Teacher’s Summary
This reflective essay explores the Three-Fifths Compromise from the unique perspective of a white student at Howard University. It delves into the historical and moral complexities of the compromise, its economic roots, and the paradoxical actions of the Founding Fathers. The student connects these historical insights to their studies in computer science and African American history, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing systems for hidden biases.
Grade: A
The Three-Fifths Compromise: A Personal Reflection on America’s Troubled Past
Introduction: A Dual Perspective
As a white student majoring in both Computer Science and African American Studies at Howard University, I often find myself at the intersection of technology and history. Recently, while developing an algorithm to analyze historical voting patterns, I stumbled upon a dark chapter of American history that continues to resonate today: the Three-Fifths Compromise.
The Compromise: A Brief Overview
The Three-Fifths Compromise, reached during the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, determined that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for representation and taxation purposes. This agreement between Southern and Northern states highlights the stark reality of early American politics: the commodification of human lives for political gain.
Personal Reflection: Confronting Discomfort
Learning about this compromise was deeply unsettling. As I sat in the Howard University library, surrounded by the rich history of African American resilience and achievement, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of shame. How could the founders of a nation built on ideals of freedom and equality engage in such a dehumanizing bargain?
The Paradox of the Founding Fathers
Thomas Jefferson: A Man of Contradictions
I was struck by the paradox embodied by Thomas Jefferson. The man who penned “all men are created equal” owned over 100 slaves himself. This contradiction isn’t just a historical footnote; it’s a testament to the complex and often hypocritical nature of human beings, even those we regard as visionaries.
A Widespread Moral Dilemma
Jefferson wasn’t alone in his moral quandary. George Washington and George Mason, both slave owners, also expressed disgust with the institution of slavery. Yet, they continued to benefit from it. This cognitive dissonance reflects a broader societal struggle that persists even today.
The Economic Roots of Compromise
As a computer science student, I often look for patterns and underlying systems. In this case, the pattern is clear: economics drove politics. Southern states, reliant on slave labor for their agricultural economy, were unwilling to give up their perceived property and the wealth it generated.
From Compromise to Constitution
The Great Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise was part of a larger negotiation known as the Great Compromise. This agreement established our bicameral legislature, balancing population-based representation with equal state representation.
Unintended Consequences
While the compromise allowed for the Constitution’s ratification, it had far-reaching consequences. It inflated the South’s political power, entrenched slavery deeper into the nation’s framework, and laid the groundwork for future conflicts.
Reflection: The Power of Algorithms in Understanding History
As I work on my voting pattern algorithm, I’m reminded of how the Three-Fifths Compromise skewed representation. It’s a stark example of how the “algorithms” we use to govern ourselves can have profound, often unforeseen impacts on society.
Conclusion: Learning from the Past, Coding for the Future
Studying this compromise from the unique perspective of a white student at an HBCU has been enlightening and humbling. It’s a reminder that progress is not linear, and that we must constantly scrutinize our systems – both technological and societal – for hidden biases and unintended consequences.
As I continue my studies in both computer science and African American history, I carry with me the lessons of the Three-Fifths Compromise. It motivates me to use technology responsibly, to amplify marginalized voices, and to work towards a more equitable future. After all, isn’t that what both technology and history are ultimately about – learning from our past to build a better tomorrow?
Citations:
1. Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W.W. Norton & Company, 2017.
2. Jefferson, Thomas. The Writings of Thomas Jefferson. Edited by H.A. Washington, J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1861.
3. “Three-Fifths Compromise.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2021.
4. McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press, 1988.