Unit 4, Lesson 6: Slavery

SLAVERYSLAVERY in Colonial America in Colonial America

By Mr. CaseyBy Mr. Casey

AGENDA

Vocabulary

History of Slavery in the Colonies

auction (noun) a public sale in which something is

sold to the person who offers the most money

rebel (verb) to resist or fight against authority

proponent (noun) a person who supports something

SLAVERY1526 - 1765

The Beginning1450 Slavery BeginsPortuguese begin exploring Africa and trading for goods, including ten slaves brought

back to PortugalThe Spanish begin enslaving Native

Americans in America, but soon switch to African

slaves because the Native Americans will not work or

often escape

The BeginningEarly slaves often had the right to marry, worship, go

to court, and sometimes own land.

However, things began to change as the colonies

began to prosper and more slaves were imported

Free ColoniesWilliam Penn and James Oglethorpe established laws protecting all men and outlawing slaveryUnfortunately,

economic pressure and English slave laws put an end to

equal rights.

STOP AND DISCUSS

Why do you think the rights of slaves began to disappear as the colonies became more prosperous and more slaves were imported?

Growth of Slavery The growth of the rice, indigo,

tobacco and cotton industries creates a massive need for slaves (free labor) in the south. By 1700, the triangular trade routes were established By 1700 (250,000 colonists)

1,000 slaves in New England Colonies4,000 slaves in Middle Colonies

23,000 slaves in Southern Colonies

Triangular Trade

Slave Resistance & Rebellions

Many slaves resisted by working slower, escaping, and occasionally fighting or killing slave owners

Although the slave population outnumbered white colonists, slaves were held down with strict laws and rules set up by colonial and English laws

Slave CodesIn order to maintain control of the large slave population, slave codes were often installed in the colonies.

They included laws such as:1. Restricted Movement/Set Curfews2.Slaves were allowed to be executed for certain crimes3.Made it difficult for them gain freedom4.Slaves were not allowed to learn a skilled trade5.Restricted the number of slaves that could meet together6.Could not testify in court7. Could not strike a white person or escape

Slave Resistance & RebellionsSTONO REBELLION

The largest and most violent slave rebellion occurred in 1739 in South Carolina. A group of about 20 slaves kill a few guards, steal a few weapons and begin marching toward Florida. As they march south they gather

more slaves, burn houses and kill colonists along the way. Later, a militia of farmers

catches up with the slaves and kills many of them. The rest are tracked down and often

killed. According to historian, Herbert Aptheker, there were more than 250 slave revolts

between 1619 and 1835

What was it like?

The End1865 Slavery Ends

The end of the Civil War and the 13th amendment officially end slaveryDuring the slave trade 30 million

Africans are captured. 10 million die during capture

10 million die during voyage (middle passage)

10 million make it to America and are enslaved