Foothill High, PleasantonHISTORY MISC6.01 Graded Assignment - Introduction to the Literature of Slavery and the Civil War - Ben Hansen

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History has always been changed by powerful individuals and groups of people that have a desire for something greater. This is most often done violently, for example, through war and things of that ... matter. However there is another form of war that can be used to advocate for change, and that is words. Language has been a changing factor in history for as long as time itself. Somebody that changed history as we know it, and did it without firing a single shot was William Lloyd Garrison. In his first issue of his anti-slavery newspaper, Garrison proclaimed, “I do not wish to think, or speak, or write, with moderation. . . . I am in earnest -- I will not equivocate -- I will not excuse -- I will not retreat a single inch -- AND I WILL BE HEARD." And Garrison was heard by many millions of Americans that he reached out to. They heard him loud and clear as he spoke passionately against slavery and always on the side of America’s black inhabitants. He began writing in the weekly paper in early 1831, and continued for over 30 years, throughout the end of the Civil War in 1865, continually pressing Americans to think about what was right and wrong. Language is a very powerful tool that can be used to influence people one-way or another. It can be used as a political instrument and the means and proof of power. One person’s words can also influence a group of people and start a movement that can cause a dramatic change in history. Language is also something that can bind people and bring them together with everybody striving for a similar goal. It is the most influential driving force for people to come together and change the community, for what they think is the better. The most powerful figures in history have always been good speakers with powerful words to follow. There are many examples, such as George Washington, who turned an unorganized group of soldiers into the army that defeated the infamous red coats and gained freedom from England. Another example that is not as bright as the first is how Karl Marx influenced thinkers for centuries after he passed away. He influenced another great speaker, named Adolf Hitler, who was able to convince an entire country, through powerful language, that they could take over the world. Even Napoleon Bonaparte, standing at just five foot seven, was able to take control of an entire country and convince them that world domination was possible. Language has had an influence on history since the start of time. There are many ways history can be changed, but it is done most commonly through a people’s voice and desire for something greater. William Lloyd Garrison is somebody that spoke for the people and was able to influence them to his standpoint because of the power, with which he wrote. History is changed everyday, more often with the pen, than the sword [Show More]

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