SLAVERY in the British Colonies [APUSH Review Unit 2 Topic 6] Period 2: 1607-1754

Recent questions

• What is chattel slavery?

  Chattel slavery is a legal system where individuals are treated as property, meaning they can be bought, sold, and owned by others. This form of slavery is characterized by the complete control of enslaved people by their owners, who have the authority to dictate their lives, labor, and even family structures. In this system, enslaved individuals have no legal rights and are often subjected to harsh treatment and dehumanization. The concept of chattel slavery was notably established in Virginia, influenced by practices from the British West Indies, which reinforced the idea that enslaved Africans were not just laborers but property that could be exploited indefinitely. This legal framework created a perpetual institution of slavery, deeply embedding it into the social and economic fabric of colonial America.

• How did enslaved Africans resist slavery?

  Enslaved Africans employed various methods to resist their oppressive conditions, showcasing their resilience and desire for autonomy. Resistance took both covert and overt forms. Covertly, they maintained cultural practices, which helped preserve their identities and foster a sense of community despite the dehumanizing environment. They also engaged in subtle acts of defiance, such as working slowly or feigning illness to undermine the plantation system. Overt resistance included organized rebellions, the most notable being the Stono Rebellion in 1739, where a group of enslaved men armed themselves, killed plantation owners, and attempted to escape to freedom. These acts of resistance challenged the narrative that enslaved individuals were passive victims and highlighted their agency and determination to fight against their circumstances.

• Why did the demand for enslaved labor increase?

  The demand for enslaved labor surged primarily due to the growing need for agricultural products in the colonies, particularly after events like Bacon's Rebellion in 1676. This rebellion made colonial elites wary of potential alliances between indentured servants and enslaved Africans, leading to a shift in labor practices. As the supply of indentured servants dwindled, plantation owners increasingly turned to African slavery as a more reliable and controllable source of labor. The agricultural economy, especially in the Chesapeake and Southern colonies, became heavily reliant on enslaved labor to sustain the production of cash crops like tobacco and sugar. This economic shift not only fueled the expansion of slavery but also entrenched it as a fundamental aspect of colonial society.

• What were the conditions of the Middle Passage?

  The Middle Passage refers to the harrowing journey that enslaved Africans endured while being transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. Conditions on the ships were horrific, characterized by extreme overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and unsanitary environments. Many enslaved individuals were shackled together, with little room to move, leading to the spread of disease and high mortality rates. It is estimated that about half a million Africans died during this journey due to the brutal conditions, which included malnutrition, abuse, and despair. The Middle Passage was not just a physical journey but also a traumatic experience that stripped individuals of their freedom and humanity, marking the beginning of a life of enslavement in a foreign land.

• How did slavery differ by region in America?

  The institution of slavery varied significantly across different regions of America, influenced by local economies, agricultural practices, and social structures. In New England, for instance, the reliance on enslaved labor was less pronounced due to smaller farms and a more diversified economy, resulting in fewer enslaved individuals. In contrast, the Chesapeake and Southern colonies developed extensive plantation systems that depended heavily on enslaved labor for the cultivation of cash crops like tobacco and cotton. The British West Indies had the highest concentration of enslaved laborers, reflecting an economy that was almost entirely reliant on sugar production. This regional disparity in the use of enslaved labor not only shaped the economic landscape of colonial America but also influenced social relations and the legal frameworks surrounding slavery in each area.