The Slave System Slaves and Work –Slaves who lived on small farms did a variety of jobs. On large plantations most slaves were given specific jobs and most worked in the fields. –Supervisors known as drivers, who were sometimes slaves themselves made sure that slaves followed orders and punishments

Working on the Fields The gang-labor system, all field hands worked on the same task at the same time. Worked from sunup to sun down No breaks and lunch was eaten while you worked Started working around the age of 10

Working in the Planter’s House

Working Skilled Jobs On larger plantations, some slaves worked at skilled jobs such as blacksmithing or carpentry. Sometimes planters let these skilled slaves sell their services to others. The planter would keep some of the profits and the slaves would keep the rest. This system let slaves buy themselves to freedom by working hard and saving money

Life under slavery Shareholders viewed slaves as property not as people. Slaves were bought and sold at auctions. Sometimes families would be separated. Sometimes, free slaves were kidnapped and sold back into slavery

Punishment and Slaves Codes Some Planters offered more food or better living conditions for better effort However, most planters used punishment. Some would punish the slave in front of the other slaves to serve as a warning To further control the slaves actions, many states passed strict laws called Slave Codes

Slave Codes Prohibited slaves from traveling too far from home Literacy Laws in most southern states prohibited the education of slaves

Assessment Questions Page 419, Questions 1a, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b Page 423, Questions 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, Page 429, Questions 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, 3b, 4a Page 431, Questions 1-5, 6a, 6b, 7a, 8a, Page 433, Questions 2-5 Questions and answers Exam on Wednesday April 29 th for “A” Day (8 TH PERIOD) Exam on Thursday April 30th for “B” Day