African American Culture in 1860
AP United States History
African American Culture from the Early to Mid-1800’s Throughout American history, African Americans fought to establish their own culture. Even though they were silenced by white laws and stereotypes, African Americans created their own distinct culture, to a certain extent from 1800 to 1860. By mixing their African American traditions and Christian ideas, they formed a religion, their own version of Christianity. African American rebellions, though small and infrequent, were used to express their beliefs on slavery and add to their distinct culture. And, with the constant fear of being split up by being sold, African American families managed to form within plantations through marriages and children. Despite being limited by slavery, African Americans still managed to form a unique culture through their religion, fight for freedom, and family. Slave religion was one of the primary factors of African American culture that separated them from others. Some slave owners forced their slaves to attend churches run by white ministers, who preached that they should obey their masters and not try to run away. So, to rebel in a way, slaves practiced their own version of Christianity which included Christian ideas with African traditions. They had to practice this new religion at night in secret because the law prohibited slaves from getting together without a white person present. However, these gatherings were normally run by a black preacher, who became one of the most respected slaves in their community. These meetings also included dances and singing. The slave religion was an integral part to the African American culture because it encouraged them to pray and become individuals instead of, as seen by the whites, being pieces of property. They prayed of freedom and these meetings gave them hope that one day they might be free. In these ways, the slave religion was one of the most paramount features of African American culture during the
African American Culture from the Early to Mid-1800’s Throughout American history, African Americans fought to establish their own culture. Even though they were silenced by white laws and stereotypes, African Americans created their own distinct culture, to a certain extent from 1800 to 1860. By mixing their African American traditions and Christian ideas, they formed a religion, their own version of Christianity. African American rebellions, though small and infrequent, were used to express their beliefs on slavery and add to their distinct culture. And, with the constant fear of being split up by being sold, African American families managed to form within plantations through marriages and children. Despite being limited by slavery, African Americans still managed to form a unique culture through their religion, fight for freedom, and family. Slave religion was one of the primary factors of African American culture that separated them from others. Some slave owners forced their slaves to attend churches run by white ministers, who preached that they should obey their masters and not try to run away. So, to rebel in a way, slaves practiced their own version of Christianity which included Christian ideas with African traditions. They had to practice this new religion at night in secret because the law prohibited slaves from getting together without a white person present. However, these gatherings were normally run by a black preacher, who became one of the most respected slaves in their community. These meetings also included dances and singing. The slave religion was an integral part to the African American culture because it encouraged them to pray and become individuals instead of, as seen by the whites, being pieces of property. They prayed of freedom and these meetings gave them hope that one day they might be free. In these ways, the slave religion was one of the most paramount features of African American culture during the