Mark Twain, born in 1835, was one of the most famous American authors during his time and is still read and studied in classrooms today. He had a strong and often opinionated stance on many important matters in his day and had a particularly strong stance on slavery. Though it is hard to answer definitively if Mark Twain owned slaves himself or not, what we know is that he has multiple opinions on slavery itself.
When looking at the political environment of the time it can be seen that the issue of slavery was a contentious one. At the time of Mark Twain’s birth, slavery had been banned in the northern states, but was still very much present in the south where the Confederate States of America had been formed and many states still recognized slavery in their laws. Though Mark Twain’s opinion on slavery was strong, he was not a controversial figure at the time and he typically used his writing to express his views.
It is a widely accepted fact that Mark Twain felt strongly that slavery was morally wrong. He often wrote about the issue and made various references to it in his works. In an essay he wrote for the Atlantic Monthly in 1875, entitled “The United States of Lyncherdom”, he wrote about the “real monsters” of the South – white people lynching black people – ending with a stark truth: “There is no defense, excuse or palliation for the United States of Lyncherdom. It’s barbarous, it’s shameful and it is no exaggeration to say that we are graver-deep in blood”.
Though it is known that Mark Twain had a stance on slavery, it is not known if he actually owned slaves. Historians have not found any evidence that would suggest he did, and it is widely accepted that he never did, however, some have suggested that it is possible that he did. Though there is no conclusive evidence, one point of speculation is his relationship with his close friend, John McComb, who was a large landowner in the South, who could likely have owned slaves, but it is not known if McComb ever gifted or loaned slaves to Twain.
Considering that Twain was born in the slave-owning state of Missouri and grew up in a place and among people who had owned slaves, it is reasonable to assume that he was fully aware of the nature of slavery and the major economic dependence it had in the South. Slavery was an inescapable part of the culture and environment of the time, and Twain was certainly not ignorant to this fact.
As for his writing, it can be seen that he took a strong stance against slavery and issues of racism. His writing documented facts and his views made clear, but his work is unique in that he did not necessarily paint slavery and racism in a romantic light as some other works of the time did. Instead, he often presented it in a realistic and even controversial way, with a focus on the effects of racism and slavery, rather than the conditions of it.
Mark Twain’s Position on Equality
Mark Twain’s views on slavery and racism weren’t simply limited to a hatred for the systems themselves. Even in his day, he was striving for real justice and equality and helping others have a seat at the table by supporting those who made progress and worked endlessly for equality. While speaking at a meeting of the Antislavery Society in New York in December 1880, Mark Twain clearly articulated his position: “I shall take the side of Human Rights whenever it is earnestly and honestly asserted; whatever color it wears.”
He was vocal in his support of rights for all people, even when there was push back. In 1882, he spoke out of favor with the new Chinese Exclusion Act, saying “we all stand equal before the Great Judge.” He was driven to be proactive and wrote in a letter to a friend in 1900, “Let us not protect discrimination against the Chinese. We must stand above that; it is racial humiliation.” To some, this demonstrates his willingness to stand up for what he believed was just and correct and his desire to treat all humans with the same respect, regardless of race.
What We Can Learn from Mark Twain’s Legacy
It is safe to say that Mark Twain was a strong advocate for racial equality and pushed hard against any form of discrimination or slave-ownership. He was vocal in his support of human rights, using his platform to challenge the status-quo and speak out against injustice. Though it might not have been possible to have illegalized slavery in America before his time, he undoubtedly laid the groundwork for those working to do so in the future.
Mark Twain’s legacy of activism and challenging of the status-quo can be seen throughout history, and it is something we can still draw knowledge and understanding from. His belief in justice and equality, as well as his willingness to take a stand against injustice, as demonstrated by his thoughts and writings, is a strong reminder of how important it is to ensure that all humans be treated equally and fairly.
Mark Twain’s Views on Capitalism
Mark Twain wrote multiple opinions about various aspects of Capitalism. Though many of his opinions about Capitalism echoed mainstream opinion at the time, he was very critical of capitalism’s “unchecked power and inequality”. Throughout his life he wrote extensively about this issue and even dedicated a novel, The Gilded Age, to it. In this novel he wrote about the story of a struggling family attempting to cope with the oppressive power of Capitalism in the Gilded Age.
In an 1871 article in The Galaxy Magazine, Mark Twain wrote of Capitalism “In wealth and power it gives no preparation for life — no preparatory trainings; its paths are rugged and open to very few in these dangerous days of the world. A man’s duty and his right is to use it sparingly and to realize its obligations.” In this article, he also critiqued the idea of using Capitalism to make people “reckless,” stating “For riches and idleness cannot coexist.”
Mark Twain’s Impact on Modern-Day America
Mark Twain was a vocal advocate of change, but the success of his work may be better gauged by its consideration in the present. Much of his work is still referenced today, even for the most modern of current events. Twain was a man of strong opinions, but his opinions on race and class aren’t what stand out today. Instead, it is his words to live by—his “Twainscript”—that endure.
Twain’s writing holds an immense power that impact modern American life today. His quotes have become the soundtrack to the American dream. From urging the country to work together, to cautioning against the use of money, Twain’s words are seen everywhere today, in speeches and journalism, posters and quotes. They have become a part of our lives, as they help us make sense of the world in which we live. In this way, Twain’s legacy lives on, as his words continue to affect modern-day America.
Twain’s Talk of Revolution
Twain was an active participant in the conversation of civil rights and the fight for equality in the United States. He was an early adopter of what was to become the talk of revolution. Are some people, white or not, relegated to a second-class status, simply due to a lack of economic success or an oppressive regime or race-based discrimination? Mark Twain was among the early voices to say no longer — that there was a better way to live, one of peace and equality, which would be made possible if the right changes were made.
He wrote several articles and books in which he articulated this viewpoint, among them, “A Yankee in King Arthur’s Court”, in which he also drew a clear line between morality and economic success, urging citizens to value justice and morality more than money. Twain’s depiction of economic systems was one that clearly favoured the haves at the expense of the have-nots, which is something we still see today, but it is his call to arms that still rings true today, over a hundred years later.
The Legacy of Mark Twain
Throughout his life, Twain wrote about racism, civil rights, Capitalism, and revolution – all topics that still have relevance today. He also wrote about the importance of justice, morality and equality, as well as the effects of oppression and discrimination, and while times have changed since his lifetime, his writings are still relevant and his legacy lives on. His impact can be seen through the lives of those who strive daily for justice and equality and seek to challenge the status-quo, making their dreams a reality.
Though it is unknown if Mark Twain owned slaves himself, it is clear that he did not support the institution and has left behind a legacy full of strong opinions on matters of oppression and inequality. His life’s work has left an invaluable impression on modern-day America, and it is certain that his opinions will continue to echo through the generations.
