Notes on "A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn, Chapter Two: Drawing the Color Line

Content Warning

• The chapter contains depictions of violence, sexual violence, slavery, racial violence, racism, and slurs.

Introduction to the Chapter

• Ship Arrival in 1619: A ship lands in North America at Jamestown, Virginia, carrying 20 African slaves.
• Enduring Racism: The United States has a long and significant history of racism.
• Key Historical Question: How does racism start, and how might it end?

Early Slavery in North America

• First Blacks in Virginia: Possibly considered servants at first, but likely viewed as different from white servants and eventually became slaves.
• Racial Feelings: Emerged with slavery, leading to 350 years of derogatory thoughts and racism.

Desperation and Labor Needs

• Starving Colonists: The colonists needed labor to survive harsh conditions.
• Tobacco Cultivation: High demand in England, furthering the need for labor.

Use of Native Americans and Whites

• Indians: Could not be enslaved due to numbers and combat skills.
• White Servants: Not yet in sufficient numbers, and their terms were limited by contracts.

Black Slavery as the Solution

• Helplessness of Blacks: Blacks were easier to control due to cultural dislocation.
• Historical Context of African Slavery: Established in trade with Portugal and Spain prior to North American slavery.

African Culture and Society

• Developed Civilization: Africa had advanced societies with urban centers, skilled crafts, and communal life.
• Feudalism and Slavery: African slavery was more akin to European serfdom with certain rights and integration into society.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade

• Inhumane Conditions: Enslaved Africans faced brutal conditions during capture and transport.
• Mass Scale of Trade: By 1800, 10-15 million Africans were enslaved and transported to the Americas.

Religious and Legal Justifications

• Church Doctrine: Conquistadors justified slavery through legal and religious arguments.

Establishment of Racial Slavery in America

• Early Laws and Practices: Indicated separation and different treatment of blacks and whites.

Resistance and Rebellion of Enslaved People

• Origins of Resistance: Enslaved Africans resisted from the start, with acts ranging from subtle sabotage to outright rebellion.
• Historical Instances: Numerous revolts and acts of defiance occurred throughout colonial America.

White and Black Cooperation

• Shared Struggles: Early instances of cooperation between indentured servants and enslaved blacks.

Slave Codes and Control

• Legislation: Passed to reinforce racial hierarchy and prevent unity between poor whites and blacks.

Conclusion

• Entrenched Systems: Racism and exploitation are deeply embedded in America's foundation, impacting modern society.
• Calls for Change: Emphasis on dismantling these historical systems to achieve equity and justice.