In 3-5 pages, discuss the role of race and class in the early American maritime world. What do you believe were the opportunities and limits for sailors of color and working class? Back all this up with citations from

Question

American Maritime Culture in the Age of Revolution Ch. 2, The Domestic Cost of Seafaring by Ruth Wallis Herndon Ch 3, The Many-Headed Hydra by Linebaugh and Rediker Ch. 7 A Motley Crew in the American Revolution,   Black Jack by Bolster Ch. 2 & 5

Answer 1

Title: The Role of Race and Class in the Early American Maritime World

Introduction:
The early American maritime world played a crucial role in the development of the nation as it connected the colonies with international trade and played a significant role in the American Revolution. This essay aims to discuss the role of race and class in this maritime world, specifically focusing on sailors of color and the working class. By analyzing the sources "American Maritime Culture in the Age of Revolution" by Ruth Wallis Herndon, "The Domestic Cost of Seafaring" by Linebaugh and Rediker, and "Black Jack" by Bolster, this essay will explore the opportunities and limitations that sailors of color and the working class faced in this maritime world.

The Opportunities and Limits for Sailors of Color:
In the early American maritime world, sailors of color faced both opportunities and limitations. While racial prejudice and discrimination were prevalent, sailors of color were nevertheless able to find employment. Herndon's book discusses the diverse makeup of American merchant ships, including African American and Native American sailors. These sailors often faced discriminatory practices such as lower wages and limited opportunities for advancement. However, despite such limitations, their presence suggests that opportunities did exist for sailors of color in the maritime industry.

Linebaugh and Rediker's book "The Many-Headed Hydra" provides further insights into the experiences of sailors of color. It highlights the constant struggle for freedom and dignity faced by African American sailors in particular. The authors emphasize the importance of solidarity among sailors, both white and black, in fighting against the oppressive conditions onboard ships. Black sailors were actively involved in acts of resistance, revolt, and escape, exhibiting their determination to challenge the limits imposed upon them.

Bolster's book, "Black Jack," specifically delves into the life of an African American sailor named John Julius Braithwaite. The book sheds light on the life of a black sailor who faced severe disadvantages, despite his skills and experience. Braithwaite's experience on various ships demonstrates both the opportunities and limitations he encountered as a sailor of color. The book suggests that the maritime world provided job opportunities for sailors of color, yet they still faced discrimination and limited social mobility.

The Opportunities and Limits for the Working Class:
In the early American maritime world, the working class faced a range of opportunities and limits. Herndon's book highlights the importance of the maritime industry for men seeking employment. It provided opportunities for those who possessed skills and expertise needed for seafaring, such as navigation, sailing, and shipbuilding. Working-class sailors could find employment on various types of ships, ranging from merchant vessels to privateers.

Linebaugh and Rediker's book emphasizes the exploitative nature of seafaring labor. They argue that the maritime industry relied heavily on impressment, a practice that forcibly drafted sailors into service. This affected sailors of all backgrounds, including the working class. The book further exposes the harsh working conditions and low wages endured by seamen. While the maritime industry offered employment to the working class, the exploitation experienced on board limited their economic mobility and social status.

Conclusion:
The early American maritime world provided both opportunities and limitations for sailors of color and the working class. While sailors of color faced racial discrimination and limited social mobility, their presence on American merchant ships indicates that opportunities did exist within the maritime industry. The working class, on the other hand, had access to employment opportunities in seafaring but faced exploitative conditions and limited economic mobility.

These findings from Herndon's "American Maritime Culture in the Age of Revolution," Linebaugh and Rediker's "The Many-Headed Hydra," and Bolster's "Black Jack" illustrate the complex dynamics of race and class in the early American maritime world. Further research is necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the experiences of sailors of color and the working class during this period.