon learning the news, many slaves put down their rakes and hoes and escaped to Union lines. Weakened South Great Britain Stronger Union • Confederate war effort weakened • Major cotton importer considered aid to Confederacy • Union recruited black soldiers after Proclamation • Abolitionism was strong in Britain and once ending slavery made a war aim, Britain no longer willing to help South • Black soldiers and sailors played important role in Union victory • Reduction in slave labor force hurt Confederate armies and plantations • Proclamation ended any hope foreign support for the South • Fought hard for people’s freedom

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Enslaved African Americans Profound Impact Historical Value • Emancipation Proclamation very important to blacks in the South • Proclamation is key document of American history; Lincoln called it central act of his administration and the great event of 19 th century • Union troops freed millions of African Americans from lives of cruel labor • In areas where the proclamation did not apply, many slaves decided they were free as well and courageously escaped • Proclamation significant in setting legal precedent for African Americans • Later in war Congress would pass amendment to abolish slavery across nation

Holt African American History Chapter 5

Holt African American History Chapter 5 The Emancipation Proclamation’s Legacy • Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date the proclamation was announced in Galveston, Texas – Federal troops did not reach Texas to free slaves until the Civil War was over – In 1980 Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas – Not an official holiday elsewhere but is gaining in popularity with large celebrations in Minneapolis and Milwaukee • Juneteenth festivities include public speeches, parades, rodeos, and picnics • Many people gather with their families to rejoice in the gains African Americans have made and to reflect on future hopes

Holt African American History Chapter 5 Reading Check Summarize Whom did the Emancipation Proclamation free, and how did African Americans react to it? Answer(s): It was a presidential order freeing all slaves in areas at war with the Union. Many joyful southern African Americans fled from slavery; northern African Americans spread the word.