Slaves and Slavery in North America
The African Slave System Largest forced migration in history. At least 12 million African slaves brought to Americas, millions more died en route. The Middle Passage – took four to eight weeks, one in seven slaves died on the journey. Sugar – dramatically changed and increased the African slave trade.
The Southern Transition to Black Labor Reasons for shift from white indentured servitude to slavery: Rising commercial power of English meant that colonists could purchase slaves more easily and cheaply. Fewer indentured servants coming from England. Planters sought a more permanent source of labor.
Slavery in the Northern Colonies Served as artisans and domestic servants. Though fewer slaves in northern colonies the economy still depended on the slave trade: merchant ships transported human cargo, building slave ships, production and sale of rum, New England fishing fleet sold to West Indies. Every North American colony participated in slave business.
The Peculiar Institution The system of slavery in the Americas was much different than slavery of earlier societies. American slavery was a permanent, racially-based caste legitimated by law. Black Codes – slaves could not carry firearms, testify in court, buy or sell anything, hold property, participate in politics, congregate in groups, travel without permission, legally marry or be parents.
Slave Life and Culture Chesapeake and Southern Colonies – Slaves cleared land, planted, and harvested tobacco, cotton, rice, etc. Used successful agricultural practices from Africa. Restricted by black codes, but large plantations provided opportunity to develop personal lives. In South Carolina, slaves outnumbered whites 3 to 1 by 1760 and so could maintain more of their African culture such as languages, religion, etc. Northern Colonies – Slaves less than 10% of the population, usually worked as artisans, farmhands, or personal servants. Usually worked alone or with few other slaves. Lived in master’s home and adopted European ways.
Resistance and Rebellion Forms of resistance and rebellion included: violence, running away, dragging out jobs, pretending illness or ignorance, breaking tools, arson, crop destruction, theft, etc. The Stono Rebellion (1739) 20 slaves met near the Stono River near Charleston, South Carolina. Stole guns and ammunition, killed storekeepers and planters, and liberated a number of slaves. About 100 slaves then fled to Florida hoping Spanish colonists would give them their freedom; the colonial militia caught up to them, killed several, captured the rest. Those captured were returned and executed. Results: Stricter slave laws, increased fear of slave rebellions, a ‘witch hunt’ in New York in which 31 blacks and four whites were executed for conspiracy to liberate slaves.
Black Religion and Family Slaves struggled to find meaning and happiness in their lives. Mixed Christianity with African religions. Families – Slaves forbidden to marry, but planters knew that slaves with families were less likely to flee or rebel. Most slaves experienced family separation at least once. Sexual abuse of female slaves. Men and women more equal in slave society than in white society.