Question

document b
source: texas secession convention, austin, texas, february 2, 1861
resolution:
we hold as undeniable truth that the governments of the various states... were established exclusively by the white race, for themselves and their posterity; that the african race had no (part) in their establishment; that they were rightfully held as an inferior and dependent race.
that in this free government all white men are and of right ought to be entitled to equal civil and political rights; that the servitude of the african race... is mutually beneficial to both bond (slave) and free, and is... justified by the experience of mankind, and the revealed will of the almighty creator.
note: the constitution of 1836 stated that free blacks could live in texas only with the permission of the legislature. permission was almost never granted. the free - black population of texas in the 1850 census was under 400.
document analysis

1. to whom do the authors of this resolution give credit for establishing the governments of the states and the nation? who had no part?
2. what two adjectives are used near the end of paragraph one to describe people of african origin?
3. according to this resolution, who benefits from slavery?
4. according to this resolution, what justifies slavery?
5. were free blacks allowed to live in texas? explain.
6. how can this document be used to help explain why texans fought in the civil war?

Explanation:

1. The first paragraph of the resolution explicitly states who founded the governments and who was excluded.
2. The closing phrase of the first paragraph labels people of African origin with two specific adjectives.
3. The second paragraph identifies the two groups that benefit from slavery.
4. The end of the second paragraph lists the justifications for slavery provided in the resolution.
5. The note below the resolution clarifies the legal status of free Black people in Texas and the permission rule.
6. The document reflects pro-slavery white supremacist views held by many Texans, which aligned with the Confederacy's core positions during the Civil War.

Answer:

1. Credit is given to the white race for establishing the state and national governments. The African race had no part in their establishment.
2. The two adjectives are inferior and dependent.
3. According to the resolution, both the enslaved (bound/Black people) and the enslavers (free/white people) benefit from slavery.
4. Slavery is justified by the "experience of mankind" and the "revealed will of the Almighty Creator".
5. No, free Black people were not allowed to live in Texas. The note states that the Texas Constitution required legislative permission for free Black people to reside there, and this permission was never granted.
6. This document shows that many white Texans held extreme pro-slavery, white supremacist beliefs, viewing Black people as inferior and slavery as beneficial and divinely justified. These views meant they aligned with the Confederacy's efforts to preserve slavery, which was a central cause of their participation in the Civil War.