Slavery in America, 1492-1859
With the beginning of this unit, we will "shift gears" in that we explore history from a different perspective. This perspective involves looking at history from two new angles.
First, we will be looking at America through a topical, or topic-based lens, rather than sticking to the chronological, or time-based approach we have used through the school year. Next, as we will discuss in class, we will approach history from "the bottom-up." This approach will force us to look at the people we study from the point of view of those who are not economically, politically, or socially powerful.
Extra Credit Assignment
- Visit the Melrose Interactive Slavery Environment by clicking on the link (note that Flash Player is required to view this activity);
- After completing the virtual "tour" of the plantation, answer the following questions in a one to two-page essay:
- What five rooms or artifacts interested you the most? Why?
- How would you imagine the slave quarters to have
looked/felt/smelled/sounded like? - Did this site give an accurate and fair representation of slave life? Explain.
Resources
- Slavery in America, home of the Melrose Interactive Slavery Environment: http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/
- Understanding Slavery: http://www.understandingslavery.org/
- Civil War @ Smithsonian, Slavery and Abolition: http://www.civilwar.si.edu/slavery_intro.html
- Slavery Project WebQuest
