Paper
For Their Rights as Citizens
During the Civil War, almost 200,000 African Americans fought alongside white
people. What did these African Americans fight for? Some fought for the freedom of
others of their kind. While others fought for equality in the eyes of white people. Even
some fought for revenge against the Southern way of life. But what I believe that they
fought for was their rights as citizens. They wanted to be treated as Citizens of the United
States of America, and have all of the privileges endowed to citizens.
?If we fight to maintain a Republican Government, we want Republican
privileges…..all we ask is the proper enjoyment of the rights of citizenship,? p205. This
tells me that the African Americans were thinking of their rights of citizenship before the
war had concluded. To them, being a citizen of the United States meant that they could
do what ever they wanted to do. They could pursue dreams they had to go visit
everywhere and anywhere in this country freely. Nobody would be holding them down or
selling off their children anymore. They would no longer be automatons, they would have
a say in what they wanted to accomplish in life, from banking to farming, to being land
owners themselves.
The African Americans also wanted to demonstrate that they were willing to fight
for their rights. Sergeant Charles Singer wrote, ?show the whole world that we are willing
to fight for our rights…? p.215. This shows that they wanted to prove that they were
willing to die for those rights allotted to citizens. ?Let us by a common cause now made
holy by our blood, raise ourselves from the mire,? p.216. To me this shows the
willingness of the African Americans to join together fight for a cause, and not fear death.
Because in the end, they would earn citizenship and all of its benefits. This is a good
reason to fight, earn freedom from oppression, and be given the rights allotted to all
citizens.
Some fighting under the banner of citizenship and its rights, believed that they
disserved the same rights as the white people. ?…I am not willing to fight for anything less
that the white man fights for…….Give me my rights, the rights that this Government owes
me, the same rights that the white man has,? p.208. This tells me that the African
Americans wanted no less than what the white people already had. And that is not a bad
thing. Everyone disserves to be treated equally, where does it say the black man is a lesser
being than a white man. It says that nowhere, throughout time oppressed people have
earned their freedom from the oppressors. For example look at ancient Egypt, what
happened to those slaves, they were freed, the Roman Empire which thrived for so long
collapsed, lived off of slavery. Time has proven that societies that live off of slavery
collapse after time.
A lot of African Americans wanted a say in the Government, and who was elected
into office. This meant the right to vote, which is the right held by all Americans now.
Back then only male landowners could vote. The African American man wanted that
changed, ?he wanted the right to vote and be voted for.? p.208 This quote is saying that
the African American not only wanted the right to vote, but to run for a government
position. ?We ask to be made equal before the law; grant us this and we ask no
more,?p.225. The way I interpreted this is that the African Americans wanted all of the
same rights granted to the white people. I don?t blame them for wanting that, after being
drug away from their homes, forced to work to death, they disserved no less from people.
The ?African-American soldiers fought for full citizenship in the United States,?
p.206. In 1857 the Supreme Court had rules that African Americans were not citizens.
So there were restrictions on free blacks before the war. They could not move to another
state, or serve on juries and testify in court, and not attend public schools. The African
American was fighting for these privileges, rights, bestowed on any white person of the
time. They were fighting for the right to vote, contribute taxes, be voted for, and
especially freedom to pursue their own happiness.
During the turbulent era of the Civil War, African Americans had a lot to lose if
the North lost the war. For example they would lose their rights as people, and be treated
as automatons in fields. This is the reason the black man fought, he fought to be
recognized as a person, not as property. With the recognition as a person, he would gain
rights, these rights meant he was a citizen with responsibility towards their country. With
these rights he could make this country a better place to live for all races. In the end,
?they were fighting for their rights as Americans,? p205.
Bibliography
A Grand Army of Black Men, Edwin S. Redkey, Cambridge University Press, 1992
Другие работы по теме:
Civil Liberties Essay Research Paper Civil LibertiesThe
Civil Liberties Essay, Research Paper Civil Liberties The term civil liberties refers to the “freedoms that individuals enjoy and that governments cannot invade”. These rights include a persons freedom of speech and religion.
Equal Rights Essay Research Paper Throughout history
Equal Rights Essay, Research Paper Throughout history equal rights has always been a major issue in the United States, and around the world. People have fought and even died to protect their rights and the rights of others in this country. Most people assume that colored citizens are the only one?s that are affected by the lack of equal rights, but that?s not true.
Gun Control 7 Essay Research Paper Gun
Gun Control 7 Essay, Research Paper Gun Control Gun control has been a controversial issue for years. A vast majorityof citizens believe that if gun control is strictly enforced it wouldquickly reduce the threat of crime. Many innocent people feel they havethe right to bear arms for protection, or even for the pleasure of hunting.These people are penalized for protecting their lives, or even for enjoyinga common, innocent sport.
The Chartist Movement Essay Research Paper The
The Chartist Movement Essay, Research Paper The Chartist Movement was one of rights. The workers felt they had worked hard for the rights than those of higher classes had. However, they were not arguing for more money or more land, all they wanted was universal suffrage. The workers believed it was time to put the unrest, to rest.
A Republic Is A Better Form Of
Government Than A Democracy Essay, Research Paper “A Republic is a Better Form of Government than a Democracy” I agree that a republic is a better form of government than a democracy. In order to come to this decision I had to research the definitions of each. A republic, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law.
The Revolutionary Trend Essay Research Paper In
The Revolutionary Trend Essay, Research Paper In every revolution, there seems to be a few guidelines that it must follow. It seems that almost all revolutions, in their radical phases, tend to have the characteristics of excessive cruelty, extreme violence, and denials of the rights of freedom. But the question that befuddles many is why they always become this way.
Legal And Illegal Essay Research Paper Ok
Legal And Illegal Essay, Research Paper Ok, there are 3 types of people that live in the country, Residents (both legal and illegal), citizens of the U.S., and Citizens of the
Getting Rid Of The Death Penalty Essay
, Research Paper At present, there are thirty-six states in the United States and over one hundred countries that have legislation enforcing capital punishment for crimes of murder or rape. In Canada the death penalty was abolished in 1976, due to the fact that it infringes on the rights of Canadians as documented by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.1 Also, there was much influence from the citizens of the country to debate this very serious topic.
Citizens Characteristics Needed In A Democracy Essay
, Research Paper A democracy is a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving free elections that are periodically held. The necessary moral and intellectual characteristics the citizens of a democracy must possess for the survival and the prosperity of such a form of government include: respect for laws, respect for rights, respect for authority, equal mental worth, and opportunity for all citizens.
Censorship 3 Essay Research Paper As Americans
Censorship 3 Essay, Research Paper As Americans, we idealize our freedom and place a high value on our constitution and all that it stands for. We specifically turn to our Bill of Rights as a symbol of our freedom, both as a nation and individuals. Our freedom of speech and freedom of press are two of the values we hold highest.
14th Amendment Essay Essay Research Paper More
14th Amendment Essay Essay, Research Paper More often than not, most Americans look upon the constitution as the guiding light of our country. Recent events occurring in our national election no doubt prove that. There are many important amendments to our Constitution regarding our rights as citizens and the delegation of powers to branches and states.
Is Singapore A Model For The West
? Essay, Research Paper Is Singapore a Model for the West? Singapore has definitely made the most out of their location and their small size. But would their lifestyle and economic management work for other countries? This is the question that can only be answered by looking to the dedication and discipline of the citizens and leaders.
Citizenship Essay Research Paper 1 What is
Citizenship Essay, Research Paper 1. What is citizenship? According to The Citizenship debates, by the term citizenship, we must understand not only a bundle of formal rights, but the entire mode of incorporation of individuals and groups into the society (251). Citizenship is important because it has become a legal status carrying with it rights to certain things?perhaps immunities, perhaps possessions, perhaps expectations?available or available to many kinds of person for many kinds of reasons (37).
China Essay Essay Research Paper The US
China Essay Essay, Research Paper The U.S. Government put a tariff on imports from the PRC because the U.S. Government must shoe that they will nit help the government of another nation that violates its citizens basic rights to life. The U.S. must prove that it will not help the government of another nation that will not let its people vote, the U.S. must also prove that it will not trade with any nation that threatens a nation that is friendly with us.
Stealing Our Rights Essay Research Paper Stealing
Stealing Our Rights Essay, Research Paper Stealing Our Rights From the dawn of the first organized communities, to the powerful United States of America today, there have always been power hungry people who
Federalist Papers Essay Research Paper 1 The
Federalist Papers Essay, Research Paper 1. The Federalist #10, Madison’s problems with factions. According to Madison, a faction is a number of citizens, whether a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community.
AntiFederalists Essay Research Paper AntiFederalists were people
Anti-Federalists Essay, Research Paper Anti-Federalists were people who opposed the ratification of the Constitution. They believed strongly that the Constitution would not be able toe maintain a system of republican government because the Federalists were proposing a government that was the opposite of what they believed in.
How To Be A Good Citizen Essay
, Research Paper Mike Schmidt ICE-Social Science Community Tuesday September 26,2000 revised 2nd draft How to be a Good Citizen Every citizen in our society has the right to freedom and to be happy. In order to preserve that right to be happy, you must be a virtuous citizen and fulfill and promote civic rights.
Gender Essay Research Paper On July 19
Gender Essay, Research Paper On July 19, 1848, one of the most important conventions for womens’ rights was held in Seneca Falls, New York. This was the first convention of the kind ever held. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were the main hosts. Their purpose was to convince the American citizens, men and women, of the inequality of women s current position in the American society.
Define Democratic Government Essay Research Paper 1
Define Democratic Government Essay, Research Paper 1. Define Democratic Government. Suggest three Democratic inadequacies in Britain today. Democratic government is a political system based on the principles of freedom and equality. Democratic government mental systems embrace multi-party Parliament.
Enlightenment Essay Research Paper PhilosophersIdeas of enlightenment
Enlightenment Essay, Research Paper Philosophers Ideas of enlightenment have been seen across the world for centuries now, but the first real movements started around 1669. With the majority of its great thinkers in Europe, particularly England and France, enlightenment became a great philosophic movement marked by a rejection of traditional social, religious, and political ideas.
How Much Power Should The Federal Government
Posses Essay, Research Paper How much power should the federal government posses? The government is responsible for creating beneficial laws for its citizens, but many times over-steps its bounds. In trying to make laws to protect health and well-being, the government takes away from its citizens freedom and rights as competent adults.
Lincoln
’s Legacy Essay, Research Paper Lincoln’s Legacy A legacy is something that is passed down from a predecessor. Lincoln’s legacy is the teachings that he had wanted all of us, as American citizens, to
Defining Democracy Essay Research Paper DEFINING DEMOCRACYDemocracy
Defining Democracy Essay, Research Paper DEFINING DEMOCRACY Democracy is defined as rule by the people. It is the form of government that our country chooses to use. There are five main parts to our democratic form of government: individual rights, freedom, equality, majority rules, and limited government.
Capitalism Essay Research Paper The protection from
Capitalism Essay, Research Paper The protection from force, that is, the protection of individual rights, would be achieved through the use of a police force to protect the rights of citizens at home; a military, to protect the rights of citizens from foreign aggression; and a court system to enforce contracts and settle disputes between citizens.
Government 2 Essay Research Paper In order
Government 2 Essay, Research Paper In order to have a good government, the people are the most important part. It is ultimately the people who have to live with what they choose. The government has to protect the people’s natural rights and beliefs. It has to do whatever is necessary to look out for the peoples best interests.
The Incorporation Doctrine Essay Research Paper The
The Incorporation Doctrine Essay, Research Paper The Incorporation Doctrine The Incorporation Doctrine was devised by the Supreme Court to apply the state rights that are enumerated in the Bill of Rights. This is to ensure that the individual states are not by-passing the Bill of Rights in their decision making process.
Persuasive Essay Gay And Lesbian Rights Essay
, Research Paper Persuasive Essay – Gay and Lesbian Rights “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen cannot love God, whom he
Transforming America With The Civil Rights Movement
Essay, Research Paper Transforming America with the Civil Rights Movement The civil rights movement transformed American society in to a color conscience society and started the anti-free speech political correct movement that we are seeing today. The civil rights movement gave African Americans the right to be treated as regular citizens but it was the urban riots of the mid-1960s and the voiced black rage that changed the tone of the civil rights movement.
Civics Essay Research Paper Civics is the
Civics Essay, Research Paper Civics is the study of citizenship and government. The word comes from the Latin word CIVIS, meaning “citizen.” In ancient Rome, where the word was first used, only wealthy landowners were allowed to be citizens. As such, they enjoyed special privileges that the common people did not share.
Human Rights Essay Research Paper Human RightsThroughout
Human Rights Essay, Research Paper Human Rights Throughout history, people?s human rights have been violated, but efforts have also been made to address the violations, and protect their rights. Human rights are rights as regarded as belonging fundamentally to all persons. Today, everyone is entitled to the same rights.
Quick Look At Gun Control Essay Research
Paper Quick Look at Gun Control- Gun control has been a controversial issue for years. A vast majority of citizens believe that if gun control is strictly enforced
The Fairfax Resolves Essay Research Paper We
The Fairfax Resolves Essay, Research Paper We “can not be considered as a conquered Country” because we are “Descendants not of the Conquered, but of the Conquerors.” With this implied threat of military action, the Fairfax County Resolves challenged the unconstitutional actions of the British government.
The people must fight for their laws as for their walls
We should promote the growth of patriotism in the minds of our chidren in order to grow the generation that will be interested in the wealth of its country and will be proud to live in it and give birth to their children in this country.