My research question in, how did white northerners benefit from the slave trade?

The reason why I chose this topic is because I feel like history books are watering down the truth of the North’s involvement of racism. When I was kid, I was taught that the North was against slavery, and that they fought for the rights of black people. However, when I stumbled across a video of a black family being harassed in Queens, NY, in the 1970s (?), it led me to believe that they were spreading lies.

In my research I expect to find some websites that tell the truth and other websites that spread misinformation. I believe this to be so, because, yes there are websites that expose the hidden truth of American History, but, I think that there will be sites that will try to hide/deny it. I also think that it will be difficult to find information on the internet regarding my topic because of how contrary it is to “popular” belief.

If I find information that goes against my belief, it will just further prove that they are hiding the truth. American history isn’t all squeaky clean as they try to make it appear. I know that there are many faults and disturbing facts concerning American history. If those websites spread misinformation, I will write about it, only to prove my point. I would still continue to research my topic, because I truly believe that even one website will confirm my view.

The genres that I think my research paper can use are articles, newspapers, videos, and documentaries. I think that these sources will give e varying pieces of information that will help develop my research paper.