Trail of Tears

Trail of Tears

In 1830 President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act. The Indian Removal Act gave the federal government the power to exchange Indian land east of the Mississippi for land west in Indian Territory, present-day Oklahoma. Native American tribes that did not vacate the land mentioned in the act were forcefully removed by the American government. The Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole were known as the Five Civilized Tribes that were forced on the Trail of Tears. The Cherokee were a Native American tribe that resided in parts of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina. In Illinois the Sauk tribe realized that their enemy was the white people flocking onto their land. The leader of the Sauk tribe, Black Hawk, grew increasingly angry and began to prepare for war. 

Black Hawk

The Black Hawk War began when U.S troops met Black Hawk at disputed territory lines and a truce bearer was killed. The war lasted fifteen weeks resulting in mostly Indian casualties and Black Hawk's surrender before reaching the Mississippi. The Second Seminole War was a brutal conflict involving various Native American tribes in Florida and the U.S government from 1835 to 1842. Native American chiefs Osceola, Alligator, and Micanopy organized roughly 3,000 warriors while the U.s government regulated roughly 30,000 troops. Osceola was captured and died later in prison causing a disbandment of the tribes.

James R. Bradley's Contention and Desired Freedom

Patsey upon arriving back at Epps' plantation.

In his letter to Lydia Marie Child, James R. Bradley mentions that slaves desired freedom yet kept it to themselves to avoid hasher treatment. The film “12 Years a Slave” supports this contention since it comes up several times throughout the film. One instance in which this contention is brought up and supported in the film is between Solomon and a fellow slave on a boat. In this instance, the slave tells Solomon that he must keep his wish and desire to be free secret if he wishes to live. As a former slave, the man gives insight into the treatment of slaves who told about their desire to be free. A second instance in which Mr. Bradley’s contention is supported is when Solomon is first sold to Mr. Ford. Several weeks pass on Mr. Ford’s plantation in which Solomon finally talks to a weeping mother. In the discussion Solomon mentions that he wishes to be free and with his family once more. He mentions this only to her on Mr. Fords’ plantation since she can relate. He knows that if anyone else knows about his desire to be free and with his family again, he will be treated harsher by his master and the overseers on the plantation. A third instance in which this contention is supported is with Patsey, a fellow slave on Epps’ plantation. On the Sabbath Patsey goes to the Shaw plantation to get soap to bath since she is not provided with it on Epps’ plantation, and Epps’ thinks she has run away. Upon arriving back at Epps’, Patsey reveals that she wanted the soap to bath since she has not in weeks. Patsey’s visit to the Shaw plantation is a slight representation of the freedom she desires and for this desire, she is whipped.

Solomon and the man on the boat.

Role of Violence in the Slave Society

Solomon whipping Patsey.

In the slave society violence from the owners was a way of disciplining the slaves. It was also a way of showing the slaves who was in charge and how they were to behave. The violence in the slave society was a way to create and instill fear into the slaves. The violence from the slave owners was a way to get the slaves to do what they were supposed to do and how they were supposed to do their tasks. The owners used violence to keep their slaves in line and to show how the work was to be done. Several examples of the violence used on the slaves were whipping, beating and lynching. The more a slave was whipped, the more it feared its master. For instance, while a slave for Epps, Solomon, or Platt, was forced to work in the fields picking cotton. The average amount of cotton that a slave in the field should be able to pick is 200 pounds and when Solomon only picked 140 pounds, he was whipped so he would learn to pick faster and more. Another example from the movie about the violence in the salve society was when Patsey was whipped. Patsey, another slave of Epps, went to get soap for herself from another plantation. When she returned Epps was looking for her and when he found her, he forced Solomon to whip her. Another case of violence was when Solomon was almost hanged. At his first plantation, Solomon disobeyed an overseer, called Tibeats, during construction. Tibeats later came back and attempted to hang Solomon but was stopped by another overseer.

Tibeats attempt to hang Solomon.

Ownership Changes and Slave Lives

Mr Ford (center), Solomon (left) and Tibeats (right).

Mr. Ford and Solomon.

Working and living conditions changed and/or were affected with or by ownership. Different slave owners had different beliefs. All slave owners had different expectations. Because different slave owners had different beliefs and expectations, they treated their slaves differently with different punishments and severity levels. They instilled different conditions on their slaves. After being captured, Solomon was sold to a slave owner called Mr. Ford. Mr. Ford was a kindhearted owner (despite the fact that he owned slaves) who liked Solomon. Mr. Ford valued Solomon’s input and suggestions. While a slave for Mr. Ford, Solomon and other slaves were able to service others for pay and keep the pay. The living conditions on Mr. Ford’s plantation were easy as his slaves would be grouped in cabins and not overcrowded. Because of Solomon’s hard work and nature, he was granted a violin by Mr. Ford and a treasured place with Mr. Ford. With Mr. Ford Solomon was respected and complimented. However, Solomon was then sold to Mr. Epps because his was no longer safe at Mr. Ford’s plantation due to a brawl with the rude and harsh overseer, Tibeats. Upon arriving at Mr. Epps’ plantation Solomon was treated harshly. He was whipped from the start for not picking at least the average weight of cotton. Solomon was not used to the working conditions or living conditions set by Mr. Epps’ since he had been treated respectfully by Mr. Ford. Mr. Epps’ living conditions were terrible as he bunched his slaves into large cabins and overcrowded them.

Mr. Epps and Solomon.

Slave Narrative

The state of Kansas where Bill Simms moved.

In the Kansas Narratives, VI an ex-slave named Bill Simms talks about his life as a slave in Missouri. Mr. Simms tells about his family on the plantation and what crops were on the plantation. He briefly discusses the selling of his sister and her children and that his family is all dead with him being the only one still alive. Mr. Simms mentions that his master was offered $1,500 several times for him but refused because Mr. Simms was a "good, husky slave." Mr. Simms explains that his master, whose name was Simms, was a good master and sent him to work for the Confederate army when the Civil War started. He recounts that he worked for three years "hauling cannons, driving mules, hauling ammunition, and provisions" for the Confederate army and when the Union army came close, he ran off. He tells that he "drove six-mule team and worked at wagon work,driving ammunition and all kinds of provisions until the war ended" for the Union army. He verbosely tells of his life after the war including his marriage and moving to Kansas. He concludes by mentioning his kids and their accomplishments, and his wife's death.

The first page of Bill Simms narrative

Mr. Bill Simms had a rough life despite the fact that he had a kind master. He was grateful for the land that his master sold him before his master was killed. After Master Simms was killed his slaves fled to neighboring counties. Mr. Simms was so determined to see Kansas he left with no one and nothing. Mr. Simms narrative tells of a kind master, rough life and ambition.

The state of Missouri where Bill Simms was originally from.

Tecumseh Speech

There are many themes evident in Tecumseh's speech such as determination and taking a stand. One theme is determination. Tecumseh says "...they will drink the blood of the white people." Tecumseh is talking about how his men are determined to fight against what the white men are doing to them. Another theme is taking a stand. Tecumseh states "If we all unite we will cause the rivers to stain the great waters with their blood." Tecumseh is saying that if they all take a stand together against the white men, they will be able to defeat them. In conclusion, determination and taking a stand are evident themes in Tecumseh's speech.

Tecumseh

"Roar" by Katy Perry incorporates the theme of taking a stand. In the song Katy Perry sings "I got the eye of the tiger, the fighter, dancing through the fire." This relates to Tecumseh's speech because Katy Perry is talking about a stand against someone who has pushed her down. In the song Katy Perry sings "You held me down, but I got up already brushing off the dust." Again, this relates to the theme in Tecumseh's speech since she is talking about rising up from being pushed around by someone else. The song "Roar" by Katy Perry and Tecumseh's speech contain a similar theme of taking a stand.

The cover art for "Roar"

Slavery in America

Slavery in America~Timeline

1619~ First slaves arrive in America

1817~ Fredrick Douglass is born

1831~ Nat Turners rebellion

1849~ Harriet Tubman is freed by the Underground Railroad

1857~ Dred Scott vs. Sanford case causes a set back in the abolitionist movement

1859~ John Brown led a group into an artillery in Harpers Ferry raid

1860~ Abraham Lincoln is elected President

1861~ The first 7 states secede and the Civil War starts at Fort Sumter

1865~ Slavery is abolished

1867~ Congress is fed up with Andrew Johnson and reconstruction starts

Harpers Ferry in 1859

The attack at Fort Sumter

An engraving of Nat Turners Rebellion

Religion in the Early 1800s

This map shows 6 of the most popular religions in the U.S.
including Baptist, Methodist and Mormon.

             The Second Great Awakening was a revival movement for Christianity during the early 19th century. Beginning around 1800 the Second Great Awakening attracted hundreds of converts to new Protestant faiths before its decline around 1870 gaining momentum around 1820. The Second Great Awakening revived Christian religions such as Baptist, Methodist, Unitarian, and Mormon. The most popular Christian religions before the Second Great Awakening were Presbyterian and Congregationalist.


Baptists

• The Baptist religion was founded in 1608
• Baptists believe that only believers should be baptized
• Baptists believe that people should be baptized by immersion NOT by pouring or sprinkling water 
• Baptists do not have an established church
• Baptists believe there is no human founder, no human authority, and no human creed

In the Baptist religion believers are baptized by
immersion similar to these people.

Congregationalists

• The Congregationalist religion was founded in the 16th century
• Congregationalists accept the Bible as a rule in matters of faith and practice
• Congregationalists base church organization on biblical foundation
• Congregationalists are autonomous people
• Congregationalists foundation principles are faith, freedom, and fellowship

Methodist

• The Methodist religion was founded in the 18th century
• The Methodist religion is the result of the teachings of John Wesley
• Methodists believe that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, the creator of all things, possess infinite love and goodness, has always existed and always will, is three persons in one (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit)
• Methodists use logic and reason in all matters of faith
• Methodists believe that prevenient grace, justifying grace, and sanctifying grace are blessings of the Holy Spirit at different times

Mormons

• The Mormon religion was founded in 1830
• Mormons are also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World and the Son of God
• Mormons abstain from alcoholic drinks, tobacco, coffee, tea, and other addictive substances
• The Mormon religion allows polygamy (the practice of having more than one spouse at a time)

Presbyterians

• The Presbyterian religion was founded in the 16th century
• The Presbyterian Doctrine includes the authority of Scripture, justification by grace through faith, the Priesthood of all believers, and the Sovereignty of God
• Presbyterians believe that the Holy Spirit lives inside them, giving them their energy to continue Christ's mission
• Presbyterians believe that they are "chosen by God's grace"
• Presbyterians believe in the Bible and use "it as the unique and authoritative guide for how to live and what to believe"

Unitarians

• The Unitarian religion was founded in the 16th century
• Unitarians believe that God exists in one person
• The Unitarian religion encourages its followers to "search for truth in their own way, at their own pace"
• Unitarians are diverse in how they practice their religion
• The Unitarian religion does not have a creed or "doctrinal requirements"

A Unitarian gathering.

Letter to Family from West

November 7, 1850

Dearest Family,

       I hope everyone is well in Boston. Oh how I miss the bright flowers and busy bees in the summer and the cold crisp morning air that takes my breath away each winter morning. You would not believe where I am while I write this. I sit among my fellow travelers West, and my new family finally in California. The travelers we have met along the difficult way have shared that they hope to find god in California much like my family and I.

      I remember months ago, when we were all resting, a story of a hunter named Jedediah Smith that had been attacked by a grizzly bear. People said that he was only twenty four years old and had survived! His head was sliced open and some of his ribs were broken. I remember seeing open prairies that stretched for miles until the earth meets the sky as so many of our Indian friends have told us. Other travelers that we met along the way told us that the prairies were miles wide and that any farmer would have a good life with tons of money. On our travels we saw so many beavers and I remembered the wealthy people in Boston flaunting their pelts around.

Prairie plants that we saw on the journey to the West.

Jedediah Smith and the grizzly bear that attacked him.

     As we traveled we heard even more stories, some adapted and some new. The story of the Donner party struck me the most. As we traveled, we heard a few people mumbling about the Donner's and I remember wondering who they were. Upon arriving in California we heard more people talking and telling the story of the Donner party. While crossing the Sierra Nevada in the harsh cold in 1846, the Donner party was stranded in five feet of snow and after three weeks had nothing left to eat. They then started to eat their animals, then charred bones. On Christmas, the Donner party ate their first human. By the time the Donner party was found, their was only one member left. After hearing this story I was glad that nothing extreme like that had happened to us on our journey to California.

The Donner party in a blizzard.

     Well dearest family, we will not meet again. I hope you will not miss me too much. Remember that I still love you and I regret leaving although not nearly as much as I should. I have made it to the West safely and I will try to send money. Maybe we will move to the prairies to farm and make more money. The future is unclear but I will always write.

                                                                                                              Farewell my family,
                                                                                                                         Kate

Map of the Donner Pass. 

Election Day

The flag of Massachusetts

Election Day is the "Tuesday after the first Monday in November." It is the day in which the citizens of the United States vote for the federal officials. Election day is a civic holiday in Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and West Virginia. Election day is held on a Tuesday so that voters didn't have to travel on market day and so it didn't interfere with the Sabbath.

The 3 branches of the federal government.

In the House of Representatives Niki Tsongas (Democrat) represents the 3rd district of Massachusetts.

MA's 3rd district.

The Senators that represent Massachusetts in Washington D.C. are Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren, both Democrats. The elected officials that represent Massachusetts in Boston are David M. Nangle in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Eileen M. Donoghue in the Massachusetts Senate, both Democrats.

Charlie Baker is the new governor of Massachusetts.