Sectionalism Life in the North and South Life as a Slave

Life in the North Geography Climate ◦four seasons from frozen winters to hot summers. Natural Features ◦ bays, inlets, coastal plains, rocky soil, hills, valleys, forests, rivers, fertile soil, mountains, central plains.

Life in the North Economy Industry ◦ Factories and mills ◦ inventions ◦Industrial Revolution ◦wealthy business owners ◦ strong economy Transportation ◦Internal Improvements- roads and canals

Life in the North Society Strong work ethic, they were neither wealthy nor powerful. Seven out ten lived on farms. Cities and towns grew such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Cities were overcrowded and disease infested.. Few paved roads and not many sewage systems.

Life in the North Society African Americans were free in the North. They did not have the right to… ◦ Vote, hold office, serve on juries, attend white churches or schools. Immigrants came from Ireland and Germany because of famines and revolutions in Europe. ◦Immigrants found jobs in factories, were resented by most northerners an faced discrimination.

Life in the South Geography Climate ◦Mild winters and long, hot summers. Natural Features ◦Coastal plains, bays, gulfs, swamps, marshes, crops and fertile soil, mountains, rolling hills, and hollows, forests, rivers,

Life in the South Economy Agriculture or agrarian society ◦Small farms- ◦75% of white society ◦ Provided for themselves ◦Plantations- ◦“Cottonocracy” ◦Grew cash crops by using slave labor. ◦Poor whites- ◦Did not own land, often rented. ◦They barely made a living by growing corn and other vegetables.

Life in the South Economy Plantations grew. From the Atlantic Coast to Texas. Slavery expanded over 3 million slaves in the USA in 1850 Invested in land and slaves, not factories.

Life in the South Society Rigid social class structure. ◦Top of society-Plantation owners (16%)  Dominated politics and the economy of the south. ◦White farmers and the working class who owned no slaves. (50%)  Worked their own land ◦African Americans were divided into two areas. (34%)  Free African Americans (2%) had no basic rights.  Enslaved African Americans (32%) ◦ worked as cooks, carpenters, blacksmiths, servants, maids, and in the fields.

Life as a SLave Working Conditions ◦Locations- small farms, plantations. ◦Worked from dawn to dusk in the fields. ◦Worked in the evening at various chores and tasks. ◦As young as age 6 to the elderly.

Life as A Slave Living Conditions ◦Lived in crowded, rough cabins. ◦Food such as bacon, cornmeal, and molasses were provided. ◦Slaves kept their own gardens, hunted and fished. ◦Clothes were made of coarse linen and were provided with the basics each year. ◦Some medical are was provided for the sick and injured.

Life as A Slave Controlling Slaves: Forced labor Harsh punishments- ◦ beating, whipping, and branding. Made slaves totally dependent on their masters. Slave breakers were used to break down the spirit and the will of African Americans.

Life as a Slave Resistance to Slavery: Rebellion ◦Breaking fences and tools, damaging crops, sneaking food. ◦Pretending illnesses or disabilities. ◦Slipping poison into the owner’s food and burning homes and barns.

Life as A Slave Resistance to Slavery ◦Running Away : ◦Walking to the North and hiding along the way ◦Following the North Star ◦ Riding by train or boat ◦ Forged ID cards ◦Used disguises. ◦Rebellion: ◦ Slave revolts:  Charleston, SC, Denmark Vesey tries to lead a revolt but is arrested and hanged.  Virginia, Nat Turner leads a revolt with axes and guns kills over 57 people. ◦Slave codes were passed soon after these events.

Life as a slave Families and Communities Legally, families did not exist. Families could be separated. Unable to marry legally, held traditions of jumping the broom. Families tried to teach their children ◦Lessons of survival: silence and obedience ◦Lessons on morality: caring, kindness, pride, and hope. Respect of elders and themselves. Close communities helped provide for basic needs.

Life as A slave Leisure Activities Saturday nights- social events that combined work and fun. ◦Pea shelling, corn husking, and quilting. ◦Quilting feasts with dancing, played music on homemade instruments. Sunday- religious events and recreation. ◦Activities included:  church, eating, hunting, fishing, dancing, singing, gambling, and visiting with friends.

Life as A Slave Churches ◦Invisible churches: ◦ Met in slave quarters and forest clearings. ◦Teachings were on Moses leading his people out of slavery. ◦Sang spirituals and prayers. ◦They gave voice to their deepest longings, greatest sorrows, and highest hopes.

Life As A Slave Culture: Combined old and new cultures: ◦Language: Quilt stories and Bible stories ◦Songs and spirituals: Realities of slavery, love, faith, kindness, and cruelty of masters. ◦ Dances: Escape cares, express feelings, and refresh spirits. ◦ Folktales and legends: Stories and jokes to outwit the masters.