How Did Slavery Affect The American Identity

Words: 413
Pages: 2

Following the American Revolution, the identity of the United States was built predominantly around freedom. The American people were weary of being oppressed and treated with injustice, so they fought for their rights. Satirically, the people of America decided to take freedom away from other human beings based on the color of their skin, hence continuing the practice of slavery. The institution of slavery impacted the American identity by revealing an inadequacy of freedom resulting in movements fighting against inequality, old prejudices, and a divided society. America was founded on the idea that all men were created equal. However, former slave Fredrick Douglass stated, “your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery.” In this statement,