1. Slavery in the Colonies Chapter 9 Lesson 3

2. “My poor mother,” wrote Charles Ball about his times as a captive in the colonies during the 1700’s. “When she saw me leaving for the last time, (she) ran after me, took me down from the horse, clasped me in her arms, and wept loudly and bitterly over me.”

3. The Big Picture Slavery was not a new idea. Practiced for thousand years by Aztec, Mayas, and Native Americans. Practiced in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Before the 1500’s the enslaved people were war prisoners who had lost in battle. They lost their freedom when they lost the battle.

4. Slavery in Europe and the Americas It was different because: Based on skin color Sold and bought like property They had no rights Families were separated Children were also the property of slave owners.

5. What was their Destination? Brazil West Indies 13 Colonies They toiled in southern colonies on large farms that grew crops. These farms were called plantations.

6. Slavery in the English Colonies Slavery grew slowing 1650 (about 300) 1671 (about 2,000) 1708 (about 12,000) In the 1700’s the economy grew, but there Were not enough people who would work for wages, so consequently they would take in indentured servants and slaves.

7. North Compared the the South Population of slaves remained small Farms were small, did not need as many workers. They were enslaved as servants or skilled workers. They worked side by side with their owner, who was a baker, sailmaker, carpenter, printer, or innkeeper. Population of slaves was large compared to the North. They worked on large farms. One our of four whites owned slaves or were members of a slave owning family.

8. Slave Codes Not allowed to practice their own religion Not allowed to learn to read Not allowed to marry Not allowed to own property This was their way of keeping the slaves under control. In time, the slave codes make it legal to treat enslaved people as if they were not equal to the other colonies.

9. Daily Life on the Plantation Much like a small village Hundreds of people lived and worked on the plantation. The center of the plantation was called the “Big House.” Where the planter and his family lived. Slaves who worked in the “Big House” were called “house slaves.”

10. The captives lived in small, often run-down cabins near the crop fields. This was sometimes referred to as “slave row.” Life on the plantation depended on who you were.

11. Which would you rather be, a house slave, of a slave who worked in the fields?

12. Planter’s Life Wealthy, enjoyed many goods and products that most colonist could not afford. Fine furniture Crystal glasses China dishes Silver platters

13. Most plantation owners were men, but some women also owned plantations.

14. The planters had important positions in the colonies. The courts as well as government and business leaders, accepted the planters’ view that the economy of the Southern Colonies would grow weak without slavery.

15. The Slave’s Life The day began early and ended late. The overseer was the boss of the plantation. He told the slaves where to work, what to do, and was usually the one who punished them.

16. The overseer sometimes got a share of the profits. He therefore, pushed the “field slaves” to work hard from sunrise to sundown. When there was a full moon they would even work at night.

17. The Plantation at Night The day “never really ended” They had to do their own chores, fed animals, cut wood, tend their gardens, and prepare supper. After supper they finally got to rest. They were tired, but they made time to talk, tell stories, and sing songs.

18. Storytelling has a long tradition in Africa. Most stories were used mainly to teach values and beliefs.

19. Some of the songs were signals to meet after work. At the secret meetings several would plan their escape. Also, at these secret meetings some would learn to read and write about their experiences.

20. Struggling Against Slavery Most were brought from the present-day countries of Ghana and Nigeria in West Africa.. They spoke different languages and had different cultures. From Nigeria they were called the Hausa(How- sah) and Yoruba (Yoh-ru-bah) From Ghana they were called the Ashanti(uh- shahn-tee) and Fante(Fahn-tee).

21. Rebellion Refused to work. Some would rather die than be forced to work. Worked slowly or purposely broke tools. Others escaped. They were hunted down. When they were caught they were usually beaten, whipped and even sometimes killed. Even so many continued to escape.

22. One thing the planters feared most was rebellion. When they got the chance, some captives were willing to die for their freedom.

23. The slaves would organize raids, burn houses, and kill people. Stono Rebellion of 1739, a captive named Cato led a rebellion in which 30 colonists of South Carolina were killed. So to stop the rebellion the planters strengthened the slave codes.

24. The Family They tried to keep in contact with one another, even when they were separated. On the one day that they did not have to work, which was usually Sunday, the parents would visit their children. They would walk miles to see their children.

25. Why it Matters Enslaved Africans had a major effect on the English colonies. The slave labor played a large part in the building of the South and some of the North. Profits from slavery helped the Southern Colonies to become wealthy and successful.

26. In a land that offered much freedom and opportunity to its European colonists, the plantation system denied such freedom to enslaved Africans.

27. John Woolman A Quaker who in 1700’s spoke and wrote against slavery. 1754, he wrote “ the color of a man means nothing in matters of right and equality.” He traveled through much of the south and gained knowledge about slavery. He asked other Quakers to release their slaves. Soon after many colonists began to release their slaves. 1791, Robert Carter III said that slavery was against “the true principles of religion and justice.” He began freeing 500 slaves on his plantation. Yet, his efforts did not end slavery.

28. Review Questions What kinds of work did enslaved people do on the plantations? From where did the majority of the African captives come? What kind of work did they do? What was life like for the enslaved people on plantations in the Southern Colonies?

29. THE END!