Cotton & Slavery – Day 3 Analyze how critics and supporters of slavery explained their positions.Analyze how critics and supporters of slavery explained their positions. Describe the living conditions of enslaved African AmericansDescribe the living conditions of enslaved African Americans Discuss the types of resistance that slaves practiced.Discuss the types of resistance that slaves practiced.

Bell Work 3 Time Table Bell Work – 10 min.Bell Work – 10 min. Lecture Notes – 25 min.Lecture Notes – 25 min. Civil War – 20 min.Civil War – 20 min. What kind of words are the following: Level, civic, madam and eye?What kind of words are the following: Level, civic, madam and eye? What was the Emancipation Proclamation and about how many years into the Civil War was it issued?What was the Emancipation Proclamation and about how many years into the Civil War was it issued? “I don’t have a girlfriend. But I do know a woman who would be mad at me for saying that.”“I don’t have a girlfriend. But I do know a woman who would be mad at me for saying that.” Mitch HedbergMitch Hedberg

The Slave System Southerners and SlaverySoutherners and Slavery –Cotton plantations increased by 3.5 million from –Slavery became the foundation of the Southern economy. –Despite this some, mostly upper south southerners criticized it. –Supporters claimed slaves were treated as well as poor factory workers.

Slave LaborSlave Labor –More than 75% of enslaved African Americans lived and worked on plantations. –This life was traditionally more grim than city slaves –Sometimes working hour days during harvest “Begin work when they can see, and quit work when they can’t see.”“Begin work when they can see, and quit work when they can’t see.” –On large plantations overseers were used to manage the slaves –Drivers assisted overseers, chosen from the slaves Slaves rarely appreciated driversSlaves rarely appreciated drivers

Slave LifeSlave Life –Despite where slaves lived or what type of owners they had. All had very little control over their lives. –Most lived in one room cabins with only a dirt floor and a fire place. –Food was rationed but not often enough to survive on Slaves often had to hunt, fish and grow foodSlaves often had to hunt, fish and grow food Some stole foodSome stole food –Clothes were made from a coarse cloth similar to burlap.

Treatment of slaves varied from plantation to plantation.Treatment of slaves varied from plantation to plantation. –Some planters used gifts to gain obedience. –Some used violence Whipping was the most common form of punishment.Whipping was the most common form of punishment. Many slaves refused to cry out in an attempt to resist their master.Many slaves refused to cry out in an attempt to resist their master. Occasionally slaves would band together to protect a fellow slave.Occasionally slaves would band together to protect a fellow slave.

Slave CultureSlave Culture –After dark and on Sundays, slave had a chance to develop family and community. Preserving family proved difficultPreserving family proved difficult Many slaves went to dangerous extents to contact familyMany slaves went to dangerous extents to contact family –Because many slaves were not allowed to be literate, the spoken word became very important –Slaves used folktales to preserve and pass on their culture –Humor was important to slaves for survival, a way of maintaining hope in a horrible situation Whites often misinterpreted laughter as a sign that slaves were happy with their situationWhites often misinterpreted laughter as a sign that slaves were happy with their situation

–Music played an important role in slaves lives –Its African heritage was rooted in its rhythmic structure, strong beat, and communal singing. Music was a way to escapeMusic was a way to escape –Slaves also expressed themselves though art such as wood carvings, pottery and basket weaving.

Slave ReligionSlave Religion –Most worship services included a blend of Christian and traditional African elements. –White southerners censored these meetings in fear of a rebellion –Spirituals were an important part of slave religion. Sorrowful songs rich in biblical teachingsSorrowful songs rich in biblical teachings

Rebellion and ResistanceRebellion and Resistance –Slaves turned to revolts on a number of different occasions seeking freedom –On one occasion a deeply religious Nat Turner believed God had called him to free the slaves. –He and his followers killed over 100 whites in two months. –He was caught and hanged. –These uprisings forced stricter slave codes.

–Violent revolts were rare but resistance never stopped Faking illnessesFaking illnesses Work slowdownsWork slowdowns Breaking toolBreaking tool Damaging other propertyDamaging other property –The most tempting was running away –Some slaves mailed themselves to freedom –Some utilized the Underground Railroad