1. Slavery and Abolitionism in New England
Abolitionist:
Someone who is against slavery
Anti-Abolitionist:
Someone who is in support of slavery

2. How did whites in New England view slaves?
During the 17th and early 18th century, a distinct set of ideas about African people emerged.
Many whites believed that blacks possessed “weak” character traits like laziness, disobedience, and stupidity
Many even believed that this was God’s way of “punishing” Africans
Race and slavery began to be closely connected.
However, not ALL whites in New England held these views.

3. Where were the slaves in New England?
In New England, slaves were concentrated in major cities and some agricultural areas.
Newport, Providence, and South County

5. What kind of work?
Majority worked in agriculture or as domestic servants
In addition to farming, women were engaged with spinning, childcare, and cooking.
Some slaves became highly skilled workers, serving as clerks, caterers, artisans, and merchants.
Many enslaved people worked in busy seaports. This was especially the case in Newport.

6. How were they treated? Property-Master relationship
Slaves were often accused of theft and were punished, even if no evidence existed
They were whipped, shackled, and branded for various unjustified reasons
There were laws that made killing a slave a capital crime, but no white person was ever put to death for murdering a slave

7. How did this compare to slavery in the South?
In the South, enslaved people lived in large plantation communities while most enslaved people in New England lived in households with only one or two slaves.
In the North, they enjoyed greater freedom of movement than their counterparts in the South
In the North, enslaved people would meet each other in town while on errands or shopping for food. On Sundays, their one day off, they could gather and create a community amongst themselves.
In some areas, they even elected a “governor” or leader of the black community.

8. When and Why did views change in the North (and specifically, RI)?
In a matter of just 20 years after the slave ship Sally set sale, views about slavery in New England began to change.
THIS WAS A PARADIGM SHIFT!!!
What caused this paradigm shift? (Abolitionism)
Minority religious group, the Quakers spread the word of abolitionism
“It is certain that all Men, as they are the sons of Adam...have equal rights unto Liberty and all other outward Comforts of Life...So that Originally, and Naturally, there is no such thing as slavery.”
The Revolutionary War: It is hypocritical to fight for freedom when some aren’t free.

9. Winter 1783 Option 1 1. Continue trading and owning slaves Option 2
2. Slavery is natural
3. They’re better off here than Africa
4. Cannot deny property
5. Slavery helps economy
Option 2
1. Slavery is morally wrong
2. Letting them all free at once will cause chaos
3. Africans born after a certain date
4. Gradual, without social disruption
5. Cannot take away property
Option 3
1. Immoral
2. End immediately
3. Negroes are capable of citizenship
4. They are in bad condition due to slavery
5. They deserve the rights in our Declaration of Indepence
Option 4
1. Must end slavery, but we can’t all get along here
2. Must send Africans back
3. This way, they will not be a burden
4. They will be happier there
5. Africa will be better with them there