An American Secret

Ideologies

The ideological justifications for slavery among European settlers were deeply rooted in ancient beliefs about geography and character. Andrés Reséndez explains that settlers believed people from colder regions were bold but unintelligent, while those near the equator were intelligent but lacked courage, making them ideal slaves 1. This rationale extended to the commodification of Native Americans during the Gold Rush, where they were used as labor to meet the demands of expanding industries 1.

The method to solve this problem was to essentially relocate the entire Navajo nation from western New Mexico to eastern New Mexico in what was known as the long walk.

--- Andrés Reséndez

Such beliefs and practices highlight the disturbing ways in which slavery was rationalized and perpetuated in America.

   

Economics

Economic motivations played a significant role in the perpetuation of slavery, as seen in the actions of Christopher Columbus. Faced with mounting costs and unmet expectations of riches, Columbus resorted to sending Native Americans to European slave markets as a financial strategy 2. Andrés Reséndez notes that women and children were often valued more highly as slaves due to their reproductive capabilities and adaptability, which further fueled the economic rationale for slavery 3.

Columbus had mounting problems because the riches that he thought he would find in the lands of Asia where he was hoping to go were not materializing.

--- Andrés Reséndez

These economic incentives underscore the brutal commodification of human lives during this period.