Jim Crow and Competing Claims on Americanism

Flashcards based on lecture notes about Jim Crow, competing claims on Americanism, and the racial dynamics of Christian citizenship in the post-Civil War South.

Jim Crow

System from 1880s-90s forward intended to keep the black demographic at a limited subordinate status through legally sanctioned discrimination and segregation.

Radical Reconstruction

Reorganization of the South after the Civil War during the 1860s-1870s which was short-lived, with slavery abolished and Jim Crow established.

Black Codes

Laws implemented to limit black people's ability to travel freely and access agricultural jobs.

Compromise of 1877

Agreement where Hays became president in exchange for ending federal reconstruction and oversight in the South, allowing for the reinstatement of racial oppression.

Christian Citizenship (White Perspective)

Belief that there are racial divine hierarchies, where being Christian (and white) is necessary for good citizenship.

Christian Citizenship (Black Perspective)

Application of Christian ideals (Ephesians 2/3, equality before God) to argue for equal citizenship, opposing discrimination.

Black Fundamentalists

In the context of the lecture, refers to those within black communities who frame things differently, valuing personal liberty, democracy, autonomy, and freedom as Christian ideals and align with the founders values.

Black Modernists

In the context of the lecture, refers to those within black communities who view ideals of liberty, democracy, autonomy, and freedom as ideals that come from oppressors.

What is the title of Frederick Douglass's 1852 speech?

What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"

What is the Point of Frederick Douglass’s speech from 1852?

Acknowledging the significance of the American Independence Day celebration, yet contrasts the nation's proclaimed ideals of liberty with the reality of slavery. Douglass describes the brutal practices of the internal slave trade and criticizes the American church and government for upholding the institution of slavery.