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)

The Dire Threat to Indians

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

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