Chapter 4: Slavery, Freedom, and the Struggle for Empire to 1763

4.1 Olaudah Equiano on Slavery (1789)

Olaudah Equiano

Kidnapped with his sister at 9 years old through 6 countries got 6-7 months
He was then carried onto a slave ship
People were chained together and on seeing this, he fainted
He was afraid the men who brought him might try to eat him

Olaudah Equiano Story

They came to the island of Barbados
They were told they were going to work
Treated like sheep, he was amazed to see people on horseback. He thought this was magical
He was sold in a few days; the signal being the beat of a drum
Brothers were sold to different people; families split up
He was still afraid of being eaten
He states that this is a new refinement in cruelty and adds fresh horrors to the wretchedness of slavery

Picture of Life in Africa

His mother taught him a lot when he was young
He trained in the art of agriculture, shooting, and throwing javelins
He was adorned in emblems like their warrior
He was happy
When the adults were gone, the children would get together to play and keep watch for people sneaking to kidnap them

Most Outrageous Elements of Slavery

The separation of families for sale * Parents lost their children * Brothers and sisters were separated
He was tossed around on the boat to see if he was “sound“ for work
People were chained together

4.2. Advertisements for Runaway Slaves and Servants (1738)

How Owners Identify their Fugitives

Detailed descriptions of clothing and looks
Owners would post descriptions of slaves and servants what they were wearing when they escaped
Whoever finds them first will get a reward
Pennsylvania - a refuge for fugitives from Maryland
Maryland - slavery was more common

The Slave-Servant Relationship the Advertisment Displays

Servants’ descriptions are more detailed compared to slaves
Servants have better clothing than slaves
Rewards are posted for both

4.3 The Independent Reflector on Limited Monarchy and Liberty (1752)

Types of Monarchies

Limited Monarchies - There is more restrain for domination. * Liberty is a great thing * A much more positive outlook on life * Everything seems serene and happy
Absolute Monarchies - Everything is gloomy. * Slavery casts a pall over the land * Spirits are broken and depressed * Image of God is defaced

Definition of Free State

Free State - A limited monarchy in which freedom of speech and religion are protected

Compatibility of Monarchy and Freedom

Not incompatible but depends on the ruler * A ruler who believes in freedom vs. one who does not

4.4 The Trial of John Peter Zenger (1735)

John Peter Zenger

A German printer of the Weekly Journal * Blasted the New York governor for corruption and tyranny
He was arrested and put on trial
He was found Not Guilty
Government could not censor newspapers, books, pamphlets before they went to print
They could be charged with seditious libel for defaming government officials

Zenger’s Defense

Andrew Hamilton - Zenger’s attorney
Equates Zenger’s defense with the cause of liberty * Reason: It was about freedom to speak or write what you believed and not be prosecuted for it * Outcome: Freedom of expression became more ingrained in people’s minds

The Greatest Threat to Liberty

Power - Hamilton states that we must be on guard against power. * Expose and oppose power by speaking and writing the truth

4.5 The Great Awakening Comes to Connecticut (1740)

Series of religious revivals swept through the colonies in the 1730s
United by a commitment to a religion of the heart * A more emotional and personal Christianity

Religious Doctrine of George Whitefield

Minister George Whitefield - preached in a more emotional manner * The whole world is his parish * Righteousness or acts will not save you * Beginnings of evangelical churches

Cole: Perspective of Religious Leaders Towards Whitefield

Religious leaders were alarmed by Whitefield’s preaching * Reasons: * He had a more personal, emotional approach * It wasn’t enough to just go to church on Sunday * He was concerned about people’s souls * He included slaves in his revivals

4.6 Pontiac, Two Speeches (1762 and 1763)

The Establishment of British Preeminence in North America East of the Mississipi River

Victory in the 7 years war * Confirmed in the Treaty of Paris (1763)

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The Dire Threat to Indians

The departure of the French from Canada, Mississipi & Ohio
Valleys and the expansion of the British settler population

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Pontiac’s Rebellion

Indians (Neolin and Pontiac) launched a revolt against British rule * Urged all Indians to fight to regain their lost independence
British forces counterattacked, one by one the tribes made peace * This led the groundwork for future resistance

Pontiac’s Understanding of Freedom

It is given to the Indians by the Great Spirit
Neolin saw him in a vision where he told him that this was their land provided for them
They were to live as their forefathers did
They must wipe the English from the face of the earth to win back his favor

Elements of Indian Life Neolin Criticizes

Indian’s bringing the white man’s way of life * Guns * Knives * Kettles * Blankets * Drunk the poison of fire water

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