Chapter 7 Free Black People in Antebellum America

I. Demographics of Freedom Three regions to consider –The North –The Upper South –The Deep South

Demographics of Freedom Most free blacks lived in the Upper South –Few in the Deep South

Demographics Free African Americans in 1860 –The North 226,152 –The Upper South224,963 –The Deep South 36,955 –Total488,070 –Total Population U.S. 26,957,471

How was black freedom limited in the North?

Fugitive Slave Laws Endangered freedom of blacks living in the North Escaped slaves could be recaptured Free Blacks were kidnapped into slavery

Caption for visual This lithograph, published in 1818 by antislavery author Jesse Torrey Jun, depicts a free black man still in handcuffs and leg irons after an attempt to kidnap him into slavery. He is relating details of his experience to a sympathetic white man. The sparsely furnished attic room reflects the living conditions of many free African Americans of the time.

Caption Blacks who escaped from slavery lived in fear that they might be sought by “masters” who often posted monetary offers for the return of runaway slaves

Black Laws Limited migration of Blacks Except for New England, disenfranchisement of black voters Segregation the norm of the North

Black Laws cont.. Most white northerners wanted no contact with Blacks Felt Blacks were inferior, dishonest, immoral lives Feared Black competition for jobs Contact would degrade Black society

Segregation Hotels, taverns, public transportation –Atmosphere of hate caused African Americans to distrust white people »Ghettos »Boston ~ “Nigger Hill” »Cincinnati ~ “Little Africa” »Southern visitors argued blacks better off as slaves

Northern State Reactions Constitutional amendments that barred blacks from voting Implemented property qualifications for voting Applied to blacks but not whites

IV. Black Communities: The Urban North Urban neighborhoods –Resilient families –Poverty –Class divisions –Church and volunteer organizations –Education

Black Communities: The Urban North (cont.) Black family –Variety Two-parent households common in 1820 Single-parent trend became increasingly common –Headed by women »High male mortality rate »Employment opportunities

Black Communities: The Urban North (cont.) Employment –Rising European immigration filled jobs –Young black men excluded from apprenticeships –Led to deskilling of blacks Menial labor Low wages Unemployment common

Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield (1817?– 1876), known as the “Black Swan,” was one of the more renowned vocalists of antebellum America. She made her debut in 1853 at Metropolitan Hall in New York City before an exclusively white audience

Black Communities: The Urban North (cont.) Black professionals Whites people were reluctant to spend tax dollars on black public schools

VI. Free Blacks: The Upper South Family ties to slaves Greater risk of being enslaved Problems traveling, congregating, owning firearms

Free Blacks: The Upper South (cont.) Employment –Urban areas before 1850 Less competition from European immigrants Most free black men were unskilled laborers or waiters Most free black women washed clothes or worked as domestic servants Schools –No racial integration and no public funding Most black children received no formal education Churches and individuals provided sporadic opportunities

VII. Free Blacks: The Deep South No revolutionary rhetoric nor changing economy Fewer manumissions –Usually mixed-race children Three-caste system in Deep South –Whites, free blacks, and slaves –Strong ties between free blacks and former masters Loans, jobs, and protection cemented this bond Better off economically than free black people in other regions Half live in cities –Stronger position in skilled trades Increased conflict and tension among white skilled workers

VIII. Conclusion Life for free black people in the Upper and Deep South more difficult than in the North –Presumption of slavery –More restrictive laws