Contextualization

Introduction

The Enlightenment was a period in history marked by a flourishing of intellectual thought and unprecedented philosophical advancements. This era, which spanned from the late 17th to the late 18th century, gave rise to the principles of reason, liberty, and equality that would ultimately shape the modern world. However, the Enlightenment was not without its contradictions, and one of the most glaring of these lies in the relationship between Enlightenment ideas and the institution of slavery.

Enlightenment thinkers championed concepts like universal human rights, the pursuit of individual freedoms, and the power of reason to guide society. These ideas, which we often take for granted today, were radical and transformative, challenging the traditional hierarchies and power structures of the time.

Simultaneously, the global economy was being fueled by the transatlantic slave trade and the labor of millions of enslaved Africans. The profits generated from slavery were instrumental in financing the industrial revolution and the economic development of many Western nations. This stark contradiction between the ideals of the Enlightenment and the reality of slavery has left a lasting impact on our world, shaping the course of history and influencing the society we live in today.

Contextualization

Understanding the complex relationship between the Enlightenment and slavery requires a broader historical context. The Enlightenment took place during a period of intense European colonial expansion. As European powers extended their reach across the globe, they encountered new peoples, cultures, and ideas that challenged their own understanding of the world.

This encounter with other cultures, particularly through the transatlantic slave trade, forced Europeans to confront their own beliefs and values. The moral and philosophical debates sparked by the institution of slavery were central to the development of Enlightenment thought and played a crucial role in shaping the modern conception of human rights and equality.

Resources

To delve deeper into this topic, you may consult the following resources:

1. "The Enlightenment and the Origins of European Australia" by Tim Flannery.
2. "The Slave Trade and the Origins of International Human Rights Law" by Jenny S. Martinez.
3. "The Enlightenment and the Intellectual Foundations of Modern Culture" by Louis Dupré.
4. TED-Ed video: The Atlantic Slave Trade: What too few textbooks told you - Anthony Hazard
5. BBC History: Slavery and the Enlightenment
6. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: The Enlightenment
7. National Geographic: The Atlantic Slave Trade in Two Minutes

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Enslavement and the Enlightenment: A Study in Contradictions

Objective of the Project

The main objective of this project is to explore the contradictory nature of the Enlightenment, specifically focusing on how Enlightenment ideals coexisted with and influenced the institution of slavery. By researching and discussing this paradoxical relationship, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complex and often contradictory forces that shape historical events.

Description of the Project

In groups of 3 to 5, students will undertake a comprehensive study of the relationship between the Enlightenment and the institution of slavery. This study will include a historical analysis of how Enlightenment ideals both challenged and reinforced the institution of slavery, as well as an examination of how the profits from slavery contributed to the economic development of Western nations during this period.

This project will require students to conduct primary and secondary source research, critically analyze historical texts and documents, and engage in thoughtful discussion and debate. The culmination of this project will be the creation of a detailed report and a group presentation on their findings.

Necessary Materials

• Access to a library and/or internet for research purposes.
• Note-taking materials.
• A computer with presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) for the final presentation.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Formation of Groups and Preliminary Research (4 hours): Form groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group should begin by conducting some preliminary research on the topic. This could involve reading introductory texts or watching videos on the Enlightenment and slavery to gain a general understanding of the subject.

2. In-Depth Research (10 hours): Each group will then conduct a more in-depth study of the relationship between the Enlightenment and slavery. This will involve reading primary and secondary sources, such as historical documents, philosophical treatises, and scholarly articles. The goal is to gain a nuanced understanding of how Enlightenment ideals both challenged and reinforced the institution of slavery.

3. Analysis and Discussion (5 hours): After completing their research, each group should engage in a thorough analysis and discussion of their findings. They should consider questions such as: How did Enlightenment thinkers reconcile their philosophical ideals with the reality of slavery? How did the profits from slavery contribute to the economic development of Western nations during this period? What impact did these contradictions have on the development of modern concepts of human rights and equality?

4. Report Writing (10 hours): Based on their research and discussions, each group should then write a detailed report. The report should be divided into four main sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography. The Introduction should provide a brief overview of the Enlightenment and slavery, the relevance of the topic, and the objective of the project. The Development section should detail the theory behind the project, the methodology used, and a thorough discussion of the findings. The Conclusion should summarize the main points of the project and state the conclusions drawn. Finally, the Bibliography should list all the sources used in the project.

5. Preparation of Presentation (6 hours): Each group will also prepare a 15-20 minute presentation of their findings to be delivered to the class. The presentation should be engaging, informative, and clearly communicate the group's understanding of the topic.

6. Presentation and Peer Review (2 hours): After all groups have presented, there will be a peer review session. Each group will provide feedback on another group's presentation and report, focusing on the clarity of their arguments, the thoroughness of their research, and the organization and quality of their work.

The total time for this project is approximately 37 hours per student, which will be divided into a week of four-hour daily work for the group. This project will provide a comprehensive exploration of the topic, fostering not only a deeper understanding of the Enlightenment and slavery but also valuable skills in research, analysis, and teamwork.