1831:Year of Eclipse by Louis Masur

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Many Americans would not consider the year 1831 to be a turning point in United States History. Louis Masur, in his book 1831:Year of Eclipse, shines light on crucial events and culture shifts during 1831, that shaped the United States today. Masur’s metaphorical title suggests the importaince the eclipse of 1831 had on America. This twelve month period featured transitions in leadership, slavery issues, religious controversy, working class issues, and technological advances in the United States. Eventhough America spread and developed through techological advances, controversy over democratic values were a reoccuring theme that year, which exposed the US internal breakdown. After the eclipse on February 12th, Americans no longer feared the end of the world, but many were still anxious about the uncertanty of their counties fate. Prior to the eclipse on February 13, many Americans felt “a kind of vague fear, of impending danger-a prophetic presentiment of some approaching catastrophy” (5). Unfortunantly for the new leaders of the nation, they were left with many issues that challenged American ideals, including slavery. 1831 was a very pivotal year for the beginning of the abolishment of slavery. Soon after the eclipse, fear spread throughout Virginia of a possible slave rebellion. Eventhough some slave owners treated their slaves well, it did not mean they were safe from attack. On August 22, Nat Turner killed his master along with his family, the first account of slave rebellion in history. Turner’s Rebellion instilled fear in southern slave owners that a planned attack could occur at any moment (19). Thomas R. Gray, a slave owner and lawyer interviewed the slaves behind bars. He spoke with Turner for three day... ... middle of paper ... ... in the sky, described as a bright color change to a “sad universal tint of dingy purple” (216). Masur chose to end his book with Trollope’s experiences in America to sybolize how there is hope for a brighter future for Americans. Perhaps, the dark storm represents this gloomy era in American history, and the eclipse is symbolizing a new brighter chapter. 1831 contained the start of a slave rebellion, technological advances, a new generation of leaders, religious turmoil, prostitution, and the murdering of indians in America. 1831 left Americans with a lot of unfinished business in many issues; slavery, indian relations, expansion,working class evils, polotics. There was an inevitable feeling that major reform was needed to restore the democratic and moral values that were lost. Yet through all these intolerable acts, there was still hope for a bright future.

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