Age of Jefferson
In what ways was Jefferson an impressive man? In what ways was he a hypocrite?
Well-educated, wrote the Declaration of Independence, founded UVA
Brutal owner of over 600 slaves, rapist, "all men are created equal"
Explain how the cotton gin transformed southern agriculture
Made cotton profitable to farm. Soon cotton becomes 60% of all American exports.
How did Northern abolitionists like Harriet Beecher Stowe view slavery?
Evil. Torture, rape, family separation. Dehumanization.
What was Jefferson's ideal vision for America?
Nation of small farmers
How did the cotton gin transform northern industry and society?
Textile mills processing southern cotton into clothing becomes booming Northern industry, employing many women and Irish immigrants in mill towns.
How has the culture of African-American slaves influenced American culture today?
Songs sung by slaves working (work songs) called spirituals have morphed over time into many of today's most popular American music genres, like hip-hop/rap, soul, jazz, gospel, rock, blues, etc.
Southern cuisine is mostly food that was introduced by enslaved people.
How did westward expansion fit into Jefferson's vision for America?
Secure more land, so more Americans can live on their own land as small farmers
Why did the North develop more infrastructure like roads, canals, railroads, and schools than the South?
The north had a more diverse economy, connected cities for trade. Education was more valued because there were ways to make money beyond agriculture that required knowledge and skill, merchants, lawyers, teachers, craftsmen.
How did Southerner's like John C. Calhoun justify slavery?
Claimed it was good for both sides, based on the "happy slave myth" that slaves actually enjoyed their brutal work for no pay, and that slave owners were clothing, feeding, and housing black people.
What factors convinced Napoleon to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States?
Haitian Revolution, busy with war in Europe
Why did the owners of the Lowell mills begin hiring more and more Irish workers?
They could pay them less than other groups because many were poor and desperate for work.
What was the impact of Nat Turner's rebellion?
Tighter restrictions (slave codes) were put on enslaved people, including banning them from learning to read and write, as well as prohibiting them from practicing religion.
What was the major accomplishment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
2 Part Question
Where did most immigrants to the US choose to settle and why?
Historically, immigrant groups like the Irish, Chinese, and Mexicans have received poor treatment. What trends and factors can explain this?
Northern cities, job opportunities exist at the entry level. In the south, land and often slaves are needed in order to be successful.
Americans get scared whenever a large group from any country arrives at once, fears of change and of "outsiders"
Who were the poor white folk, roughly what percentage of Southern white society were they, and why did they support slavery?