Questions on test

History 621B                                                      People an Culture                                           Black Islanders

Part I:

Read the assigned article "Murder in the Bog" and please answer the following questions:

1.       Write a one paragraph summary of this article.

2.       What is the broader historical significance of this article relating to Black Island History?

3.       What primary sources were used to compile this story? Are they reliable? Why or why not? Did the author of the article agree with the information presented in the primary sources? Explain.

4.       What reactions did this account cause for you?

Part II:

Read the assigned article "Blackjack Byers" and please answer the following questions:

1.            Who was “Blackjack Byers”? List three facts about him/his family.

2.            Use examples to illustrate the tremendous manipulative powers slave-owners had        over their slaves.

3.            What was Blackjack’s crime? How was his punishment different than the “standard”                                        punishment? What was the philosophy of punishment in the early 1800s? How has our                 justice system changed? Stayed the same?

4.            How does Blackjack’s story differ significantly from “Murder in the Bog”?

5.            What was the most significant consequence of the crime for this family?

6.            What could the inconsistencies of administration of the                law at this time be attributed     to? Use an example to          support your answer.