Slavery in the 1800’s
End of War of 1812 Sparked rapid growth of cities and industries in America Westward expansion
Antebellum Period Marked by rapid territorial expansion
General Slavery Crucial role in the development of the United States
Slave Labor Cotton picked by slaves was over half of exporting value
Slavery Conditions Deprivation Separation of families Physical hardship
House Slaves House work – cleaning, cooking, etc.
Field Slaves Tended to plantation fields hours per day or sunrise to sunset
Consequences Slowing down or quitting resulted in flogging or in extreme cases, death
Clothing House slaves were dressed better by second- hand clothing Field slaves – Women: long dresses and turbans – Men: pants and long coats – Children: little/no clothing until puberty
Food Weekly rations from master If permitted, slaves could grow their own food in a small garden Breakfast at daybreak Dinner at end of work-day
Housing Field slaves shared a one room cabin with their family House slaves lived in attics, closets, or corner of houses
Pre-Civil War One-third of the South’s population were slaves Mainly field work
Pre-Civil War Northern states of America – against slavery Southern states of America – for slavery
Rebellion Some slaves rebelled against their owners Small amount compared to the total number of slaves in America
Rebellion Most slaves rebelled alone and subtly Rebelled because of condition Not every act of rebellion was about freedom – to survive and choose course of life
Rebellion Consequences Members and leaders were often immediately killed
Civil War 1861 Many slaves tried to escape from the South and flee to the North
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Sources Cited Mintz & McNeil “Overview of Slavery” Digital History December