Slavery in America began when the first African slaves were brought to the North American colony of...
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Transcript of Slavery in America began when the first African slaves were brought to the North American colony of...
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?
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