1. The Peculiar Institution Slavery in America

2. The Romantic Myth of Slavery Many Southerners believed that slavery was a benign institution Many Southerners believed that slavery was a benign institution They believed the myth that most slaves were happy with slavery They believed the myth that most slaves were happy with slavery

3. The Reality of Slavery Slavery defined the position of all blacks by placing them at the bottom of society Slavery defined the position of all blacks by placing them at the bottom of society

4. Hard Labor Slaves worked from “light to no-light” Slaves worked from “light to no-light” Sometimes longer during a full moon Sometimes longer during a full moon Men and women both did field work, beginning from the age of 12 Men and women both did field work, beginning from the age of 12

5. Slavery Justified Slavery was justified on both racial and moral grounds Slavery was justified on both racial and moral grounds Southern whites argued that slaves were treated better than northern industrial workers Southern whites argued that slaves were treated better than northern industrial workers

6. White Perceptions of Black Slaves The “Sambo” Image The “Sambo” Image Slaves perceived as lazy children Slaves perceived as lazy children Whites have a duty to care for blacks Whites have a duty to care for blacks African savagery Negroes perceived as aggressive and boiling with rage Slavery is a means of controlling that rage through discipline

7. The “Natural Order” of Things Southern whites try to convince blacks there is no hope for change Southern whites try to convince blacks there is no hope for change Control individuality through: Control individuality through: New Americanized names New Americanized names Arranged mates Arranged mates Controlling food, housing, clothing Controlling food, housing, clothing Make slaves like children Make slaves like children

8. Resistance to Slavery Rebellion Rebellion Denmark Vesey rebels in 1822 Denmark Vesey rebels in 1822 Nat Turner kills 55 whites in 1831 Nat Turner kills 55 whites in 1831 Passive Resistance Passive Resistance Poor work quality Poor work quality Breaking tools Breaking tools Feigning illness Feigning illness “Malitis” “Malitis”

9. The Slave Culture African culture mixed with Christian messages African culture mixed with Christian messages The Bible offers hope of a better life The Bible offers hope of a better life Music and storytelling Music and storytelling Negro Spirituals Negro Spirituals Ancestor worship Ancestor worship Strong kinship ties Strong kinship ties Family is what provides support and comfort Family is what provides support and comfort

10. Attitudes North and South It is said that Southerners hated African- Americans as a race, but loved them as individuals... It is said that Southerners hated African- Americans as a race, but loved them as individuals...

11. Attitudes North and South... while Northerners liked African-Americans and despised them as individuals.... while Northerners liked African-Americans and despised them as individuals. This was a no-win situation for African-Americans. This was a no-win situation for African-Americans.