1. Plantations and Slavery Spread

2. Eli Whitney (4) (interchangeable parts) also invented the cotton gin (5) This was a machine that would separate the seeds from cotton. This was a machine that would separate the seeds from cotton. This meant Southern Farmers could grow a lot more cotton. This meant Southern Farmers could grow a lot more cotton. And if they could grow a lot more cotton they’d need a lot more slave labor And if they could grow a lot more cotton they’d need a lot more slave labor

3. This also meant more land would be used for growing cotton This new land meant more Native Americans would lose what they had left in the south. This new land meant more Native Americans would lose what they had left in the south. It also meant these farmers would continue to expand west. It also meant these farmers would continue to expand west.

4. Slaves In 1808 it became illegal to import any more Africans so the slaves that were here were more valuable (even though they were still smuggled here). In 1808 it became illegal to import any more Africans so the slaves that were here were more valuable (even though they were still smuggled here). In 1790 worth about $300. In 1830 worth about $1000. In 1790 worth about $300. In 1830 worth about $1000.

5. Who owned slaves around 1840? Most white Southern farmers (about 1/3) owned few or no slaves. Most white Southern farmers (about 1/3) owned few or no slaves. Only a very few Southerners owned huge plantations with vast numbers of slaves Only a very few Southerners owned huge plantations with vast numbers of slaves But even people who didn’t have slaves supported slavery because they one day hoped to be able to have some. But even people who didn’t have slaves supported slavery because they one day hoped to be able to have some. But these few people had all the political power in the south But these few people had all the political power in the south

8. Slaves made up about 1/3 of the South’s population in 1840 There was not a “typical” kind of slave. There was not a “typical” kind of slave. How they were treated depended on where they lived, the work needing to be done, and even their owners attitudes. How they were treated depended on where they lived, the work needing to be done, and even their owners attitudes. Many states did have rules and laws, and “codes” for how slaves should live. Many states did have rules and laws, and “codes” for how slaves should live.

9. Religion was very important for most slaves Owners would even use the argument that in the Bible it says: “servants, obey your masters” Owners would even use the argument that in the Bible it says: “servants, obey your masters” They often even compared themselves to Moses and the Hebrew people in the Bible – when he asked the Pharaoh to “let my people go” They often even compared themselves to Moses and the Hebrew people in the Bible – when he asked the Pharaoh to “let my people go” Music and (26/28) spirituals were a big part of slave life. Music and (26/28) spirituals were a big part of slave life. (religious songs sung by slaves) (religious songs sung by slaves)

10. Slave families Were often split up. Were often split up. This gave owners more power and control over their slaves. This gave owners more power and control over their slaves. Kids would usually be allowed to stay with their mothers. Kids would usually be allowed to stay with their mothers. It was very important for them to be together whenever they could. It was very important for them to be together whenever they could.

11. And there were some rebellions There were a lot of little rebellions. Some even have names. Most do not. There were a lot of little rebellions. Some even have names. Most do not. The most famous rebellion was led by Nat Turner. The most famous rebellion was led by Nat Turner. He believed God wanted him to free the slaves – even if he had to use violence to do it. He believed God wanted him to free the slaves – even if he had to use violence to do it.

12. Nat Turner (34) Was a slave who learned to read and write and liked to read the Bible. Was a slave who learned to read and write and liked to read the Bible. He became a “preacher” to other slaves. He became a “preacher” to other slaves. He believed that God wanted him to free the slaves – even if it He believed that God wanted him to free the slaves – even if it

13. In 1831 Nat Turner… And 70 followers killed 55 white men, women, and children. And 70 followers killed 55 white men, women, and children. Eventually their ammunition ran out and they were caught. Eventually their ammunition ran out and they were caught. 16 of his men were killed and when they caught Nat Turner he was “tried” and hanged. 16 of his men were killed and when they caught Nat Turner he was “tried” and hanged.

14. These kinds of rebellions led to even stricter slave codes