Two Different Dimensions

While analyzing the institution of slavery in the United States, it is apparent that its development varied throughout the nation. By focusing on two different communities– one in the North and one in the South– we can get an idea of how its implications were subject to change. The processes behind slavery were relatively universal, however characteristics of different communities changed factors such as living conditions for slaves in each area. By examening the differences between Franklin County, Pennsylvania and Augusta County, Virgina, we are able to see the resulting differences in the process of slavery in these areas. Of all the ways it can differ, I found the methods of information and communition through newspapers to be the most interesting.

Franklin County

Franklin County provided two major newspapers, the Republican Frankline Repository and Transcript, as well as the Democratic Valley Spirit, giving their readers a choice of viewpoints. Due to its location, the county often turned to New York or the Upper South for information. That being said, editors very rarely turned to cities in the Lower South as a source for information. This presents a distinction and a divide in communication. The focus of newspapers distributed in this area was often centered on economic prosperity through agricultural production, and the advertisements were targeted towards basic needs. Slavery did not seem to be a major focal point.

Augusta County

Common among newspapers in Augusta were advertisements for runaway slaves, slave agents, and slave sales. These were not present in newspapers in the North, which presents more of an emphasis on slavery in a Southern community. We can see there is a divide in viewpoints, especially since many papers published in Augusta Country retrieved their information from Richmond. While they did obtain some information from New York, it was probably more convenient to stay in the South.

Distance causes Difference

By studying something as simple as the production of newspapers, we can see how differences between regions can form. I believe that distance was the main factor which contributed to the divide in ideology between the North and South. By recieving their information for newspapers from different regions, different opinions will eventually circulate and stick in certain areas. This can be noted through the inclusion of slave ads in a Southern newspaper, as opposed to a Northern one. I personally feel that an accumulation of details such as these are ultimately what created such a divide in American views towards slavery, and these details were caused by distance and a lack of a unifying force.

~ by mmaggi117 on October 22, 2012 .