Colonial Slavery APUSH

How Slavery Came To The Colonies Slavery has been practiced since the beginning of documented history. Slavery introduced by the Spanish into the West Indies after Columbus’s discovery of America. Spanish and Portuguese expanded African slavery into Central and South American after enslaved Indians began dying off. In 1619, the first recorded introduction of African slaves into what would become the United States was in the settlement of Jamestown. Only 20 slaves were purchased Slaves captured in Africa Slaves aboard ship—Middle Passage

Why not enslave the Native Population? Native Americans were highly likely to catch European diseases. They were familiar with the terrain and could escape easier. They had political allies that could fight against the “owners.”

Reasons for using enslaved African labor Proximity-It only took 2-6 weeks to get to the colonies from the Caribbean at first. Experience-They had previous experience and knowledge working in sugar and rice production. Immunity from diseases-Less likely to get sick due to prolonged contact over centuries. Low escape possibilities-They did not know the land, had no allies, and were highly visible because of skin color.

Early Slavery As the number of slaves increased, white colonists reacted to put down perceived racial threat. Slavery transformed from economic to economic and racial institution. Early 1600s  differences between slave and servant were unclear. By the mid-1680s, black slaves outnumbered white indentured servants.

Slavery in the Colonies New England colonies-no large plantation systems; slaves lived in cities and small farms Chesapeake Bay colonies-large tobacco plantations; center of the domestic slave trade Carolinas and Georgia-large rice and cotton plantations

Economics Southern Economy built primarily on Cash Crops – therefore demand for labor was high

The Middle Passage

Middle Passage “Coffin” Position: onboard a slave ship

Two examples of “tight pack” loading One slave in five died during the “middle passage” Slaves were in the hold for two days and then brought out on deck to be “danced” and “washed”

Africans forced to “dance” on ship decks to stay psychically fit – better for auction

Caption reads: "Of this mixture [gunpowder, lemon-juice, and palm oil,] the unresisting captive received a coating, which by the hand of another sailor, was rubbed into the skin, and then polished with a 'danby-brush,' until the sable epidermis glistened like a newly-blacked boot"

Shackles, Manacles, and Padlocks Used in the Slave Trade, early 19th century.

Triangular Trade A diverse system of trade Finished products (rum) sent from New England to Europe & Africa Once in Africa, slave traders pick up slaves – transport to West Indies. Pick up sugar/molasses for New England where is was distilled into rum. Pattern repeated itself over and over.

Triangle Trade Routes

Colonial Slavery Beginning in 1662  “Slave Codes” Made blacks [and their children] property, or chattel for life of white masters. In some colonies, it was a crime to teach a slave to read or write. Conversion to Christianity did not qualify the slave for freedom.