Study Notes on Native Americans and African Americans in Early American History
Introduction to Political Questions and Governance
Discussions on evolving governance structures post-revolution in relation to Native Americans and African Americans.
Central debate: What to replace monarchy with after abolishing the king?
Governance Models
Republic vs. Democracy
Transition from monarchy raises questions of governance.
Two primary models discussed:
Republic: Derived from Latin res publica, meaning "the public thing."
Democracy: Originates from Greek, involving delegation of political authority.
Practicality of direct democracy in colonial times deemed impossible due to technological limitations.
Voting rights could be delegated, often to the senior male in a family to represent their interests.
Historical Context of Governance
Mention of the Athenian silver coin (reference to the Alece Referendum) and its implications on governance debates.
Ideals of Governance
The Virtuous Republic
Reference to John Winthrop’s City upon a Hill, representing a vision of a morally superior society.
Concept of starting anew in the New World without old world corruption and ideologies.
Enlightenment Thinking
Key principle: Political authority not derived from divine right or hierarchy but from the people’s consent.
Society should be built upon citizens’ consent rather than inherited power.
Model Citizen: Cincinnatus
Story of Cincinnatus as a model citizen in Roman history:
Originally a farmer, called to lead during a military crisis.
Appointed dictator for six months with temporary powers to save the republic.
After victory, he relinquished his power willingly and returned to farming.
Symbolizes selflessness and civic virtue of citizens in a republic.
Educational Responsibilities in a Republic
Importance of Educated Citizenry
In a republic, citizens must be educated to participate effectively in governance.
Legislative bodies made of representatives accountable to the people, reflecting the populous needs.
Elections and Tyranny
Frequent elections:
Aim to infuse new ideas and prevent consolidation of power, thus avoiding tyranny.
Distrust of politicians fuels the desire for transparency and accountability.
Rights and Representations
Guaranteeing Individual Rights
Protection of individual rights paramount given recent experiences with tyrannical governance.
Need for a Written Constitution
Historically, colonists faced challenges asserting rights under British rule; a written constitution sought clarity on rights.
Influence of historic Roman laws, where demands for clear legal codes led to the 12 Tables.
Checks and Balances
Originated from Montesquieu’s checks to ensure power is not concentrated within one branch of government.
Division into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to safeguard against tyranny.
Developing National Identity
Unity of Colonies
From 13 separate entities to one nation through shared struggles (e.g., Stamp Act, Quartering Act) creating intercolonial relationships.
Role of Republican Womanhood
Emphasis on women's importance in raising virtuous, educated citizens who embody republican values.
Example: Cornelia of Rome showcasing the idea that sons embodied familial honor.
Critiques of Democracy
Philosophical Perspectives
Plato’s view: Democracy risks being overrun by selfish private interests, leading to the collapse.
Founding fathers’ skepticism:
Franklin’s analogy of democracy: “Two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.”
The concern of democracy leading to potential chaos and self-destruction.
Women's Contributions in the Revolution
Prominent Figures
Molly Pitcher: Joined her husband at the battlefield, participated in military actions.
Betsy Ross: Credited for designing the first American flag.
Women involved in intelligence work, utilizing their connections with British soldiers for information gathering.
African American Contributions to the Revolution
Formation of Rhode Island Regiment
African Americans, despite facing slavery, formed military units and contributed significantly.
Phyllis Wheatley’s Advocacy
A former slave who became a renowned poet advocating for republican values and arguing against slavery.
Key phrase: “Slavery is incompatible with republican ideals.”
Changing Dynamics of Slavery
Economic Viability
The changing economic landscape in the North:
Short growing seasons limited the reliance on slave labor due to economic inefficiency.
Gradual emancipation laws began to appear as the North moved away from the institution of slavery.
Cognitive Dissonance
Discrepancy between fighting for liberty while enslaving others termed cognitive dissonance, questioning moral and ethical obligations in the North.
Native American Relations Post-Revolution
Shifts in Power Dynamics
With the British gone, Native Americans lost their ally in negotiations, facing the need to choose sides during wartime.
Iroquois Confederation
The rift within the Iroquois Nation marking a shift from established power structures toward confounding pressures from colonial expansion.
Political Structure Under the Articles of Confederation
Definition of Sovereignty
Sovereignty defined as the exclusive right to tax and command, centered within states under the Articles of Confederation.
Limitations on Governmental Power
Central government had limited powers, like declaring war but lacking authority to levy taxes or regulate commerce effectively.
Economic Challenges Faced by the Nation
Trade Deficits
Disrupted trade networks leading to economic challenges and pressing need for a strong federal government's intervention.
Shay's Rebellion
Uprising spurred by economic despair, reflecting the desperation of veterans and farmers against unmanageable debt.
Producing insights into the urgent need for reform and instantiation of a more robust federal authority.
Conclusion
The course highlights the evolution of governance and democratization, enriched by diverse contributions to the revolutionary landscape.