Slaver and Freedom, the American Paradox

Edmund S.Morgan suggested the idea of the American Paradox, which refers to the irony of the United States of America advocating human liberty and dignity while maintaining the slavery system that denied the very liberty and dignity of the black slaves. Morgan claims that there is fair reason which led to the simultaneous development of slavery and freedom.

One element that affected the paradox is the Englishmen’s being racist. Unconsciously, the English colonists discriminated people of darker skin and narrowly limited freedom and liberty to only white people.

However, more importantly, the inevitable employment of slavery began the American Paradox. The beginning of the story dates back to the sixteenth century England, where a population boom swept through the country. England was highly populous, and the unemployment and poverty rate soared. As a result, more and more people sought for an opportunity in New England, where there were limitless chances. With a charter granted by the crown, Virginia became the first English Colony. Although the early settlers maintained a fair relationship with the native Indians, peace was soon broken when a group of settlers murdered an Indian chief. When tobacco was introduced to Virginia, labor force was needed. Therefore, indentured servants, who worked as laborers for a promised amount of period, were employed. These people hoped to acquire some land after their terms of service, but as their hopes were broken, they became rebellious and started roaming, stealing, drinking, quarreling, etc. What made these young, landless freemen dangerous was that they were armed with guns, in case of a Dutch or Indian attack. Also, Governor William Berkeley’s friendly tactics towards the Indians stirred up a rebellion, which was led by Nathaniel Bacon. The rebellion was quelled when Bacon died of a sudden disease, but bitterness against the government and landowners still dwelled. As a result, Virginia tried to restrict freemen by...