Chapter 3

Section 3: African Americans in the

Colonies

The Middle Passage

• One leg of the triangular trade–Forced transport of slaves from

Africa to the Americas• 10-40% died in the crossing

–Endured chains, heat, disease, smells, & cramped quarters

• Some mutiny–Crews were heavily armed

Slavery in the Colonies• South Carolina & Georgia

–Brutal conditions

–High temperatures & diseases

–Majority in SC & 1/3 of the population in GA

–Slaves were able to maintain their cultural traditions

–Made baskets & pottery, played music & told stories

• Africans had superior knowledge of cattle herding & fishing & rice cultivation

Virginia & Maryland

• Minorities

• Few came from Africa

• Performed different work

• More contact with Europeans (blended customs)

• Encourage slaves to raise families

–Expensive to get slaves in

New England & the Middle Colonies

• By late 1700’s only 50,000

• More diverse economies

• Slaves worked in cities as cooks, housekeepers, or personal servants

• Male slaves worked in manufacturing & trading or as skilled artisans, or as lumberjacks, dock workers, merchant sailors, fishermen, whalers, & privateers

Free Blacks

• Grew after the American Revolution

• Slave laws discouraged freedom

• Probably worse off economically

–Poorer living conditions & severe discrimination

–Couldn’t vote, testify in court against whites, or marry whites

Laws & Revolts

• Varied from colony to colony• Slaves couldn’t go on ships or ferries

or leave the town without a written pass

• Could be accused of crimes• Punishment including whipping,

banishment to the West Indies & death

Stono Rebellion

• 1739- dozens of slaves near Charleston killed more than 20 whites

• Killed on their way to Florida

• Opposed slavery through indirect resistance

–Pretending to misunderstand orders or faking illness