Discussion Question:

What was the significance of African Independence? First, read the primary source, The Resolutions of the Pan-African-CongressResolutions of Pan-African Congress 1919.docx which outlined the goals of an Independent Africa. Then read the secondary source about what happened in Africa after Independence: African Independence: the First Thirty Years by Vincent Khapoya Mod 8 Independence_Khapoya.pdf. When you create your post and response this week, consider why independence was necessary and what was achieved or not achieved. In other words, how was Africa changed by independence from European powers?

In your two-paragraph post, you should identify two significant changes (positive or negative) that came about because of independence.

In your response, you should address another student’s post by reviewing their argument (changes) and either refuting or supporting it. Perhaps you found more significant changes or if not, further agree with additional evidence from the readings.

Please note: Your initial two-paragraph post must be completed by Wednesday at 11:59pm. If your post comes after Wednesday then you will receive a late grade for the entire discussion which is a 10% reduction. Your response to another student’s post must be completed by Friday at 11:59 when the entire assignment is due.

*Please refer to the Model Post and Response-Discussion Board Advice in the Introduction Module  for help.

The following discussion is based on two primary sources provided: “Nat Turner explains the Southampton rebellion” and “George Fitzhugh argues that slavery is better than liberty and equality” as well as the two internet links provided.

After reading the material, answer the following questions.  Your response to each of the discussion questions should be 150 words or more.  Make sure that you use specific evidence from the sources to support your ideas.  Your initial discussion thread should contain responses to both questions.  Then reply to two of your classmates.  Each of those replies should be 150 words or more.  The content folder also contains the discussion rubric used to grade this assignment.

1. Both Nat Turner and George Fitzhugh utilize religion in order to build their arguments regarding slavery.  Compare their arguments.  What nonreligious reasons does Fitzhugh give for supporting slavery?

2. Before Nat Turner’s rebellion, Denmark Vesey tried to stage a revolt as well in 1822.  Read the biography about Vesey.  Then read the testimony given by enslaved men about Vesey to get a sense of how his trial was carried out.  Do you think this testimony is reliable?  Why or why not?  How are the arguments made by Turner and Vesey similar and/or different?

Below are the links to the other readings

https://digital.scetv.org/teachingAmerhistory/lessons/denmarkveseytrial1822.htm#Relateddocs

https://www.pbs.org/thisfarbyfaith/people/denmark_vesey.html