The term "Black Friday" is widely recognized today as the shopping day that follows Thanksgiving in the United States, marking the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. However, its origin has older roots and, in particular, refers to a tragic event that occurred on December 6, 1745, in the United Kingdom, known as "Black Friday." This day, far removed from shopping and sales, was marked by a major military uprising that had profound repercussions on British history.
Historical Context
To understand the "Black Friday" of 1745, it is essential to understand the political context of the time. In the mid-18th century, Great Britain was in the midst of a series of dynastic and political conflicts that fueled tensions between different factions. The country was torn between two great houses: the House of Stuart, which supported the Catholics and the restoration of the Stuart dynasty, and the House of Hanover, which represented the Protestants and was on the throne with King George II.
The House of Stuart had lost the British throne in 1714 with the accession of George I. Since then, the Jacobites, who were loyal to the House of Stuart, had attempted to regain control of the kingdom. Tensions grew, and the 1745 uprising was one of the most significant attempts to restore the Stuarts to the throne.
The Jacobite Rising of 1745
The 1745 uprising was led by Charles Edward Stuart, known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie." Charles, a descendant of the House of Stuart, had come to Scotland hoping to win the support of the Scots and restart the fight for the British throne. With a group of loyal followers, he began a campaign that captured the attention of much of the country.
On August 19, 1745, Charles landed in Scotland with a small army and quickly gained ground. In September, he captured Edinburgh, and in October, he headed south into England. The situation seemed favorable for him and his troops, as he received the support of many Scots who yearned for a restoration of the Stuart dynasty.
The Battle of Culloden
However, the situation began to change dramatically. As he advanced south, he encountered significant resistance and a series of strategic errors. One of Charles's main problems was that his army, composed primarily of Highland Scots, lacked the training and military discipline enjoyed by the British army.
The culmination of the uprising came on April 16, 1746, at the Battle of Culloden, where the Jacobite army was decisively defeated by the forces of the Duke of Cumberland, son of George II. The defeat was devastating for the Jacobites, marking the end of the uprising and the beginning of a brutal crackdown on the Scots who supported Charles.
December 6, 1745: Black Friday
The term "Black Friday" refers specifically to the events surrounding December 6, 1745, when the Jacobite troops were in desperate straits. Following the victory at the Battle of Prestonpans in September, Charles had consolidated significant power, but his situation quickly changed. The British victory had left the Jacobites vulnerable and disorganized.
That day, The Jacobites suffered heavy losses and were forced to retreat in disarray before the troops of the British army. Black Friday was not just a day of defeat, but also symbolized the collapse of a dream that had captured the hearts of many Scots.The hope of restoring the House of Stuart was replaced by fear and hopelessness.
Consequences of Black Friday
The defeat of the Jacobites had profound repercussions in Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom. The British government, fearing a new uprising, took drastic measures. Severe policies against the Scots were implemented, including banning certain aspects of Scottish culture, such as the wearing of the kilt and the Gaelic language.
Besides, Many of the Jacobite leaders were captured, executed or forced into exile.Charles Edward Stuart, the prince who had started the uprising with such optimism, was forced to flee and live in hiding. His life became a series of escapades and adventures, until he finally settled in France, where he died in 1788.
Black Friday in 1745 also marked a shift in the perception of the Jacobite uprisings in British history. From that moment on, the British government implemented a series of reforms that sought to integrate Scotland more effectively into the United Kingdom, but also established a legacy of resentment that would last for generations.
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An Ironic Legacy
The use of the term "Black Friday" in the context of holiday shopping is ironically the opposite of its original meaning. Instead of referring to a day of disaster and despair, today it's associated with discounts and special offers. It seems that consumerism has been able to overcome historical tragedies, although, of course, no one wants to associate the day with something as tragic as a military uprising.
It's interesting to observe how the meaning of words evolves over time. What was once a day marked by defeat and repression has transformed into an opportunity to get discounts on electronics, clothing, and all kinds of items. While this is a welcome change for consumers, it's worth remembering that Black Friday has a subtext that shouldn't be forgotten.
Other possible origins of the term Black Friday
Slave Sale
In the context of slave sales in the United States, "Black Friday" was used to describe the day when massive slave auctions were held. These auctions typically occurred after the harvest, during the time when plantation owners sold or traded slaves to maximize their profits. The "sale" of slaves, which often included entire families, was a bleak and traumatic event, marked by the anguish and despair of those being sold.
Black Fridays of this kind were moments when slaves were appraised, displayed, and auctioned off to the highest bidder. This type of commercial transaction was a stark manifestation of the exploitation and dehumanization that enslaved people suffered, and the word "black" in this context refers not only to skin color but also to the mourning and tragedy that accompanied these auctions.
Black Friday of 1869
The first time the term "Black Friday" was used in a financial context was on September 24, 1869. On this date, Wall Street was rocked by a financial collapse resulting from excessive speculation in the gold market. Two financiers, Jay Gould and James Fisk, attempted to manipulate the gold market to profit at the expense of other investors.
Final Reflections
The story of December 6, 1745, and its connection to Black Friday shows us that, although history may be tragic, there is always room for evolution and change. As time progresses, words and their meanings can take on new connotations, often moving away from their original roots.
So, the next time you hear "Black Friday," remember that behind the shopping frenzy, there's a past that teaches us about the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us. And while we can't change history, at least we can take advantage of the deals and discounts... because nothing takes the joy out of buying a new TV on a day of "consumer frenzy"!
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