3. Who is referred to in Chapter 11 as "That rare segregationist who rejected polygenesis," believing "that all humans descended from Europe's Garden of Eden" (138)?

4. What was Phillis Wheatley named for?

5. When was the modern mechanical cotton gin invented?

Short Essay Questions

1. What racist stereotypes were reinforced by "An Essay Concering Humane Understanding"?

2. What impact did mistrel shows have on racist perceptions?

3. What is curse theory?

4. What influence did Aristotle have on the views of the Puritans regarding slavery?

5. What did the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 dictate?

6. Who was Peter Paul Simons and what did he contribute to the racial debate?

7. Discuss the ironies of the Declaration of Independence.

8. What is Voltaire's significance in racial history?

9. What does the term "extraordinary Negro" refer to?

10. What was dictated in the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss Thomas Jefferson and his stances on slavery and race. How did Jefferson's childhood and family help to shape his views on slavery? What were the impacts of Jefferson's Presidency on slavery and race in America? What ironies does the author point out regarding Jefferson's Declaration of Independence?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the origins and history of curse theory. When and where did this theory arise? How was this theory used to justify racism and slavery? How did this theory oppose climate theory?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the viewpoints of Voltaire and Buffon. What line of thought does each of these thinkers express? Why? How did their perceptions of Blacks differ generally?

(see the answer keys)

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