In both government and literature, we read/talked about how slavery has influenced this country, specifically its “Founding Fathers” and certain laws such as the Fugitive Slave Act. Government showed us the constitutional and historical side to pre-Civil War slavery, while Literature showed us the philosophy and writings that came from it. We read both Phyllis Wheatley and Frederick Douglass, two very different, but also alike, slaves. In Douglass’s narrative, he writes about what he believes motivates the slave owner to treat his slaves worse or better, and about how the institution itself begs for violence. In government, Dr. Evans broke down the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Constitution of the Confederate states to show both obvious and discreet ways the federal government protected slavery. We read quotes from men, such as Benjamin Franklin and James Madison, who believed slavery was a “necessary evil” to unite the country. We also discussed men like Alexander Hamilton who believed the institution of slavery was a complete contradiction to the country’s morals. and leaders from the Confederacy who believed the white man was meant to be held superior to other races by nature. Slavery was such a huge part of the country’s history, so it’s only logical that an “American Studies” cluster effectively covers the subject.