History 225

Writing Assignment #3

September 18, 2003

Write a 4-5 page essay on one of the following questions:

1. The English did not arrive in Virginia with the intention of creating a race-based slave society, yet by 1705, when Robert Beverley wrote his History of Virginia, to be white was to be free (eventually), while only blacks were slaves. Drawing on primary and secondary sources, briefly describe the labor system in colonial Virginia, and discuss the key decisions that helped to separate blacks from whites. In what areas of conduct did intermixing continue to cause problems for the racial order after 1700?

2. Nathaniel BaconÕs rebellion revealed deep divisions within the social order of 17th century colonial Virginia. What sources or stimulating factors can be detected in the documents arising from the rebellion and its aftermath? What steps were taken by the Virginia elite to ensure social stability in the generation following the rebellion?

On Tuesday, September 23, please hand in an introductory paragraph and three or four short quotations that you plan to use as evidence in support of your thesis. [if you have handed in Assignment #4 on Tuesday, please hand in your introductory paragraph, etc. for #3, on Saturday, September 27]

I will hand back those paragraphs on Thursday September 25th (or Monday, September 29, if you handed yours in on Saturday). Your completed essay is due Wednesday October 1, at 5 p.m.