American Civil War, Slavery And Statues
a blog by Alan Ewing
Robert E Lee, Conderate General
The western world has been engulfed recently with rage emerging around statues which enshrine the past. Most notably these concern the American Civil War and the slave trade which became such an issue in that conflict. The war began following the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1861. There then followed the cessation of Confederate States as they perceived a threat from the North to their ways of life and reliance on African slaves. Union soldiers refused to leave totally and so conflict ensued. Lincoln's Proclamation of an end to possession of slaves further entrenched the South as their early military successes emboldened them. From this point black slaves from the South began to enlist for the Union Army and the tide of the war turned with the North having new vigour.
This story continues to this day with aspects of North and South remaining. The new African-Americans were liberated after Union victory. They were then left to find their own way in the world, as is The American Way. The dark shadow of racism was never far away, be it North or South, and these people have had to struggle with poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunity. This breeds crime as the underprivileged seek money for food, basics and some enjoyment in life. In turn this brings branding and racist attitudes which result in human division.
A major source of supplies for the Confederates came from England. The slave trade was a market for many English cities. They sought to protect their interests. Liverpool sent iron for ammunition and ships. This history of slave trade association has provoked the tearing down of a statue of Edward Colston, a slave trader in Bristol, and then the defacing of Penny Lane signs in Liverpool, although the connection to James Penny, slave trader, is not proven.
Defaced Penny Lane sign, Liverpool
In summary then, perhaps, as the 21st Century deepens, it is time to have serious debate about the monuments that surround us and what they glorify. Although this should by nature be democratic and not a licence for for those with violent tendencies. A case for the purpose of a statue should be made, and then the case for its removal made. This could be decided by a People's Vote. A far more efficient way would be to replace The House Of Lords in the UK with an elected People's Chamber, whose representatives could feed back views from their communities. For America, then some system of representation for African-Americans needs to be found that can bring more opportunities into their lives.
REFLECTION:
The events of 1965 in Selma, Alabama will always be remembered for the white brutality against African-Americans peacefully protesting for their right to vote. Dr Martin Luther King, a man of God, successfully achieved his mission upon Earth. To this day the developing world has sought equality for all. This does not only apply to physical violence, though also to any form of verbal voilence, as in hate speech. It is for humanity to realise that brotherhood and sisterhood cannot be divided by race, gender, colour and anything that goes against that principal is humanity at its lowest ebb.
©2020
