In class, we discussed important events that led up to the civil war. In examining different key factors and sparking events, were different power point teams, each with their own subtopic. I found specific interest in different groups, persons, and ideologies involved in this period, many of which I was previously unaware of, and furthermore, how their presence in history has been somewhat lost or morphed with time.
First, the religious groups of the period, happened to be some of the staunchest supporters of abolition. One group in particular, the Quakers, whom I had thought to be relatively extinct by this point in American history, were the pioneers of actively assisting run away slaves. Some of the core tenants of Quaker belief center around simplicity in life, and humility towards your fellow man. It should be of no surprise, then, that some became “Conductors” or in other words, those who would guide slaves to freedom. Additionally, Quaker households were sometimes made into “stations” or “depot”, and kept as safe places that were hidden from the roaming bounty hunters.
More research led me here, (See Cadbury, H. J), where in this early document, it is noted the fervor of many Quaker's abolitionist spirt, despite its lack of mainstream adoption. Protests in the early days were common, and some saw the fugitive slave act as a way to undermine the system of slavery, while actively protesting it as well.
Another large shock to my knowledge of the past was regarding John Brown. He led a raid in 1859 into a small town in Virginia, which was meant to spark a major slave rebellion, and possibly the next civil war. (See "John Brown's Raid") What I didn't know about this incident was his sheer brutality. In bleeding Kansas, he was known for killing, beheading and dismembering his enemies to strike fear into those who opposed him.
As expected, he was seen as a viscous murderer in the South, who was quickly hanged for his crimes. However in the North, he was, and still to this day is seen as, a frontier hero. With current violent protests, this reminds me of our situation now. Many times, the same events can be portrayed, punished or justified based solely on one's opinion on politics.
As stated above, the largest takeaway for me, is that history may forget many small heroes, yet paint others whom were originally questionable, in a heroic light. We must continuously examine and reexamine the past, to avoid misinterpretations.
Works Cited
Image - https://genealogical.com/2020/04/13/the-quakers-and-quaker-genealogy-by-ellen-and-david-berry/
Cadbury, H. J., and Search for more articles by this author. “Another Early Quaker Anti-Slavery Document.” The Journal of Negro History, 1 Apr. 1942, www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.2307/2714734?journalCode=jnh.
“John Brown's Raid.” Ushistory.org, Independence Hall Association, www.ushistory.org/us/32c.asp.
Mission & Values, www.friendscommunityschool.org/about/mission--values.
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