Introduction

The nineteenth century was one of tremendous growth for the United States. One major aspect of this growth was culture. Because the United States was still a fairly young country that was experiencing a lot of physical change due to the adoption of more land as states, it lacked a central culture that made Americans Americans. As time elapsed though, one part of United States culture began to flourish and shape Americans. This piece of the puzzle is known as music.
Slavery was still legal and very much in use during the nineteenth century. Part of the growth that occurred during the time was in values. There was huge dispute between the north and south over slavery. The Civil War was product of this major argument of the time. Not only did the values of north and south contradict, but so did those of the slaves themselves as well. This is very apparent in the music of the time. Music of the nineteenth century exhibits the differences in cultural values and ideals during the time period of slaves and white American citizens.
Due to the pain and suffering they experienced daily from their masters, slaves valued their freedom above all which can be seen through their musical background. They sang songs as a group when the worked in the fields that spoke of freedom and how God would one day release them from their horrible oppression. Many forms of music spurted off from slave music including the genre today that is know as the Blues.
An important part of life for free, white men in the United States during the 19th century was social standing. Only the richest and most privileged of families had enough money to attend social events like concerts. Music was a symbol of status for whites. These cultural values can be seen in the music of the time itself.
Life was very different for slaves and free men of the time. Despite the fact that they lived in the same country, on the same land, they lived extremely different lives and valued different things. Their cultures were fundamentally different and this can be seen in the differences of their music.

NEW thesis and outline

Thesis:

Music of the nineteenth century exhibits the differences in cultural values and ideals during the time period of slaves and white American citizens.

Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Slaves valued their freedom which is very apparent through their music.
a. cultural values
b. music:
i.spitutals
ii.work songs
c. analysis

III. White Americans of the time valued power, and social standings which can be seen through their music.
a. cultural values
b. Music:
i. musicians
ii. songs
iii. music halls
iiii. types of songs
c. analysis

III. There was many differences in the music of slaves, and free whites which is very apparent through their music.
a. cultural differences
b. differences in lifestyles
c. differences in music
d. analysis

IV. Conclusion

My Strengths & Weaknesses

I have a few weaknesses while writing this paper. First of all, my original topic was "Music during the 19th century", but after researching the topic I have altered my topic a a little bit. My thesis is "The most significant and influential basis of music during the 19th century in the United States is derived from the thoughts and feelings of slavery and freedom", so I am going to need to find more background information on slaves and Africans in general in order to write a clear, and concise paper that makes sense. Therefore, one of my main weaknesses is that I don't have all the necessary information to write my paper yet. I have plenty information on music, but I just need to find so more on the other aspects of the thesis. Another weakness I have is that a majority of my sources are from the internet. I found a lot of books in the school library, but I have yet to read any of them which is poor planning on my part. This week I will need to skim the books for useful evidence and information that I can include in my paper. One big advantage I have while writing this paper is that I have a lot of background writing formal essays in this format for debate. In debate they are a little more choppy in the structure and less eloquent, but they are along the same line which will help me write this essay.

Thesis & Outline

Thesis:

The most significant and influencial basis of music duing the 19th century in the United States is derived from the thoughts and feelings of slavery and freedom.

Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Africans
a. life style
b. culture: music/ dance
c. analysis

III. Slaves
a. suffering & pain
b. spriutals/ work songs
c. analysis

VI. Combination of European & African cultures
a. difference in music
b. differnece in morals
c. influence on music of the day
d. analysis

V. Conclusion