Answer

Article #1: Journal of Cristofero Colon, Dated 1492 and 1493

Question #1

Upon reaching the shore, Columbus realized that the people he encountered were friendly and they could easily be converted to the Christian faith. He presented them with gifts, and they became delighted and attached to him. On the other hand, the people also gave them products such as carrots, cotton threads, and javelins. Columbus said that they wore no cloths and hard unique hair, which was natural, short, and beautiful. They used various colors to paint themselves such as black, red, and white. Wounds from their bodies indicated that other people who made slave of them had attacked them, and they defended themselves. Columbus realized the people had no religion and could easily turn to Christianity since they quickly learned words spoken to them. Thus, he intended to carry six back home to make them learn their language.

Columbus said that all the people of the highland and Hispania he had met were naked just as they were born. However, some women covered themselves with a single leaf at the waist region. They had no weapons made of iron, and neither did they know how to use them. They had sticks that were used in seedtime. Columbus said that in the many instances he sent his men to their towns to talk to them, they would run away and hide. However, after they were assured of peace, they express love and give all they had with love. Thus, Columbus thinks that they should not be given things of no value such as glass and broken crockery. He gave thousands of goods and pretty things just to win their love. Colon does not believe that the people he met are ignorant. From his observation, he thinks they are keen, and intelligent. Columbus is telling the audience that his encounter with the indigenous Indian communities was not negative. According to him, the group had no civilization but was peace loving and intelligent.

Question #2

The aspect of the article that I found shocking is the response of Columbus towards the indigenous Indian community he encountered in America. According to the popular understanding of the indigenous encounter with the Europeans, the Indians were violent and aggressive individuals who attacked strangers relentlessly. However, Columbus describes them as peaceful and loving people who gave all they had when they got comfortable with strangers. The most shocking aspect of article is the level of intelligence and keenness expressed by the indigenous communities. Even though they walked naked, Columbus described them as intelligent since they could quickly learn words which was spoken to them, besides, they were keen to determine if a visitor was friendly or not. Other European travelers who came after Columbus, especially during the British inversion of America described the population as irate, unreasonable, aggressive, and without proper understanding. I believe that Columbus gave an accurate description of the indigenous communities in America. He developed good relationship with them and was able to understand the effectively.

Article #2: “The Starving Time”: John Smith Recounts the Early History of Jamestown, 1609

Question #1

The anger and revolts from the Indian community had increased in Jamestown. The region had been experiencing a seven-year drought and food supply had become very scarce. Captain Davis arrived with sixteen proper men under the command of captain Sicklemore. West and Martin lost their boats and half of their men in raging storms of the sea. Many people had settled in Jamestown and the food was scarce. The troop was left to survive on what captain smith had left behind for his company. Captain West and Sicklemore alongside well-selected soldiers set out to trade abroad. However, all of them were slaughtered. The only survivor was Jeffrey   Shortridge. Powhatan, the leader of the Indian community, cut off the boats and denied them trade to force captain wets to set sail to England. The drought had become extreme forcing the colonialists to trade their swords, armies, pieces, or anything valuable for food with the Indian community. Smith recounts that the famine was severe that those who remained after his departure ate roots, berries, and herbs. The indigenous people were significantly affected as well. For instance, they removed and ate community members slain and buried by the colonialist. It was a difficult time they endure, a period that he called the starving time. 

Question #2

Smith intended to address the future colonialists of the new world from England. Smith stated that the life of the colonialist was difficult, especially during 1600. He gave his account of experience with the indigenous as a way of preparing future colonialist for what they would encounter in their endeavors. However, many scholars have argued that his presentation is scary and could have made colonialist to avoid an encounter with the indigenous communities. Smith wanted the future colonialists to shape up and learn how to live with the Indians or forget about coming to occupy the land. Europeans had to work hard for the sake of developing the colony. Nonetheless, he wanted his account to be read by the future immigrants from England. The immigrant, some of which would become colonialists, had to brace for a different life if they made decision to travel to the Americas.

Question #3

The role of religion is depicted in the smiths Idea in various ways. Smith had escaped death during the attack. He escaped unhurt after being abducted by the indigenous communities. Thus, he indicates that God had been helping him in evading all the dangerous circumstances he encountered in his experience with the indigenous people. When the voyage was wrecked and people were killed, he miraculously serviced. It was the doing of God that he was still alive. Thus, he wanted to indicate to the colonialists that God helps people in difficult times. Other scholars have argued that Smith wrote the story to change people’s perception on religion and convert more people to Protestant. His attitude towards indigenous people showed his disregard for indigenous religion. For instance, he referred to local people as savages in most instances. It indicates that they had no civilization and religion.

Article #3: Letters between Abigail Adams and Her Husband John Adams

Question #1

Abigail Adams was asking her husband not to forget women while fighting for the American independence. Abigail had become the first, in the long line of American women fighting for the women’s rights. She understood that America would be independent someday after the war, but she was not sure about the position women would take in the society after independence. The latter echoed in the ears of American activists for many years as they fought for the rights of women in the American society. In the latter, Abigail requested her husband to protect women from the tyrant nature of men. She challenged her husband concerning the important role women play in society and the importance of protecting their rights. Thus, she urges the husband not to push excess powers in the hands of the husbands and enshrine the rights of women in the legislation that would form the American Constitution. According to Abigail, most men uphold practices that treat women as servants of sex. Thus, her husband should use the law to bring happiness in the faces of women of America. Her primary concern was the rights of women in the independent America.

Question #2

The ideals of American Revolution included freedom, liberty, equality of the people and the rule of law, natural civil rights and responsible citizenship. Abigail’s letter to her husband addressed the need for the freedom and liberty of women. She was a female activist who fought for the liberty and rights of American women in the age of American Revolution. She stood up for women in a unique way, using her position as the wife of the would be American president and to champion for civil rights. One of the ideals that she champions in her letter is equality among men and women. She said that men has been treating women as servant for sex and the aspect needed to change in the post American independence. Abigail understood that the only way to achieve equality among women was through the rule of law. Thus, she urges her husband to use the constitution to protect the interest of women after they win the war. 

Question #3

Abigail’s comment on women’s education reflected the aspect of gender equality and awareness to take active part in the revolutionary activities concerning women’s rights even in the post-independence era. According to Abigail, the first step to realizing gender equality was through women equal education and property rights. It would enable them to take more decision-making duties instead of just serving their husbands. Women would educate themselves and use the knowledge to manage their houses   and provide moral guide for the family. Revolution for the rights of women would start with educated and empowered women.

Article #4: “Aint I A Woman”: Reminiscences of Sojourner Truth Speaking

Question #1

The article presents a first account of a woman who was born in slavery and the painful experience she underwent until slavery was made illegal. The article indicates that the descendants of slaves were not free, people were born enslaved and could be used by the masters of their parents as they deemed fit. Nonetheless, those who were enslaved were determined to champion for the rights of the marginalized communities even after slavery was banned. For instance, Sojourner Truth stood up for women against the forces of the society at the time she fought for the rights of women. She was inspired by her slave experience and the need to end other forms of oppressions in the society. Slaves were as commodities sold in the market. Sojourner Truth was sold to John Dumont before she was finally freed. Slavery becomes an important motivation for civil activists and freedom fighters such as Sojourner Truth. The author wonders where the slave owners will be when eternity of Christ begins. The only protector of slaves is God, and he will take care of the poor slaves.  

Question #2

The article shows the entrenched racial difference that existed in America at the time of the speech. It was post slavery era and whites had not come to terms that the blacks were free and equal to them. Thus, racism existed, where white people considered blacks second-class citizens without equal status in the society. Sojourner Truth argued that God created both white and black people. Thus, we are equal in the eyes of God… “Children, who made your skin white? Was it not God? Who made mine black? Was it not the same God? Am I to blame, therefore, because my skin is black? …. Does not God love colored children as well as white children? And did not the same Savior die to save the one as well as the other” (Stanton, 1881).On gender, the author of the article traces the journey of equality in American society, especially in the post slavery period. Women have not been treated the same as men for a long time. During her time, women were not allowed to talk in meeting, even those ones that were discussing their affairs in the society. Black women are as capable as their white counterparts. 

Question #3

According to the article, gender relation is formed based on the perception of gender in the society. For instance, women were considered lesser being by men and were not allowed to take part in decision making in crucial issues. The perception is influenced by the rooted gender disparity encouraged by the society. For instance, when the author stood to speak in the women writs meeting, men shouted her down simply because she was a woman and they believed she could not address the matter effectively. In the article, the role of women should be restricted to domestic duties. Men should take part in shaping the society, including issues of women. Primarily, men are in control of women and other important affaires of the society.

Article #5: Special Field Orders, No. 15

Question #1

The article is an order paper. The Sherman order paper no 15 listed and described various orders concerning the resettlement of the free slaves. The order sets out a large piece of land along the coast of South Carolina for the sole settlement of black families. The paper addressed practical aspect to several issues that affected black people. For instance, it encouraged the black people to join the union army and continue to fight for their freedom and liberty while fighting and protecting their country. However, the order was seen as a punishment to confederate rice planters along the coast of South Carolina. The order resulted to support of 40,000 black Americans, relieving the burden of care for freed Africans from the union army.

Question #2

The article is important in the short run since it express the history of the black people, especially in reference to the American civil war. African Americans participated in the war and contributed to the freedom and the greatness of America. Thus, they form part of the community. Nonetheless, it is important to understand the challenges that Africans underwent to find land and settle their families after the war. Besides, it helps in understanding the changes brought by the union army and the government after the confederates was defeated. In the long term, a historic document will remind African Americans of their role in the Union Army and their struggle to settle in the country, despite being part of the winning team. Besides, the American government may use the document to compensate the families of black people who gave their lives to realize peace and freedom in America.

Question #3

The article was intended for the confederate rice planters along the coast of Florida. They were to read and comply with the orders listed in the paper. Confederate farmers occupied most of the areas that were open for the settlement of Africans. The paper was also intended for the African community, especially those who served in the union army that the place was open for their settlement. Thus, they had to take advantage of the provisions of the paper. Besides, the paper informed African Americans that they could serve in the American army and continue to seek for more freedom while serving their country.

Question #4

In agree with the ideas of the ideas presented in the article. Africans had contributed to building of America during slavery. They worked in firms and other sectors that were crucial to the growth and development of the American economy. Nonetheless, they participated in the American civil war and brought peace in the country. Thus, they deserved to be compensated through employment opportunities and land for settlement.