Reconstruction to present

The Reconstruction Process of the South after the Civil War was a long and tedious one. But, unlike the Reform movements before it, it was left unfinished because of much dispute within the people of the nation, North and South. Many people clashed on what to do with the South after the Civil War. Many plans were created some followed and others ignored. While others supported Social Reform, others were violently against it. And while others still clung on to old ways of life, others embraced a new generation. Today, the new generation is more respectful to the feelings of African Americans. Diversity is a positive way of thinking with the new generation.  From the Reconstruction process of the South after the Civil War until today, the African American identity has changed for the better.  

The Civil War and Reconstruction

During the Civil War, slavery was at the heart of the sectional impasse between the North and South in 1860.  Slavery was not the singular cause of the way, but played a big role in the development.  African Americans identities began to change for the better with the Civil War began and freedoms where won. There were 4 questions to be asked when the Civil War began. "In 1861, as the Civil War began, there were four open questions among Northerners and Southerners with regard to the slaves: First, would they rebel? Second, did they want their freedom? Third, would they fight for their freedom? And, finally, would they know what to do with their freedom if they got it? The answer to each question was yes, but in a manner that reflected the peculiar experience of blacks in white America." African Americans were identified as those who would rebel against the southern governments. 

The Era of Slavery

Twelve years after the arrival of the Dutch Vessel in Jamestown, the slavery era began. Slavery in North America developed into an uncontrollable form of social relation. One slave in particular is Frederick Douglas. Frederick Douglas was born a slave and thereafter won his freedom at the age of 20. During this era, slaves were sold to plantation and small farm owners. The work performed by these slaves specialized in cotton and tobacco.  The identities of slaves in this era was that of hard working, under privileged, and deprived.  Frederick Douglas helped change the identity and way of thinking of African Americans. Raised as a plantation slave, Douglass went on to become a writer, orator, and major participant in the struggle for African-American freedom and equality.  "Because of their ingrained racial prejudice and ignorance about the sophisticated cultures in Africa from which many of their slaves came, Southern whites were convinced that free blacks would be savages--a threat to white survival. So Southerners believed that slavery was necessary as a means of race control."

The Pre-Slavery Era

The first African Americans arrived in the United States in 1619. Many African Americans arrived as servants and had equal legal status as white servants. A Dutch vessel carrying twenty Africans pulled up to the shores of Jamestown looking to sell off these Africans to Virginia settlers. Because of their physical differences, slavery gradually evolved to the point of separation of black and whites. After converting to christianity, many African Americans had an opportunity to gain their freedom. During this time prior to slavery, these individuals were viewed as servants rather than slaves. The institution of slavery has left a legacy in which describes African American identities today.