TOPIC 3: THE PEOPLE OF AFRICAN ORIGIN IN THE NEW WORLD
The term “New World” in this context refers to the United States of America and the Caribbean islands, where many individuals of African descent reside. The presence of these people in the New World can be traced back to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which led to the forced transportation of numerous Africans to America to provide cheap labor on plantations and in mines.
The Origin of African People in the New World
Mercantilism
Mercantilism was an economic system that involved overseas trade in search of gold and silver. It led to the rise of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which connected Africa, Europe, and America. During this trade, millions of Africans were shipped to America to work as slaves on plantations.
Booming Capitalist Agriculture
The demand for cheap labor grew as European capitalists established various plantations for crops like coffee, sugarcane, cotton, and tobacco. White labor became insufficient, leading to the massive importation of African slaves.
Industrial Revolution in Europe
The industrial revolution necessitated the expansion of home markets. European merchants and rulers feared a decline in their population and thus opposed using white labor. This led to the increased importation of African slaves to fulfill labor demands.
Cost-Effective African Slaves
African slaves were more cost-effective than white laborers. The cost of a white laborer for ten years could buy an African slave for life. Additionally, white workers were expected to acquire land after their contracts, while African slaves were legally prevented from owning land, making African labor more appealing.
Discovery of Maritime Technology
Advancements in maritime technology facilitated the transportation of Africans to the New World. This technology enabled Europeans to locate and transport African slaves more efficiently.
Inability of Indigenous People
Initially, Native Americans and Red Indians were used for labor, but many died from plagues. This led to the importation of African slaves, contributing to the African presence in the New World.
Discovery of the New World
Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the New World in 1492 led to the establishment of plantations and mines requiring cheap labor, prompting the importation of African slaves.
Problems Faced by People of African Origin in the New World
People of African origin encountered numerous problems due to the development of capitalism. Europeans maintained conditions that ensured the survival of capitalism at the expense of Africans, manifesting in political, economic, and social challenges.
Political Problems
- Denied the Right to Vote: Various measures, such as income requirements and ancestral voting rights, made it difficult for black people to vote.
- Denied Equal Representation: Africans were denied equal representation in the government and were not allowed to run for political office.
- Denied Decision-Making Rights: Africans lost their rights to make decisions, even regarding their own lives.
Economic Problems
- Denied Land Ownership: Africans were legally forbidden to own land or property, relegating them to domestic servitude.
- Poor Working Conditions: Africans faced harsh working conditions on plantations, with low or no wages and frequent punishment.
Social Problems
- Racial Discrimination: Africans were subjected to racial discrimination in hospitals, cemeteries, and other public facilities.
- Education: Segregation in education prevented black people from attending secondary schools, colleges, and universities.
- Denied the Right to Marry: Laws prohibited marriages between blacks and whites, and the capitalist system saw marriage as a hindrance to exploiting African labor.
Struggles for Equality and Civil Rights
In response to these problems, people of African origin began fighting for equality, economic power, and civil rights. This struggle led to the development of black American nationalism, which manifested in movements such as the Back to Africa movement, the Pan-African movement, and the civil rights movement.
Objectives of the Back to Africa Movement
- Liberation: The movement aimed to free people of African origin from exploitation and oppression by relocating them to Africa.
- Formation of a Strong African State: It sought to establish a strong African state to restore respect and freedom for people of African origin.
- Economic Empowerment: The movement aimed to empower black people economically by creating employment and economic ventures.
- Raising Nationalism: It aimed to unite black people worldwide to fight against oppression and colonialism.
- Regain Fundamental Rights: The movement sought to restore rights such as education, freedom of expression, marriage, and property ownership.
- Cultivate Unity: The movement promoted unity and solidarity among people of African origin.
Achievements of the Back to Africa Movement
- Formation of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA): The UNIA aimed to establish universal nationhood and emancipate people of African origin.
- Launch of a Shipping Agency: The movement launched the “Black Star Shipping Line” to transport emancipated slaves back to Africa, particularly to Liberia and Sierra Leone.
- Plan to Form a Strong African State: It advocated for a strong African state to ensure freedom from exploitation and oppression.
- Formation of the African Republic: The movement established capitalist programs like hotels and restaurants, providing employment for black people.
- Removal of Inferiority Complex: It promoted awareness and consciousness among Africans, removing feelings of inferiority.
- Unity: The movement fostered black solidarity, crucial for gaining fundamental rights.
In conclusion, the people of African origin in the New World faced numerous challenges due to the capitalist system. Their struggles led to significant movements and achievements that aimed to restore their rights, dignity, and unity.
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