Figure 1.--The idea that slavery was foundational institution of the United States has no basis in fact. Slavery produced huge profits for a few decades in the first half of the 19th century, but it was in the north that democracy, free labor, and capitalism were the foundational nstitutions of the American nation. Slavery actulaly was a drag on the American economy which is why the South lagged behind the North. It limited the productive capacity of a substantial part of the Soutthern population. It was why the South was the poorer section of the country. Slavery had been a part of civilization since time memorial. What was the foundation on which America was built was the core idea that ordinary citizens could manage their affairs without a monarchy. It was the first time in modern history that this vital Englightenment idea had been put to the test. Thomas Le Clear's painting 'Young America' was a powerful statement of how thoroughly the American experiment in democracy had filtered down to the very youngest. The African-American man located close to the central focus may be the artist's subtle suggestion that while American democracy was more advanced than in any other counttry at the time, it was still very much a work in progress. Notice the detailed depiction of the oak tree. The oak is one of the most loved trees in the world. It's a symbol of strength, morale, resistance, and knowledge. . |
