Slavery in America began when the first African slaves were brought to the

North American colony of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619, to aid in the

production of such lucrative crops as tobacco.

Slavery was practiced throughout the American colonies in the 17th and

18th centuries, and African-American slaves helped build the economic

foundations of the new nation.

By the mid-19th century, America's westward expansion, along with a

growing abolition movement in the North, would provoke a great debate

over slavery that would tear the nation apart in the bloody American Civil

War (1861-65).

Preview

Reach Into Your Background

What actions would you

take to get something

you really wanted?

What would you do to

hold on to something

that was already yours?

(5 minutes)

Partner Activity

Work with a neighbor

and compare your

answers with theirs.

What things are the

same and what

things are different?

(3 minutes)

Slavery was an ancient practice of taking captives

in war.

Muslims traded with East Africans for slaves.

The transatlantic slave trade began after Europeans

set up colonies in the Americas.

Slavery devastated those parts of Africa from which

slaves were taken.

Key Ideas- Slavery

Capture and the Middle Passage

Most slaves were captured by

other Africans.

West Africa is where the

majority of slaves came from.

After capture, Africans were

packed tightly into slave

ships.

The death rate of the

“passengers” was 50%.

• Slaves were BRANDED with this tool (permanent burn scar) to show they

were property.

The Middle Passage

Most Africans landed in Brazil with the least

number landing in North America.

Slaves were auctioned off to the highest

bidder.

They learned a European language, were

named a European name, and were shown

labor requirements.

Destination, Auction, and Seasoning

The Beginnings of Slavery in the United States

The Portuguese and Spanish

had already brought Africans

to South and Latin America.

In 1619, the first Africans

were brought to the colony

Jamestown, Virginia by the

Dutch.

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.”

Why Not Enslave the Native Population?

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.

Reasons for Using Enslaved African Labor

He was an African brought to the colonies in the

1620s.

He obtained his freedom, and purchased 250 acres

of land in Virginia.

He owned both slaves and white indentured

servants.

This shows that blacks were not thought of strictly

as slaves until the 1660s.

Anthony Johnson

The Effects of the American Revolution and the

Constitution

Gradual abolition of slavery

in the northern colonies.

End of the Atlantic Slave

Trade in 1808.

Entrenchment of slavery in

the South with the

invention of the cotton gin

in 1793 by Eli Whitney.

Most slaves had Sundays off and they went to

church.

Most slaves could not read or write, and it was

illegal for them to learn.

Slave Codes-They could not: leave their home

without a pass, carry a weapon, gather in groups,

own property, legally marry, defend themselves

against a white person, or speak in court.

Life of a Slave

Resistance Flight-Slaves would run away.

Refusal to reproduce-Women refused to

have children.

Covert Action-Slaves would sometimes

kill animals, destroy crops, start fires,

steal stuff, break tools, and poison food.

Punishment Slaves were often

brutally punished for misbehaving.

Punishments included: whipping, branding, being sold, gagged (silence), and other torturous methods were used.

Underground Railroad

Many abolitionists, white and black, tried to help Southern slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was an ex-slave who continued to go back to the South and help people find freedom even though her life was constantly in danger.

Video- Harriet TubmanVideo- Harriet Tubman

Famous People

Frederick Douglass, a former slave,

was able to communicate the plight of

slaves as no one else could. He

sought to embody three keys for

success in life:

Believe in yourself.

Take advantage of every

opportunity.

Use the power of spoken and

written language to effect

positive change for yourself

and society.

Video- Frederick DouglassVideo- Frederick Douglass

•Many freed slaves went on to fight for the side of the North during the Civil War.

1. Why would the rapid expansion of agriculture in the

Americas cause an increased demand for slaves?

2. Why did the Atlantic Slave Trade last as long as it did?

3. What impact did the slave trade have on African society?

4. What role did Africans themselves play in the

continuation of the Atlantic trade of enslaved people?

Jog the Web