Abstract This paper examines the political history and views of Stephen Douglas, among the leading politicians in the nation in the 1850s. The paper points out that, aspiring to the presidency, Douglas had to confront the question of the legality of slavery in the territories. Responding to this issue, Douglas advocated popular sovereignty, letting the voters in each territory decide the question. The paper states that, while the concept seemed simple, the doctrine collapsed in the face of myriad complications, and as it collapsed, Douglas and his presidential hopes faded. The paper concludes that popular sovereignty was theoretically a sound means of allowing territorial populations to organize themselves as either slave or free, but it failed as a political idea because it could not satisfy the demands of the various factions in the dire years leading to the Civil War.
From the Paper "The second blow to Douglas came with the submission of the first state constitution ostensibly reflecting popular sovereignty. A constitutional convention at Lecompton, Kansas, wrote a constitution that was put before Kansas voters. The voters were given an alternative: to vote for a constitution which permitted current residents of Kansas to keep slaves they had brought into the territory, or to vote for a provision which opened the state to unlimited importation to slaves. Voters could not for a state constitution which prohibited slavery. Anti-slavery voters boycotted this referendum, so that the constitution sent to Washington allowed the free importation of slaves into Kansas."
Abstract This paper will discuss the book "The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas", and seek out why it was valid, and why the language he used was very credible in his day. He not only knew that the Bible, in many of the religious references in the book, would appeal to white educated elites, but also saw that the religious doctrines of Christianity would break down race barriers in this aspect. All of these elements will show how Douglas was an accomplished writer, and used the best language of his day- that of the Bible-to show that blacks were intelligent, and not beneath whites in any way. The thesis of this narrative is that of religion, and how Douglas uses this to prove racial equality.
This paper discusses Benjamin Franklin's "An Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" and Frederick Douglas's "A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, An American Slave".
Abstract This paper explains that the experiences that changed both Franklin and Douglas had to do with the importance of education in enabling people to better themselves. The author points out that Franklin's education came when he worked as an apprentice printer with his brother during his teens. The paper relates that Frederick Douglas's life story tells a much bleaker tale and shows even more the ability of one man to use his wits and his natural talents to pull himself up by the bootstraps.
From the Paper "Indeed, it was because of the fact that he had such great access to books through his induction into the printer's trade that he was able to foster his love of books and learning and to begin to develop his persuasive rhetorical skills that would aid him not only in writing, but also in oratory. Without this love of books and learning being instilled in him Franklin could have never become the great thinker, speaker, author, and statesmen that he was to become."
Abstract The paper studies the Harlem Renaissance - the term given to a period in American history where a new focus on the African-American experience emerged. The writer of this paper shows how it was a time when African-American artists began to express their culture and at this time in history there came a new focus on the African-American artist and African-American Art. The writer introduces artist, Aaron Douglas, as someone who emerged from this time period and went on to create works which reflected the Harlem Renaissance. Some of Douglas' works are also discussed.
From the Paper "From this we see how Douglas's paintings represented modern life for African-Americans. Rather than their African life, his paintings reflect the life of African-Americans within America. While the subject of the works was modern, Douglas also incorporated his African culture by his focus on African forms, with his style being described as "flat with hard edges and repetitive designs... heavily influenced by African sculptures, jazz music, dance and geometric forms" (Schomburg Center)."
The following paper introduces and discusses the works of Dickinson and Douglas, compares their backgrounds and discusses their beliefs with regards to literature .
Abstract This paper compares the way in which Emily Dickinson is only concerned with herself and her art form, while Frederick Douglas is only concerned with ending slaving and has no concern about being skillful in his use of literary form. Included in this paper is a dialog where Dickinson and Douglas meet, and discuss what their writing careers mean to them.
From the Paper "In the beginning, two authors could not seem more different. Frederick Douglass was born a slave, and his name was not even Douglass, he changed it later. After several owners shifted him back and forth between them, he ran away from his master, and eventually purchased his freedom. He spent his life working to educate the world about the plight of slaves in the United States. ;Though I was not a murderer fleeing from justice I felt perhaps quite as miserable as such a criminal;I reached New York Tuesday morning, having completed the journey in less than twenty-four hours. Such is briefly the manner of my escape from slavery--and the end of my experience as a slave. Other chapters will tell the story of my life as a freeman;
Tags: freedom, Civil, War, spiritual, world, realism
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss and analyze the topic of Douglas MacArthur. Specifically it discusses his childhood education, family and military career. It looks at how Douglas MacArthur is perhaps one of the most well known army generals in history and how his career spanned three wars. It also discusses how he left his post in disgrace after President Harry Truman fired him during the Korean War.
From the Paper "Douglas MacArthur was the son of Captain Arthur MacArthur and Mary Pinkney Hardy MacArthur. He was born at the U.S. Army Arsenal in Little Rock, Arkansas on January 26, 1880. He spent most of his childhood moving from one Army base to another, never calling any one place "home." He attended West Texas Military Academy from the time he was thirteen to seventeen, and entered West Point in 1899. He graduated from West Point in 1903, placing first in a class of 94 cadets. Right after he graduated, he traveled to the Philippines, and served four duty tours there during his career. In fact, many people believe he came to know Asians better than he knew or understood Americans, and this may have led to his eventual downfall as General of the Army. "
Abstract The paper discusses how Frederick Douglas is best known for his written works and his speeches against slavery. The paper relates that Frederick Douglas wrote three very powerful autobiographies about his life and experiences as a slave and as a free man. The paper looks at several inhumane elements of slavery that are seen within his biographies.
From the Paper "Frederick Douglas was born into slavery in Tuckahoe Maryland in February 1818 to a black mother and a white father. He was separated from his mother during infancy and because his father was white, he never knew him. However, Frederick Douglas often believed that his very own slave master was his father, Capitan Aaron Anthony. His mother died when he was seven years old and the man who he thought to be his father died when he was twelve years old. After the death of his father he was sent to Baltimore to live and slave for his father's brother, Hugh Augh."
Tags: demoralization, slave, masters, whips, torture, family
Abstract The paper discusses the Douglas-Lincoln debates that were a series of political discussions held between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln that marked the middle of the 19th century in America. The subjects discussed were slavery, human rights, the resolutions of the Republican Party and the freedom on individual states to make their own decisions., The paper discusses the views of the contenders and the reasoning behind their thoughts and decisions.
From the Paper "There were several issues that were addressed by the two candidates; however, they were closely connected with the issue of slavery and the rights for blacks and whites in the American states. The discussions on the subject were of high interest for all those involved taking into account the fact that Douglas had been the politician to introduce the Kansas Nebraska Act, a piece of legislation that allowed states to vote on whether they accepted slavery or not on their territory."
Abstract This paper looks at three non-white individuals of the early 1800's Tecumseh, Nat Turner, and Frederick Douglas and the impact they had on history by resisting the white establishment.
From the Paper "On the other hand the Indian tribes viewed the American cause as incomprehensible and outrageous. Even as a young boy, Tecumseh was exposed to the fighting and loss of family members due to the American expansion. In the 1780?s, "he was already forming the belief that guided his life: the Indians" only real and permanent security would come from resisting the white invasion and forcing a recognition of Indian territorial rights? (Nash 157). Therefore he had no other choice but to fight for his land. From the Indian point of view, land was a gift from above and not to be bought or sold by anyone. Treaties made with Congress were invalid due to the fact that one tribe had signed away another tribes land. As for siding with the British in the war, the Indians were not guilty of any crime. "
Abstract The paper discusses the life history of film director Douglas Sirk who immigrated from Nazi Germany to Hollywood and became famous by directing "Magnificent Obsession" starring Rock Hudson. The paper explores Sirk's last film he directed before retiring, "Imitation of Life". It examines the plot and the characters of the movie.
From the Paper "He made several other successful and important films, up until his retirement in 1960. "Imitation of Life" was his last film, and one of the most critically acclaimed. It was Universal's biggest hit at that point, plus Susan Kohner and Juanita Moore received Oscar nominations for Supporting Actress. Sirk died in 1987, but not before his work gained more success and acclaim. Critics lambasted many of his films, calling them nothing more than ?women's pictures,? but they were often smashes as the box office. By the time he died, many critics recognized his work and the art involved. "
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes the perceptions of Foucault, Douglas, and the author regarding the relationship of the city to the self, the zones of purity and danger and the discipline necessary to maintain them, the development of the panoptic and the degree of coordination; the connective tissue between landscapes; and what shapes congeal out of the microdisciplines and rituals.
Abstract This paper is on General Douglas MacArthur. General MacArthur lived his entire life for the army from cradle to grave. He served an aide in Theodore Roosevelt's White House. MacArthur gained his first real measure of fame during War World I. As an old soldier he faded away from the public eye until his death in 1964.
Abstract This paper will discuss the elements of neo-colonialism that seems to have affected a large part of the Sub-Saharan parts of Africa within the book "Understanding Contemporary Africa" by Douglas Gordon. This paper will focus on the ways that this has been achieved in the rules that the colonials have created upon the African learning systems here. With this in mind, we can see how they function in tandem.
Abstract This paper critiques and analyzes Mary Douglas's major work, "Natural Symbols: Explorations in Cosmology", and looks at the main thesis of the book, which revolves around the idea that rules of physical body turn into natural symbols for decoding the norms of the society.
From the Paper "Douglas believes natural symbols play an important role in determining the nature of various social and religious rituals and practices. How we perceive a norm is connected with how we view bodily functions and vice versa. In this book, the author gives us an explanation of how our perception of human bodily functions is an extension of different social experiences."
Abstract This paper looks at the struggles encountered by Frederick Douglas as a young slave boy in his fight to become literate. Based on the text from his bibliography, this paper describes some of the hardships he faced which included a harsh slave-owner and unsuitable living conditions for education.
From the Paper "Douglas tells that the seeds of education were planted by his kind mistress, who in fact was a very dependent upon the will of her husband, Douglas's master: "My mistress, who had kindly commenced to instruct me, had, in compliance with the advice and direction of her husband, not only ceased to instruct, but had set her face against my being instructed by anyone else". In fact little Frederick only learnt the basics of ABC, taught by his mistress and that's the way his "education" was finished. Douglas describes the hardships he had to overcome in order to get at least some of the "literacy" classes. First, he had to overcome the fear of his masters and especially of his mistress, whom he respected for a fair treatment. Good relations with masters were of the primary value for poor slaves who had no rights and had no protection. Being very respectful to his mistress young Frederick understood that she, in most ways, was not different from other arrogant slave-owners."
