For each question, answer the question completely using proper English and make sure to proofread! You must also respond to at least one other student post to receive full credit.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Chapter Two-Killing: "The Hardest Courage"
What was Henry M. Turner's view on black soldiers seeking revenge upon confederate rebels? Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Turner? Why?
Henry M. Turner was opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge upon captured confederate rebels. He claimed such actions were an “outrage upon civilization and Christianity.” He strongly endorsed that black soldiers should maintain a “moral superiority to their enemies.”
I passionately agree with Henry M. Turner’s views concerning black soldiers administering any type of retribution upon captured confederate soldiers. While his beliefs may not seem fair, to others, I agree with what is stated in the book of Exodus 21:23–27, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” Over the course of the war, black soldiers suffered through merciless injustices. Yet, by treating captured confederates with the brutality that they rightly deserved, only more violence would ensue. Just as another black chaplain once emphasized, “Vengeance belongs to the Lord.”
Mr. Henry M. Turner believed that Black soldiers should not seek revenge upon confederate rebels. "Even if the Rebels had "set the example," such actions represented " outrage upon civilization and ... Christianity." Turner urged Black soldiers to disregard how people claim hey will act and to display "moral superiority to their enemies." Vengeance, as mentioned by another black chaplain, “belonged to the lord." I believe Mr. Turner held similar beliefs.
Personally, I deeply agree with Mr. Turner on the issue of Black soldiers seeking vengeance on Confederate Rebels. Treating violence with violence solves nothing; all that results is an increased amount of hatred for the opposite side. Treating captured rebels the same as captured Black soldiers would solve none of the problems that the union fought to solve. This would only spawn a new rage among the confederates that could, if at all, worsen the treatment of captured black soldiers or even slaves owned by fallen confederate soldier's families.
Henry M. Turner's view on black soliders looking for revenge against the captured rebels. Was that he had expected the black soliders to not take actions upon the captive, but to show how they could control themselves. By Turner setting an example, he wanted the black to hold their anger back and present a side that the South would had never seen. The blacks were to act like civilized people and show they had their own beliefs and and expectations. After reading this statement, I would have to agree with what Mr. Turner did. Because he showed how blacks had a better control over themselves than ever before seen.
Henry M. Turner was a black chaplain in the colored infantry. Blacks in the Union would probably love to kill any rebel soldiers that they capture. But that is not what Turner believed. He said ".. I am sternly opposed to, and that is, the killing of all the rebel prisoners taken by our soldiers."(54) He believed that killing rebel captives represented an "outrage upon civilization and...Christianity."(54) He urged black soldiers to refrain from seeking their revenge against the now helpless rebels.
I definately agree with waht Turner beleived. Although revenge may be wanted by many, it is definately not the solution. Whites in that time period, and not just the south, did not believe that blacks could be as civilized as them. Not killing the rebels helped prove them wrong and probably gave them respect among others. It helped prove that blacks were just as equal as whites.
Henry M. Turner was opposed to “…the killing of all rebel prisoners taken by our soldiers.” He urged soldiers to “disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally.” He wanted black soldiers to be able to show everyone that they upheld higher morals than their enemies. Although the black soldiers were treated horribly by rebels and killed as prisoners almost 100% of the time, I agree with Henry Turner. By being the better man and not carrying out the vengeance that they deserved to give, they were able to prove that they were not the animals that most southerners thought them to be, and they showed up their rebel counterparts. “Vengeance belongs to the Lord,” said one black chaplain, and I agree with that statement.
In response to Tanner, I completely agree with your statement “Not killing the rebels helped prove them wrong and probably gave them respect among others. It helped prove that blacks were just as equal as whites.” The black soldiers, in being able to withhold their vengeance from the rebel soldiers, were able to prove that they were equal to any white. In doing this they even outshone most of the rebels in their morals and control.
Henry M. Turner made it clear that he was opposed of the black soldiers seeking revenge over the rebel soldiers. Of course being a black man himself, it would be easy to use his anger to kill the rebel soldiers. But Mr. Turner did no agree with following the Conferate example to kill the captured so brutally. He wanted his soldiers to "disappoint those expected them to behave so brutally." And to "claim a moral superiority to their enemies."
I truely agree with Henry M. Turner, he wanted the black soldiers "to be the bigger person" and give respect, even though they would not recieve that respect in return. Like many of the posts above mine, "Vegeance...belonged to the Lord." Meaning it was not the black soldeirs duty to seek revenge on their enemy, if the good Lord wanted the rebels to die brutally, then the good Lord would make that happen.
Evan H, I agree with your comment about Mr. Turner wanting his soldiers to act like civilized people and show that they had their own beleifs and expectations. For Henry M. Turner to expect this from his soldiers is very heroic and it shows how he respects people. Being as killing the enemy could be very easy, he showed the rebels that the Union was different, and could control themselves.
Henry M. Turner was opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge on captured Confederates. He states that “…the killing of all rebel prisoners taken by our soldiers” was an “outrage upon civilization and Christianity.” He urged his soldiers to uphold a “moral superiority to their enemies.”
I completely agree with his statements. Retribution does not help with anything, as it angers the enemy and gives them more of a reason to kill. It also simply causes more unnesesary deaths. I also agree with the idea that "Vengeance belongs to the Lord.” Although the black soldiers were treated brutally, there duty was not in retribution.
I agree with your statement that if the good Lord wanted them to die, he would make it happen. This is a true statement and I believe that you brought up a good point. The soldiers were not to look to retribution, but rather leave that to God.
Henry M. Turner was opposed to seeking revenge upon captured Confederates. He told troops, "to disappoint those who expected them to act brutally". But he also encouraged a more religious view on the killings. As many quoted in the posts above, "Vengeance belongs to the Lord."
Even with the South's brutality towards the colored troops, I agree with Henry M. Turners opinion. By not submitting to this disgusting ritual, colored troops showed their "moral superiority". Even religion, which played such a prominent role in war, stopped the vengeance. Although the colored troops were treated awfully and brutally, it was not for them to pay retribution.
I agree with your statement that killing the Rebels in revenge would not help anything. If colored troops were already being brutally slain because they were fighting back. Then revenge could have caused even worse brutality. It would cause "more unnecessary deaths." Your post also brought up a good point when you talked about the idea of " Vengeance belongs to the Lord".
Henry M. Turner’s view on black soldiers seeking revenge on confederate rebels was negative. He saw this act as an outrage. Mr. Turner felt that acting like this was not civilized and it went against the morals of Christianity. He also felt that it was not right for the black soldiers to punish the confederate rebels.
I agree with Mr. Turner in this case. It is natural for the black soldiers to want to seek revenge, but it is not morally right. The confederates were wrong for how they were known to treat black men, but it was also wrong for the blacks to turn around and do the same thing. It is often said, “Two wrongs don’t make a right”.
I strongly agree with your answer. I also believe that two wrongs don’t make a right, but I love the way that you said that! Plus, by the black soldiers acting upon the confederates in a negative way, there was more cruelty in the war. You brought up some very good points. Nicely done!
Henry M. Turner believed that black soldiers should "disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally" and instead "claim a moral superiority to their enemies" (54). Turner believed that cruelty towards rebel soldiers taken prisoner was inhumane and against all of their Christian principles. He stressed that although rebel soldiers had "set the example," it was not right of his men to follow in their footsteps.
In my opinion, he was right. It is not up to soldiers to "even up the score." The job of the soldiersn is to fight for their beliefs without crossing the line of being inhumane when there is no need. Slaughtering rebel prisoners just keeps tensions high between the two warring sides. By the black soldiers maintaing control of their anger they make a bigger point than by killing the prisoners. It takes great skill to show mercy when your heart is crying for revenge. They would exhibit better control and morals than those who act on their hateful emotions- and even surprise those prisoners who would continue their life merely because the very people they were tormenting showed forgiveness.
You had a very good way of putting things- i agree with every word. You made a very good point: retribution does not help with anything and it only makes things worse. Even more, the purpose of the war was not revenge. It was to abolish slavery and for the South self-defense. The focus should not be killing prisoners because there was a much bigger picture that needed more attention: the fight for freedom. Nice job.
You said it exactly right. Two wrongs do not make a right. Just because the Confederate soldiers mistreated the blacks doesn't mean the Union's soldiers should sink to their level. They show better morals when exhibiting mercy. You were exactly right in saying by doing the same thing as the rebels only makes both of them wrongful. Great job.
It s a nice thought to believe that someone who had their freedom denied and their kin still imprisoned would play nice with their tormentors and forget the pain and suffering they had endured unfortunately that is not the case the friends and family of these slaves were still imprisoned and I would do the same as they did slay every enemy until my family was free. “War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over.” That was said by William Tecumseh Sherman a man who knew more about war then any humanitarian. Revenge was a motivator that ended the war. -Patrick Tidwell
Henry M. Turner was opposed to the idea that black soldiers should get revenge on the confederate rebels. He said “highly endorsed by an immense number of both white and colored people, which I am sternly opposed to, and that is, the killing of all the rebel prisoners taken by our soldiers.” He also said that these actions that were made were “outrage upon civilization and … Christianity”
I personally agree with Turner because you need to be the bigger man in all this and not be controlled by anger. If they did kill these men they captured, the word would surely get to the confederacy. This would defiantly have more violence break out to themselves, other capture soldiers or even some blacks that are not even in the war just in the mist of the army. So with them being the bigger men the violence will be less than it would be with them getting back.
I agree with what you said. I like how you brought in the book of Exodus 21:23–27, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” that was a good touch. I also like that you said that this would create more violence. That was a good.
Henery M. Turner looked down upon takeing revenge on the rebels. Even though they treated black soldiers so brutally he stood strong in his morals that it was wrong. I agree with him that seeking revenge was wrong. killing the rebels would prove nothing except that they were no better than the people that they hated so mutch. two wrongs do NOT make a right.
hank hammond I agree with Henry Turner was right about black soldiers not taking revenge upon confederate soldiers. I have many reasons in believing this. First of all, the war obviously turned out the way it was supposed to and in the end; blacks got their vengeance simply by becoming free men. This outraged former confederates. Another reason is that the blacks would simply be doing wrong as the confederates were. Clearly coming down to the level of pro-slavery men was not the way to prove that freedom could be earned by the blacks.
hank hammond In response to pstidwell I highly disagree with his statement. The blacks would be no better than the confederates had they,” slain the enemy." This would not have proved to the union that they are respectable enough human beings to be considered free men. And the comment that the more brutal the war, the sooner it will be over is outrageous. With the confederate and union army’s matched with numbers and technology, the war would just cause more and more havoc and the duration would be extended.
Henry Turner was a against black soldiers taking revenge on the confederate soldiers even though the confederates had treated them so badly. I agree with Henry Turner because if the blacks showed their revenge on the confererates then they would just be following them and they would be following their bad actions. If the blacks got revenge they would just be doing the same wrong that they were against in the first place.
I agree with HankOffspring3097 when he stated," blacks got their vengeance simply by becoming free men." I agreed with this statement because it was a good way for the blacks to get revenge and angering the confederates without showing it the same way that the confederates had during the time before the war. The blacks got revenge in their own way not the "confederate way".
IN response to hank Hammond here is the sad truth about war morality and being the bigger man does not come into play and the idea that someone would not want revenge on their tormentors could only be thought up by one who has not suffered. War is hell there is no goal but to get it over with the longer a war the more death is brought to the combatants. This is the way war works you kill as many people on the other side as posible while attempting to keep your men alive. You kill as many as you can until they are so destroyed as to the point they must surrender or die utterly. Brutality is just the speed in which that destruction and death takes place. Motivation is a major factor in how fast a war is ended. The Union army was running out of motivation the reason to fight seemed unclear. But nothing motivates a man to end a war better than the thought of his kin imprisoned and enslaved. The goal of the free blacks was not revenge it was to free their family and If Harry M turner had got his wish and had his vision of morality fulfilled he would have seen a much longer and unsuccessful war ending with those blacks in the south still enslaved. So tell me where do you put your morality then.
I agree with you when you said, "If the blacks got revenge they would just be doing the same wrong that they were against in the first place." The blacks did not like to be mistreated and abused so to take revenge would be hypocritical. They wanted to show the whites that they could be better than them and not act like animals. They did not want to follow the Condeferate's bad actions, they wanted to win the war for their freedom.
Henry M. Turner was opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge on imprisoned Confederate soldiers. Even though the rebels "set the example", killing them was an "outrage upon civilization and... Christianity,"
Henry M. Turner makes a great argument concerning the killing of Confederate prisoners. He brings up a great point when telling soldiers to, "disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally; they should instead claim a moral superiority to their enemies. However, I cannot imagine the feeling of hate the black soldiers had towards the people who had treated them and their family so terribly. Still, I agree with Turner's idea because "getting even" just leads to more violence and more suffering.
That was very well said. I have to agree with your statement “Revenge was a motivator that ended the war.” In fact, it is true. Without revenge, the soldiers would have had very little to fight for. Most soldiers would take revenge on the enemy for lost loved ones and comrades in the war. If it were me taking revenge, I would do my best to make sure that my friends and family did not die in vain.
Henry M. Turner was against the killing of captured confederate soldiers, even though some had killed black prisoners just because of their color. As stated, “Turner urged black soldiers to disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally”.
I agree with what Turner preached, killing confederate soldiers would have made the situation even worse. I understand that they would like to pay back the Confederates for all the terrible things their race was put through because of slavery. Not paying them retribution showed that they had higher moral values. “Vengeance, as ablack chaplain emphasized, belonged to the Lord”
In the book it states that Henry M. Turner was strongly opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge against the captured confederate soldiers. I agree with him that the black soldiers should have show that they had better moral character, and taken the high road. If they looked for revenge, they would have been no better than the people who had discriminated agains them just because of their color.
Henry M. Turner believed that no black soldier should take any act of revenge upon a captured confederate soldier. He felt that this was an “outrage upon civilization and Christianity.” He felt that black soldiers should represent the greater moral superiority and take control of their emotions against their enemy.
This is something I agree with completely. Although these men deserved a thousand punishments for what they did the only way to move forward and end the era of slavery was to keep your head up and move on. While this daunting task would be incredibly difficult to any man that was forced to endure what these men did it was the only way to heal and advance to a better day.
You said it perfectly. I really agree with the quote you used at the end saying “Vengeance belongs to the Lord." The men that committed these awful crimes against humanity in that time will see their day. No matter what any soldier could have done, none of the violence they could have dealt would wipe away the stain of what those soldiers had done. Only the wrath of God had the power to make even the strongest man fall to his knees in regret. They were going to see their day, and that was when true vengeance would be dealt.
Mr. Turner thought it wrong to seek out vengeance on the confederate rebels. He was “‘sternly opposed to the killing of all the rebel prisoners taken by [the North’s] soldiers’” (54). Henry believed that it was an “‘outrage upon civilization and . . . Christianity’” (54). He told black soldiers to “disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally” and that “vengeance belonged to the Lord” (54). Standing on the outside looking in, I would instinctively declare that it is wrong to fight fire with fire, that one should live by the golden rule, and all of the maxims that go along with living a pious life. However, if I was an African American living in the Civil War, watching my brethren being slaughtered right before my very eyes, I cannot guarantee that I would be as strong as my mottos. I would want to show the rebels that we blacks have courage too! We are not weak! We can defeat you! Alas, that would not be the ‘right thing’ to do. To display genuine courage would be to exhibit forgiveness and mercy towards fellow man. To truly avenge the death of a loved one or comrade would to rise above the assassin. Ultimately, the latter would have the superior feeling at the end of the day. It would be a matter of what felt better to me; what I would be able to live with.
RE: Danielle I agree with you and everyone else who included the quote “Vengeance belonged to the Lord.” I like how you said that “it was not the black soldiers’ duty to seek revenge on their enemy”. However, when you wrote, “If the good Lord wanted the rebels to die brutally, then the good Lord would make that happen”. Of course God is going to make happen what he wants to happen but the words ‘good Lord’ and ‘die brutally’ do not belong in the same sentence. I do not believe that God picked a side in the Civil War, or any war for that matter. I imagine that He sees the problems being fought over and decides which is wrong and which is right from what He sees.
In response to Jacob A I agree that the white soldiers would have deserved what they got if the black soldiers punished them for how they were treated. Also, i agree that it would be an incredibly difficult task to simply move on, but it proved that they were the better men.
I agree with your statement that violence only leads to more violence. I think that's the point that Turner is trying to make, he doesn't want more violence. You said "Blacks shouldn’t have retaliated because, if they did, they would become the very savages that they were fighting to destroy." To me, this is a good statement because by retaliating they are becoming savages. Having savages on both sides, or any side of the war for that matter, isn't helping anything.
Henry M. Turner was strongly opposed to the blacks seeking revenge on the Rebels, as he says, "...I am sternly opposed to the killing of Rebels taken by our soldiers." Turner claimed that killing of the Rebels was "an outrage upon civilization and...Christianity." I strongly agree with Turner on this matter. Even though the Rebels gave the black soldiers every reason to kill them, it doesn't necessarily mean that killing the Rebels was just and right. And, in my opinion, because most of the black soldiers rose above the temptation to kill the Rebels, it helped the North win the war.
Your view on this matter is very strong, and i agree with it. I would also have to admit that I may not have the courage to practice what I preach, especially if I had to watch my brothers being killed and tortured.
Henry M. Turner's view on black soldiers seeking revenge upon Confederate rebels was that it should not be done and was "an outrage upon civilization and ... Christianity." He urged black [Union] soldiers to turn down the people who wanted them to act wrongly. "Turner urged black soldiers to disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally" and alternately "claim moral superiority to their enemies." I completely believe in what Turner was saying. It is morally the right thing to do. Retaliating against the rebels solves nothing, it only creates more violence. In this case, they would be the better person, and like Mikayla Greenwell said "prove that they were not the animals that most southerners thought them to be."
Henry M. Turner strongly disliked Black soldiers seeking revenge on Confederate soldiers even if they were prisoners and said it was "an outrage upon civilization and....Christianity." He asked of the Black soldiers to stop these crimes and speak of those who commited them too. I do agree with Mr. Turner on how it is an outrage. Even if they are the enemy at least have some kind of respect. Also many Confederates were seeking revenge on black soldiers, so both colored soldiers and Confederates seeked revenge on eachother.
i agree with your statement on how both the Confederate and Union colored soldiers all had the same feeling for one another about seeking revenge. Also how it was just the wrong act to commit.
Mark Miller- I totally agree with what you said about how it is an outrage and that even though they are the enemy, you should have some type of respect. I also like how you took into consideration when answering that Confederates were seeking revenge on black soldiers and so both sides were seeking revenge upon each other.
Henry M. Turner was strongly opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge on Confederate soldiers and that it was "an outrage upon civilization and...Christianity." I would have to agree Henry M. Turner's views on black soldiers seeking revenge on Confederates. I do not think that it is ever okay to harm and possibly murder another human being that could be innocent because of your own personal troubles. I understand that slavery was wrong and black soldiers had a right to be angry, but that does not give them the right to hurt another person. Violence is not the answer. Although both sides were seeking revenge upon each other, I think that the fact that black soldiers did not always seek revenge on Confederates may have helped to make the war more civil and end more quickly.
I think you made a great point when you stated;” I cannot imagine the feeling of hate the black soldiers had towards the people who had treated them and their family so terribly.” This puts the enormity of many black soldiers’ actions into perspective. By refusing to retaliate, they showed incredible restraint. I also like that you acknowledged that no one today can truly relate to the emotional turmoil experienced by those soldiers.
Henry M. Turner made it very clear that he was undeniably opposed to African American soldiers seeking revenge against confederate rebels because this, in his opinion, was just an "outrage upon civilization and Christianity". Turner felt that taking part in these actions would just hurt the colored troops because it would go on to show those who expected them to "behave brutally" that they were correct. Henry told his comrades to avoid this sort of incorrect vengeance and, instead, act with a higher level of morality and upset all of those who thought wrong of them.
I indubitably agree with Henry Turner's beliefs because if the black soldiers went on to seek revenge and punished the confederate rebels with as much abhorrence and bigotry as their people had endured then only more problems would arise, because this would make even more narrow-minded people want for African Americans not to be treated equally and slavery could possibly receive more support and the racial injustices might have lasted a longer period of time. Therefore, I do feel that Mr. Turner was correct.
I agree with you because, like you said, even though many confederate rebels did deserve some punishment for what they did it was better for the African American soldiers to act with humanity and just move on, instead of adding to wrong the confederates had commited. I'm sure that it was very hard not to seek vengeance for the pain they had inflicted on other colored troops but it was the suitable thing to do.
Henry M. Turner was strongly against African American Soldiers seeking revenge upon Confederate soldiers. He "urged black soldiers to disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally." In other words he wanted the African American soldiers to show them who the "bigger people" were.
I strongly agree with Henry M. Turner. The African American soldiers had every right to be mad and hate the southerners for generations of enslavement. However, the soldiers would not want to lower themselves to the level of slave owners. This would also spark more conflict and the South would start killing their captives too.
Henry M. Turner was in opposition to the black soldiers seeking vengeance against the Confederate Rebels. Although the opposing had formerly enslaved most black soldiers, black soldiers were intent for revenge. Henry Turner had another notion. He firmly believed that the black soldiers in the Civil War should "set the example," (54) by not be in quest for vengeance, but instead show their supremacy by behaving ethically and civilly. I agree with Henry M. Turner's belief without reservation. Seeking vengeance against the South would be showing the southerners that they were just like them when, in all actuality, they could be showing their enemies their superiority. To seek vengeance against an enemy by doing something morally wrong is stooping down to a low level.
In response to Sevan Strait: Your idea that the black soldiers acting in vengeance "would also spark more conflict and the South would start killing their captives too," makes a wonderful point. Vengeance has only ever led to unnecessary bloodshed. If the black soldiers were to seek revenge, they would be risking both their fellow comrade's and their own blood for a moot point. After all, vengeance and revenge were not the purpose of the Civil War at its start.
Henry M. Turner's view was that black soldier should not seek revenge upon confederate rebels. I belive that many black soldier had urges to do such thing, but they followed as ordered. Not doing so made them "bigger people" and followed the laws of Christianity.
I agree with Henry M. Turner's view. It is wrong to seek brutal revenge. The South did make laws that about what would happen to african-americans if capture, which are unpleasant.
I agree with Amy Bowman. Taking revenge upon the South makes them no better than the South. Instead they proved themselves superior to the South. I think winning a war is enough revenge that anyone could ask for. Brutal revenge would be marally and religiously wrong.
Jenni- You made an amazing point when you said, "I do not think that it is ever okay to harm and possibly murder another human being that could be innocent because of your own personal troubles." If african americans had taken revenge and southern captives, their is a possibility that they are killing someone who had nothing to do with slavery; Such a person might have wanted to fight for the love of his country, not to maintain a way of life involving slavery.
Mr. Turner was opposed to the idea of black soldiers seeking "vengeance" on their confederate prisoners. Mr. Turner felt that it was an“outrage upon civilization and Christianity.” It can also be interpreted that Mr. Turner felt that it would make the blacks look better morally because they were ignoring the temptation to sin and seek vengeance. My intelligence tells me to agree with Mr. Turner's opinion, but had I been a black soldier, I'm not sure that I would be able to hold back my vengeance.
Chandler, whereas I completely agree with your opinion, I have to ask whether you would be able to control your emotions and not seek revenge if you were in the situation that the black soldiers were in. Looking back it is easier to critique, but it is hard to perform an accurate assessment due to our overall lack of experience in this arena.
I fully agree with your statement that “Retribution does not help with anything, as it angers the enemy and gives them more of a reason to kill.” Although blacks had more than enough of a reason to be enraged, they showed that by abstaining from violence they possessed self control and showed the southerners that they just as- if not more humane than them.
As stated on page 54, Henry M. Turner disagreed with black soldiers seeking revenge upon the South. Turner thought they should instead "disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally" and "vengeance belonged to the Lord."
I agree with Turner completely. By not seeking revenge upon the rebel soldiers, they would be proving most of the country wrong. They would also be following God by not killing the rebel prisoners. Also, by killing or punishing the soldiers for what they had done to them, they would only be taking place in what they were punishing them for.
Henry M. Turner's views on black soldiers seeking revenge on the South was that the soldiers should "set the example" (pg. 54) by not going for vengeance. I agree with Turner completely about how the black soldiers should be the better people.
I completely agree with what you said about how the soldiers not seeking revenge would be proving most of the country wrong. Also, I agree with your statement that killing or punishing the soldiers would only take the place in what they were punishing them for.
Henry M. Turner “urged black soldiers to disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally; they should instead claim a moral superiority to their enemies."(pg.54). Most people expected black soldiers to seek revenge. He felt that black soldiers should not take out their anger and frustration on white soldiers and prove that they were equal in the eyes of god.
Henry M. Turner had a negative view on black soldiers seeking revenge on confederate rebels. He was opposed to this idea. He thought that was an "outrage upon civilization and christianity." He believed that black soldiers should maintian "moral superiority to their enemies."
I would have to agree with Henry M. Turner because he basically was saying that using violence as an act towards their violence would only end up with a bigger problem. That would not help them in the long run. It would only worsen how the whites would see and respect the blacks.
Henry M. Turner was opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge upon confederate rebels, and instead urged them to "claim a moral superiority to their enemies". Although the black soldier's want for revenge upon the confederate rebels is quite understandable, he believed that no good would come from more violence, and that "vengeance belonged to the Lord".
I completely agree with Henry M. Turner. I think he makes an incredibly good point when he illustrates the fact that no good comes from violence, and even though being the bigger person is often more difficult than seeking revenge, in the end, it is the right thing to do.
I liked how you responded to the question through different perspectives. Inderectly, you make a very good point that things are easier said than done.
Henry M. Turner opposed black soldiers taking revenge upon confederate rebels. I think he probably felt that to do so would have lowered them to their enemy's level. I gathered this from this passage: "Turner urged black soldiers to disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally; they should instead claim a moral superiority to their enemies." I liked this quote because it showed that through all the bloodshed and savage violence someone still had a good head on their shoulders and was capable of forgiveness and compassion. On this note, I definitely do agree with Mr. Turner. I do not think revenge is a just reason to kill anyone, no matter the wrong they may have done against you or your kind.
I strongly agree with what Mr. Burns said in his post. I liked that he added a biblical excerpt as well. "While his beliefs may not seem fair, to others, I agree with what is stated in the book of Exodus 21:23–27, 'An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.'" Indeed the whole world would be blind, if everyone was seeking revenge. Considering most of the soldiers in the Civil War were Protestant and Catholic, this passage from the bible seems to be one they were all probably familiar with.
Henry M. Turner believed that black soldiers should not seek revenge upon confederate rebels. He urged black soldiers to be morally superior to their enemies and not behave brutally as people expected. I agree with Mr. Turner because by seeking revenge, the black soldiers would have been no better than the rebels. It would only make whites think less of the black soldiers.
Stephanie- I agree that they should set the example and maybe the South would do the same and the war could be less tragic and less people could have died.
I completely agree with the statements you made in your post. I like the way you put your response, saying that "Although these men deserved a thousand punishments for what they did the only way to move forward and end the era of slavery was to keep your head up and move on" and "While this daunting task would be incredibly difficult to any man that was forced to endure what these men did it was the only way to heal and advance to a better day" and I couldn't agree more. I thought your response was very well said.
In response to Evan H. When you said that he wanted them to hold their anger back, I somewhat disagree. I think that he wanted them to take advantage of that anger, and be able to focus it on fighting the way they were supposed to instead of I guess what you could call sabotage. But I also completely agree with Mr. Turner.
Mr. Turner believed that the black soliders should not search for revenge on the confedrate rebels. He said that "vengence belonged to the lord," meaning that the lord will take control and get revenge instead of them. They should not act towards the rebels that they had catured.
I agree with Turner's explanation to not retailiate. If they were to retailiate they would not be any better than the rebels and would not be as noble as percieved to be.I believe that carma will catch back up with the rebels because in the end they will be the one's with turmoil and an ego that previously existed, but will be much larger.
I agree with Heidi in her opinion about Turner's remarks. If the black soliders would have looked for revenge they would be on the same plane feild as the rebels. They were the bigger peolpe and found the strength to keep their hatred in. The black soliders new the right thing to do and did not use violence to get a point across to the rebels.
Jordan I agree that the only thing that fighting violence with violence causes is much more hatred, I also agree that it would create more rage among the confederates, but if no one ever fought back then only the side willing to sacrifice by fighting back would win. Yes most of the time revenge is not the answer but sometimes it’s the only answer.
Henry M. Turner was opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge upon captured confederate rebels. He claimed such actions were an “outrage upon civilization and Christianity.” He strongly endorsed that black soldiers should maintain a “moral superiority to their enemies.”
ReplyDeleteI passionately agree with Henry M. Turner’s views concerning black soldiers administering any type of retribution upon captured confederate soldiers. While his beliefs may not seem fair, to others, I agree with what is stated in the book of Exodus 21:23–27, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” Over the course of the war, black soldiers suffered through merciless injustices. Yet, by treating captured confederates with the brutality that they rightly deserved, only more violence would ensue. Just as another black chaplain once emphasized, “Vengeance belongs to the Lord.”
Mr. Henry M. Turner believed that Black soldiers should not seek revenge upon confederate rebels. "Even if the Rebels had "set the example," such actions represented " outrage upon civilization and ... Christianity." Turner urged Black soldiers to disregard how people claim hey will act and to display "moral superiority to their enemies." Vengeance, as mentioned by another black chaplain, “belonged to the lord." I believe Mr. Turner held similar beliefs.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I deeply agree with Mr. Turner on the issue of Black soldiers seeking vengeance on Confederate Rebels. Treating violence with violence solves nothing; all that results is an increased amount of hatred for the opposite side. Treating captured rebels the same as captured Black soldiers would solve none of the problems that the union fought to solve. This would only spawn a new rage among the confederates that could, if at all, worsen the treatment of captured black soldiers or even slaves owned by fallen confederate soldier's families.
Henry M. Turner's view on black soliders looking for revenge against the captured rebels. Was that he had expected the black soliders to not take actions upon the captive, but to show how they could control themselves. By Turner setting an example, he wanted the black to hold their anger back and present a side that the South would had never seen. The blacks were to act like civilized people and show they had their own beliefs and and expectations. After reading this statement, I would have to agree with what Mr. Turner did. Because he showed how blacks had a better control over themselves than ever before seen.
ReplyDeleteHenry M. Turner was a black chaplain in the colored infantry. Blacks in the Union would probably love to kill any rebel soldiers that they capture. But that is not what Turner believed. He said ".. I am sternly opposed to, and that is, the killing of all the rebel prisoners taken by our soldiers."(54) He believed that killing rebel captives represented an "outrage upon civilization and...Christianity."(54) He urged black soldiers to refrain from seeking their revenge against the now helpless rebels.
ReplyDeleteI definately agree with waht Turner beleived. Although revenge may be wanted by many, it is definately not the solution. Whites in that time period, and not just the south, did not believe that blacks could be as civilized as them. Not killing the rebels helped prove them wrong and probably gave them respect among others. It helped prove that blacks were just as equal as whites.
Henry M. Turner was opposed to “…the killing of all rebel prisoners taken by our soldiers.” He urged soldiers to “disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally.” He wanted black soldiers to be able to show everyone that they upheld higher morals than their enemies.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the black soldiers were treated horribly by rebels and killed as prisoners almost 100% of the time, I agree with Henry Turner. By being the better man and not carrying out the vengeance that they deserved to give, they were able to prove that they were not the animals that most southerners thought them to be, and they showed up their rebel counterparts. “Vengeance belongs to the Lord,” said one black chaplain, and I agree with that statement.
In response to Tanner,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your statement “Not killing the rebels helped prove them wrong and probably gave them respect among others. It helped prove that blacks were just as equal as whites.” The black soldiers, in being able to withhold their vengeance from the rebel soldiers, were able to prove that they were equal to any white. In doing this they even outshone most of the rebels in their morals and control.
Henry M. Turner made it clear that he was opposed of the black soldiers seeking revenge over the rebel soldiers. Of course being a black man himself, it would be easy to use his anger to kill the rebel soldiers. But Mr. Turner did no agree with following the Conferate example to kill the captured so brutally. He wanted his soldiers to "disappoint those expected them to behave so brutally." And to "claim a moral superiority to their enemies."
ReplyDeleteI truely agree with Henry M. Turner, he wanted the black soldiers "to be the bigger person" and give respect, even though they would not recieve that respect in return. Like many of the posts above mine, "Vegeance...belonged to the Lord." Meaning it was not the black soldeirs duty to seek revenge on their enemy, if the good Lord wanted the rebels to die brutally, then the good Lord would make that happen.
Evan H,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment about Mr. Turner wanting his soldiers to act like civilized people and show that they had their own beleifs and expectations. For Henry M. Turner to expect this from his soldiers is very heroic and it shows how he respects people. Being as killing the enemy could be very easy, he showed the rebels that the Union was different, and could control themselves.
Henry M. Turner was opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge on captured Confederates. He states that “…the killing of all rebel prisoners taken by our soldiers” was an “outrage upon civilization and Christianity.” He urged his soldiers to uphold a “moral superiority to their enemies.”
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with his statements. Retribution does not help with anything, as it angers the enemy and gives them more of a reason to kill. It also simply causes more unnesesary deaths. I also agree with the idea that "Vengeance belongs to the Lord.” Although the black soldiers were treated brutally, there duty was not in retribution.
Danielle Sheehan
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that if the good Lord wanted them to die, he would make it happen. This is a true statement and I believe that you brought up a good point. The soldiers were not to look to retribution, but rather leave that to God.
Henry M. Turner was opposed to seeking revenge upon captured Confederates. He told troops, "to disappoint those who expected them to act brutally". But he also encouraged a more religious view on the killings. As many quoted in the posts above, "Vengeance belongs to the Lord."
ReplyDeleteEven with the South's brutality towards the colored troops, I agree with Henry M. Turners opinion. By not submitting to this disgusting ritual, colored troops showed their "moral superiority". Even religion, which played such a prominent role in war, stopped the vengeance. Although the colored troops were treated awfully and brutally, it was not for them to pay retribution.
Erin
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that killing the Rebels in revenge would not help anything. If colored troops were already being brutally slain because they were fighting back. Then revenge could have caused even worse brutality. It would cause "more unnecessary deaths." Your post also brought up a good point when you talked about the idea of " Vengeance belongs to the Lord".
Henry M. Turner’s view on black soldiers seeking revenge on confederate rebels was negative. He saw this act as an outrage. Mr. Turner felt that acting like this was not civilized and it went against the morals of Christianity. He also felt that it was not right for the black soldiers to punish the confederate rebels.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr. Turner in this case. It is natural for the black soldiers to want to seek revenge, but it is not morally right. The confederates were wrong for how they were known to treat black men, but it was also wrong for the blacks to turn around and do the same thing. It is often said, “Two wrongs don’t make a right”.
Nick,
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with your answer. I also believe that two wrongs don’t make a right, but I love the way that you said that! Plus, by the black soldiers acting upon the confederates in a negative way, there was more cruelty in the war. You brought up some very good points. Nicely done!
Henry M. Turner believed that black soldiers should "disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally" and instead "claim a moral superiority to their enemies" (54). Turner believed that cruelty towards rebel soldiers taken prisoner was inhumane and against all of their Christian principles. He stressed that although rebel soldiers had "set the example," it was not right of his men to follow in their footsteps.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, he was right. It is not up to soldiers to "even up the score." The job of the soldiersn is to fight for their beliefs without crossing the line of being inhumane when there is no need. Slaughtering rebel prisoners just keeps tensions high between the two warring sides. By the black soldiers maintaing control of their anger they make a bigger point than by killing the prisoners. It takes great skill to show mercy when your heart is crying for revenge. They would exhibit better control and morals than those who act on their hateful emotions- and even surprise those prisoners who would continue their life merely because the very people they were tormenting showed forgiveness.
Erin-
ReplyDeleteYou had a very good way of putting things- i agree with every word. You made a very good point: retribution does not help with anything and it only makes things worse. Even more, the purpose of the war was not revenge. It was to abolish slavery and for the South self-defense. The focus should not be killing prisoners because there was a much bigger picture that needed more attention: the fight for freedom. Nice job.
Kendra-
ReplyDeleteYou said it exactly right. Two wrongs do not make a right. Just because the Confederate soldiers mistreated the blacks doesn't mean the Union's soldiers should sink to their level. They show better morals when exhibiting mercy. You were exactly right in saying by doing the same thing as the rebels only makes both of them wrongful. Great job.
It s a nice thought to believe that someone who had their freedom denied and their kin still imprisoned would play nice with their tormentors and forget the pain and suffering they had endured unfortunately that is not the case the friends and family of these slaves were still imprisoned and I would do the same as they did slay every enemy until my family was free. “War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over.” That was said by William Tecumseh Sherman a man who knew more about war then any humanitarian. Revenge was a motivator that ended the war.
ReplyDelete-Patrick Tidwell
Henry M. Turner was opposed to the idea that black soldiers should get revenge on the confederate rebels. He said “highly endorsed by an immense number of both white and colored people, which I am sternly opposed to, and that is, the killing of all the rebel prisoners taken by our soldiers.” He also said that these actions that were made were “outrage upon civilization and … Christianity”
ReplyDeleteI personally agree with Turner because you need to be the bigger man in all this and not be controlled by anger. If they did kill these men they captured, the word would surely get to the confederacy. This would defiantly have more violence break out to themselves, other capture soldiers or even some blacks that are not even in the war just in the mist of the army. So with them being the bigger men the violence will be less than it would be with them getting back.
Nick,
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said. I like how you brought in the book of Exodus 21:23–27, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” that was a good touch. I also like that you said that this would create more violence. That was a good.
Henery M. Turner looked down upon takeing revenge on the rebels. Even though they treated black soldiers so brutally he stood strong in his morals that it was wrong. I agree with him that seeking revenge was wrong. killing the rebels would prove nothing except that they were no better than the people that they hated so mutch. two wrongs do NOT make a right.
ReplyDeletehank hammond
ReplyDeleteI agree with Henry Turner was right about black soldiers not taking revenge upon confederate soldiers. I have many reasons in believing this. First of all, the war obviously turned out the way it was supposed to and in the end; blacks got their vengeance simply by becoming free men. This outraged former confederates. Another reason is that the blacks would simply be doing wrong as the confederates were. Clearly coming down to the level of pro-slavery men was not the way to prove that freedom could be earned by the blacks.
hank hammond
ReplyDeleteIn response to pstidwell
I highly disagree with his statement. The blacks would be no better than the confederates had they,” slain the enemy." This would not have proved to the union that they are respectable enough human beings to be considered free men. And the comment that the more brutal the war, the sooner it will be over is outrageous. With the confederate and union army’s matched with numbers and technology, the war would just cause more and more havoc and the duration would be extended.
Henry Turner was a against black soldiers taking revenge on the confederate soldiers even though the confederates had treated them so badly. I agree with Henry Turner because if the blacks showed their revenge on the confererates then they would just be following them and they would be following their bad actions. If the blacks got revenge they would just be doing the same wrong that they were against in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI agree with HankOffspring3097 when he stated," blacks got their vengeance simply by becoming free men." I agreed with this statement because it was a good way for the blacks to get revenge and angering the confederates without showing it the same way that the confederates had during the time before the war. The blacks got revenge in their own way not the "confederate way".
ReplyDeleteIN response to hank Hammond here is the sad truth about war morality and being the bigger man does not come into play and the idea that someone would not want revenge on their tormentors could only be thought up by one who has not suffered. War is hell there is no goal but to get it over with the longer a war the more death is brought to the combatants. This is the way war works you kill as many people on the other side as posible while attempting to keep your men alive. You kill as many as you can until they are so destroyed as to the point they must surrender or die utterly. Brutality is just the speed in which that destruction and death takes place. Motivation is a major factor in how fast a war is ended. The Union army was running out of motivation the reason to fight seemed unclear. But nothing motivates a man to end a war better than the thought of his kin imprisoned and enslaved. The goal of the free blacks was not revenge it was to free their family and If Harry M turner had got his wish and had his vision of morality fulfilled he would have seen a much longer and unsuccessful war ending with those blacks in the south still enslaved. So tell me where do you put your morality then.
ReplyDeleteTori Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you said, "If the blacks got revenge they would just be doing the same wrong that they were against in the first place." The blacks did not like to be mistreated and abused so to take revenge would be hypocritical. They wanted to show the whites that they could be better than them and not act like animals. They did not want to follow the Condeferate's bad actions, they wanted to win the war for their freedom.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHenry M. Turner was opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge on imprisoned Confederate soldiers. Even though the rebels "set the example", killing them was an "outrage upon civilization and... Christianity,"
ReplyDeleteHenry M. Turner makes a great argument concerning the killing of Confederate prisoners. He brings up a great point when telling soldiers to, "disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally; they should instead claim a moral superiority to their enemies. However, I cannot imagine the feeling of hate the black soldiers had towards the people who had treated them and their family so terribly. Still, I agree with Turner's idea because "getting even" just leads to more violence and more suffering.
Re: pstidwell
ReplyDeleteThat was very well said. I have to agree with your statement “Revenge was a motivator that ended the war.” In fact, it is true. Without revenge, the soldiers would have had very little to fight for. Most soldiers would take revenge on the enemy for lost loved ones and comrades in the war. If it were me taking revenge, I would do my best to make sure that my friends and family did not die in vain.
Henry M. Turner was against the killing of captured confederate soldiers, even though some had killed black prisoners just because of their color. As stated, “Turner urged black soldiers to disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally”.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Turner preached, killing confederate soldiers would have made the situation even worse. I understand that they would like to pay back the Confederates for all the terrible things their race was put through because of slavery. Not paying them retribution showed that they had higher moral values. “Vengeance, as ablack chaplain emphasized, belonged to the Lord”
In the book it states that Henry M. Turner was strongly opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge against the captured confederate soldiers. I agree with him that the black soldiers should have show that they had better moral character, and taken the high road. If they looked for revenge, they would have been no better than the people who had discriminated agains them just because of their color.
ReplyDeleteHenry M. Turner believed that no black soldier should take any act of revenge upon a captured confederate soldier. He felt that this was an “outrage upon civilization and Christianity.” He felt that black soldiers should represent the greater moral superiority and take control of their emotions against their enemy.
ReplyDeleteThis is something I agree with completely. Although these men deserved a thousand punishments for what they did the only way to move forward and end the era of slavery was to keep your head up and move on. While this daunting task would be incredibly difficult to any man that was forced to endure what these men did it was the only way to heal and advance to a better day.
In response to Nick
ReplyDeleteYou said it perfectly. I really agree with the quote you used at the end saying “Vengeance belongs to the Lord." The men that committed these awful crimes against humanity in that time will see their day. No matter what any soldier could have done, none of the violence they could have dealt would wipe away the stain of what those soldiers had done. Only the wrath of God had the power to make even the strongest man fall to his knees in regret. They were going to see their day, and that was when true vengeance would be dealt.
Mr. Turner thought it wrong to seek out vengeance on the confederate rebels. He was “‘sternly opposed to the killing of all the rebel prisoners taken by [the North’s] soldiers’” (54). Henry believed that it was an “‘outrage upon civilization and . . . Christianity’” (54). He told black soldiers to “disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally” and that “vengeance belonged to the Lord” (54).
ReplyDeleteStanding on the outside looking in, I would instinctively declare that it is wrong to fight fire with fire, that one should live by the golden rule, and all of the maxims that go along with living a pious life. However, if I was an African American living in the Civil War, watching my brethren being slaughtered right before my very eyes, I cannot guarantee that I would be as strong as my mottos. I would want to show the rebels that we blacks have courage too! We are not weak! We can defeat you! Alas, that would not be the ‘right thing’ to do. To display genuine courage would be to exhibit forgiveness and mercy towards fellow man. To truly avenge the death of a loved one or comrade would to rise above the assassin. Ultimately, the latter would have the superior feeling at the end of the day. It would be a matter of what felt better to me; what I would be able to live with.
RE: Danielle
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and everyone else who included the quote “Vengeance belonged to the Lord.” I like how you said that “it was not the black soldiers’ duty to seek revenge on their enemy”. However, when you wrote, “If the good Lord wanted the rebels to die brutally, then the good Lord would make that happen”. Of course God is going to make happen what he wants to happen but the words ‘good Lord’ and ‘die brutally’ do not belong in the same sentence. I do not believe that God picked a side in the Civil War, or any war for that matter. I imagine that He sees the problems being fought over and decides which is wrong and which is right from what He sees.
In response to Jacob A
ReplyDeleteI agree that the white soldiers would have deserved what they got if the black soldiers punished them for how they were treated. Also, i agree that it would be an incredibly difficult task to simply move on, but it proved that they were the better men.
Matt Coen,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that violence only leads to more violence. I think that's the point that Turner is trying to make, he doesn't want more violence. You said "Blacks shouldn’t have retaliated because, if they did, they would become the very savages that they were fighting to destroy." To me, this is a good statement because by retaliating they are becoming savages. Having savages on both sides, or any side of the war for that matter, isn't helping anything.
Henry M. Turner was strongly opposed to the blacks seeking revenge on the Rebels, as he says, "...I am sternly opposed to the killing of Rebels taken by our soldiers." Turner claimed that killing of the Rebels was "an outrage upon civilization and...Christianity."
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with Turner on this matter. Even though the Rebels gave the black soldiers every reason to kill them, it doesn't necessarily mean that killing the Rebels was just and right. And, in my opinion, because most of the black soldiers rose above the temptation to kill the Rebels, it helped the North win the war.
Lauren O'Brien
ReplyDeleteYour view on this matter is very strong, and i agree with it. I would also have to admit that I may not have the courage to practice what I preach, especially if I had to watch my brothers being killed and tortured.
Henry M. Turner's view on black soldiers seeking revenge upon Confederate rebels was that it should not be done and was "an outrage upon civilization and ... Christianity." He urged black [Union] soldiers to turn down the people who wanted them to act wrongly. "Turner urged black soldiers to disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally" and alternately "claim moral superiority to their enemies."
ReplyDeleteI completely believe in what Turner was saying. It is morally the right thing to do. Retaliating against the rebels solves nothing, it only creates more violence. In this case, they would be the better person, and like Mikayla Greenwell said "prove that they were not the animals that most southerners thought them to be."
Henry M. Turner strongly disliked Black soldiers seeking revenge on Confederate soldiers even if they were prisoners and said it was "an outrage upon civilization and....Christianity." He asked of the Black soldiers to stop these crimes and speak of those who commited them too.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Mr. Turner on how it is an outrage. Even if they are the enemy at least have some kind of respect. Also many Confederates were seeking revenge on black soldiers, so both colored soldiers and Confederates seeked revenge on eachother.
In response to Jordan Farmer
ReplyDeletei agree with your statement on how both the Confederate and Union colored soldiers all had the same feeling for one another about seeking revenge. Also how it was just the wrong act to commit.
Mark Miller-
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you said about how it is an outrage and that even though they are the enemy, you should have some type of respect. I also like how you took into consideration when answering that Confederates were seeking revenge on black soldiers and so both sides were seeking revenge upon each other.
Henry M. Turner was strongly opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge on Confederate soldiers and that it was "an outrage upon civilization and...Christianity." I would have to agree Henry M. Turner's views on black soldiers seeking revenge on Confederates. I do not think that it is ever okay to harm and possibly murder another human being that could be innocent because of your own personal troubles. I understand that slavery was wrong and black soldiers had a right to be angry, but that does not give them the right to hurt another person. Violence is not the answer. Although both sides were seeking revenge upon each other, I think that the fact that black soldiers did not always seek revenge on Confederates may have helped to make the war more civil and end more quickly.
ReplyDeleteChris
ReplyDeleteI think you made a great point when you stated;” I cannot imagine the feeling of hate the black soldiers had towards the people who had treated them and their family so terribly.” This puts the enormity of many black soldiers’ actions into perspective. By refusing to retaliate, they showed incredible restraint. I also like that you acknowledged that no one today can truly relate to the emotional turmoil experienced by those soldiers.
Henry M. Turner made it very clear that he was undeniably opposed to African American soldiers seeking revenge against confederate rebels because this, in his opinion, was just an "outrage upon civilization and Christianity". Turner felt that taking part in these actions would just hurt the colored troops because it would go on to show those who expected them to "behave brutally" that they were correct. Henry told his comrades to avoid this sort of incorrect vengeance and, instead, act with a higher level of morality and upset all of those who thought wrong of them.
ReplyDeleteI indubitably agree with Henry Turner's beliefs because if the black soldiers went on to seek revenge and punished the confederate rebels with as much abhorrence and bigotry as their people had endured then only more problems would arise, because this would make even more narrow-minded people want for African Americans not to be treated equally and slavery could possibly receive more support and the racial injustices might have lasted a longer period of time. Therefore, I do feel that Mr. Turner was correct.
Jacob,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you because, like you said, even though many confederate rebels did deserve some punishment for what they did it was better for the African American soldiers to act with humanity and just move on, instead of adding to wrong the confederates had commited. I'm sure that it was very hard not to seek vengeance for the pain they had inflicted on other colored troops but it was the suitable thing to do.
Henry M. Turner was strongly against African American Soldiers seeking revenge upon Confederate soldiers. He "urged black soldiers to disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally." In other words he wanted the African American soldiers to show them who the "bigger people" were.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with Henry M. Turner. The African American soldiers had every right to be mad and hate the southerners for generations of enslavement. However, the soldiers would not want to lower themselves to the level of slave owners. This would also spark more conflict and the South would start killing their captives too.
Henry M. Turner was in opposition to the black soldiers seeking vengeance against the Confederate Rebels. Although the opposing had formerly enslaved most black soldiers, black soldiers were intent for revenge. Henry Turner had another notion. He firmly believed that the black soldiers in the Civil War should "set the example," (54) by not be in quest for vengeance, but instead show their supremacy by behaving ethically and civilly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Henry M. Turner's belief without reservation. Seeking vengeance against the South would be showing the southerners that they were just like them when, in all actuality, they could be showing their enemies their superiority. To seek vengeance against an enemy by doing something morally wrong is stooping down to a low level.
In response to Sevan Strait:
ReplyDeleteYour idea that the black soldiers acting in vengeance "would also spark more conflict and the South would start killing their captives too," makes a wonderful point. Vengeance has only ever led to unnecessary bloodshed. If the black soldiers were to seek revenge, they would be risking both their fellow comrade's and their own blood for a moot point. After all, vengeance and revenge were not the purpose of the Civil War at its start.
Henry M. Turner's view was that black soldier should not seek revenge upon confederate rebels. I belive that many black soldier had urges to do such thing, but they followed as ordered. Not doing so made them "bigger people" and followed the laws of Christianity.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Henry M. Turner's view. It is wrong to seek brutal revenge. The South did make laws that about what would happen to african-americans if capture, which are unpleasant.
I agree with Amy Bowman. Taking revenge upon the South makes them no better than the South. Instead they proved themselves superior to the South. I think winning a war is enough revenge that anyone could ask for. Brutal revenge would be marally and religiously wrong.
ReplyDeleteJenni-
ReplyDeleteYou made an amazing point when you said, "I do not think that it is ever okay to harm and possibly murder another human being that could be innocent because of your own personal troubles." If african americans had taken revenge and southern captives, their is a possibility that they are killing someone who had nothing to do with slavery; Such a person might have wanted to fight for the love of his country, not to maintain a way of life involving slavery.
Mr. Turner was opposed to the idea of black soldiers seeking "vengeance" on their confederate prisoners. Mr. Turner felt that it was an“outrage upon civilization and Christianity.” It can also be interpreted that Mr. Turner felt that it would make the blacks look better morally because they were ignoring the temptation to sin and seek vengeance. My intelligence tells me to agree with Mr. Turner's opinion, but had I been a black soldier, I'm not sure that I would be able to hold back my vengeance.
ReplyDeleteChandler, whereas I completely agree with your opinion, I have to ask whether you would be able to control your emotions and not seek revenge if you were in the situation that the black soldiers were in. Looking back it is easier to critique, but it is hard to perform an accurate assessment due to our overall lack of experience in this arena.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Erin,
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with your statement that “Retribution does not help with anything, as it angers the enemy and gives them more of a reason to kill.” Although blacks had more than enough of a reason to be enraged, they showed that by abstaining from violence they possessed self control and showed the southerners that they just as- if not more humane than them.
As stated on page 54, Henry M. Turner disagreed with black soldiers seeking revenge upon the South. Turner thought they should instead "disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally" and "vengeance belonged to the Lord."
ReplyDeleteI agree with Turner completely. By not seeking revenge upon the rebel soldiers, they would be proving most of the country wrong. They would also be following God by not killing the rebel prisoners. Also, by killing or punishing the soldiers for what they had done to them, they would only be taking place in what they were punishing them for.
Henry M. Turner's views on black soldiers seeking revenge on the South was that the soldiers should "set the example" (pg. 54) by not going for vengeance. I agree with Turner completely about how the black soldiers should be the better people.
ReplyDeleteKatie Sorenson-
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you said about how the soldiers not seeking revenge would be proving most of the country wrong. Also, I agree with your statement that killing or punishing the soldiers would only take the place in what they were punishing them for.
Henry M. Turner “urged black soldiers to disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally; they should instead claim a moral superiority to their enemies."(pg.54). Most people expected black soldiers to seek revenge. He felt that black soldiers should not take out their anger and frustration on white soldiers and prove that they were equal in the eyes of god.
ReplyDeleteHenry M. Turner had a negative view on black soldiers seeking revenge on confederate rebels. He was opposed to this idea. He thought that was an "outrage upon civilization and christianity." He believed that black soldiers should maintian "moral superiority to their enemies."
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with Henry M. Turner because he basically was saying that using violence as an act towards their violence would only end up with a bigger problem. That would not help them in the long run. It would only worsen how the whites would see and respect the blacks.
Henry M. Turner was opposed to black soldiers seeking revenge upon confederate rebels, and instead urged them to "claim a moral superiority to their enemies". Although the black soldier's want for revenge upon the confederate rebels is quite understandable, he believed that no good would come from more violence, and that "vengeance belonged to the Lord".
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Henry M. Turner. I think he makes an incredibly good point when he illustrates the fact that no good comes from violence, and even though being the bigger person is often more difficult than seeking revenge, in the end, it is the right thing to do.
In response to Lauren O'Brien
ReplyDeleteI liked how you responded to the question through different perspectives. Inderectly, you make a very good point that things are easier said than done.
Henry M. Turner opposed black soldiers taking revenge upon confederate rebels. I think he probably felt that to do so would have lowered them to their enemy's level. I gathered this from this passage: "Turner urged black soldiers to disappoint those who expected them to behave brutally; they should instead claim a moral superiority to their enemies." I liked this quote because it showed that through all the bloodshed and savage violence someone still had a good head on their shoulders and was capable of forgiveness and compassion. On this note, I definitely do agree with Mr. Turner. I do not think revenge is a just reason to kill anyone, no matter the wrong they may have done against you or your kind.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Nick Burns.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with what Mr. Burns said in his post. I liked that he added a biblical excerpt as well. "While his beliefs may not seem fair, to others, I agree with what is stated in the book of Exodus 21:23–27, 'An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.'" Indeed the whole world would be blind, if everyone was seeking revenge. Considering most of the soldiers in the Civil War were Protestant and Catholic, this passage from the bible seems to be one they were all probably familiar with.
Henry M. Turner believed that black soldiers should not seek revenge upon confederate rebels. He urged black soldiers to be morally superior to their enemies and not behave brutally as people expected. I agree with Mr. Turner because by seeking revenge, the black soldiers would have been no better than the rebels. It would only make whites think less of the black soldiers.
ReplyDeleteStephanie-
ReplyDeleteI agree that they should set the example and maybe the South would do the same and the war could be less tragic and less people could have died.
In response to Jacob A. -
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the statements you made in your post. I like the way you put your response, saying that "Although these men deserved a thousand punishments for what they did the only way to move forward and end the era of slavery was to keep your head up and move on" and "While this daunting task would be incredibly difficult to any man that was forced to endure what these men did it was the only way to heal and advance to a better day" and I couldn't agree more. I thought your response was very well said.
In response to Evan H.
ReplyDeleteWhen you said that he wanted them to hold their anger back, I somewhat disagree. I think that he wanted them to take advantage of that anger, and be able to focus it on fighting the way they were supposed to instead of I guess what you could call sabotage. But I also completely agree with Mr. Turner.
Mr. Turner believed that the black soliders should not search for revenge on the confedrate rebels. He said that "vengence belonged to the lord," meaning that the lord will take control and get revenge instead of them. They should not act towards the rebels that they had catured.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Turner's explanation to not retailiate. If they were to retailiate they would not be any better than the rebels and would not be as noble as percieved to be.I believe that carma will catch back up with the rebels because in the end they will be the one's with turmoil and an ego that previously existed, but will be much larger.
I agree with Heidi in her opinion about Turner's remarks. If the black soliders would have looked for revenge they would be on the same plane feild as the rebels. They were the bigger peolpe and found the strength to keep their hatred in. The black soliders new the right thing to do and did not use violence to get a point across to the rebels.
ReplyDeleteJordan
ReplyDeleteI agree that the only thing that fighting violence with violence causes is much more hatred, I also agree that it would create more rage among the confederates, but if no one ever fought back then only the side willing to sacrifice by fighting back would win. Yes most of the time revenge is not the answer but sometimes it’s the only answer.