Slavery 1609-1865

Origins Slavery has been around since the Old Testament American Slavery was started with the Triangular trade The first slaves were brought to the U.S. via the Dutch in 1609

Origins Continued Slaves were often traded for products made in America, West Indies, or Europe. Many times, they were only traded for guns, sugar, or rum. Slaves were captured by other Africans and brought to the West African coast. Slaves would be held in slave fortresses in countries like Ghana.

Origins Continued Slaves were separated from families. Slaves were also stripped naked, totally shaved of all hair. They were also put in groups in which language was different. Also were given European names. Often times, slaves were beaten for no reason or killed to show authority.

Slave Trade Slaves would then be traded and would use the “Door of No Return.”

Middle Passage Slaves were then either “tightly packed” or “loose packed.” Tight packing allowed for more slaves to be sold. Problems like disease and heat would kill off slaves.

Middle Passage Conditions Trip took an estimated 4-6 weeks depending on the speed of the ship. Slaves could experience up to 90-110 degrees for the entire trip to America. Slave cooks would be used as slave doctors and would only give out about a pint of water a day to “healthy” slaves. Slaves would also receive one helping of food if they looked healthy.

Middle Passage Conditions Slaves would typically only be moved about twice a week. “Dancing the slaves” was a way to get slaves to exercise. Typically they were jumping up and down to help maintain their physique for sale. Women were literally “danced” but were also possibly raped. During this time, slaves would also have to get rid of the dead bodies. Typically just dumped them over the edge.

Auction Slaves were brought first to the West Indies. They would get lard put on them to make them look healthier. Sometimes tar was inserted to wounds to give the appearance of a birth mark. Slaves were then sold at auctions. Depending on age and sex, slaves could be sold any where from $800-$3,000.

Jobs Slaves in the South were typically broken up to house slaves or field slaves. Slaves who were “light skinned” were considered more appealing and brought into the house. Other jobs included: ship making, cooking, cleaning, field work, brick maker/layer, blacksmith, goldsmith, etc. The Bible was used to make sure that slaves would work and do as the Master would say. Chain of command: Plantation owner, Overseer, Slave Driver, Slave. Slaves were usually bribed by food or better living conditions or finer clothes.

Field Slaves Usually woke up an hour before sunlight. Were out on the field by 5:30AM. Worked the fields until about 11:30AM and broke for lunch. Then would start working from 1:00PM to sun down. Only received about a 10 lbs of meat or vegetables once a month. Also received corn meal to make bread. Often were encouraged to create their own crops. Only day off was Sunday for services. Holiday in which they got off was typically Christmas and they received two shirts, and a pair of pants. Only got clothes twice a year.

Punishment Punishment was given out for a few offenses. Stealing extra food, not having permission, faking sick, not getting to work, working too slowly were just a few of the offenses that could get someone in trouble. Learning how to read was also punishable by death. Punishments could include whippings, loss of meal, extra work, or death.

Slaves Fight Back Slaves would try to fight back. Slaves would rebel by breaking equipment, faking sick, killing livestock, or running away. Slaves utilized the Underground Railroad. Slavery would not end until the creation of the 13th Amendment by Abraham Lincoln and approved by Congress.