Mindset #33• In your opinion, what does it mean to be a

slave?• When did slaves first arrive in America? (HINT:

think back to last unit and the colonization of America)

• What is the difference between an indentured servant and a slave?

• THINKER: Are all Americans entitled to liberty and freedom or is it something that has to be earned? Explain!

Slavery• One human being is

legally the property of another.

• A slave can be bought, sold, or traded

• As their master’s property, slaves cannot leave and must comply with all orders.

• Children of a slave mother, automatically become slaves

Background of Slavery• Slavery began in prehistoric times and has been

practiced ever since. • The slavery of ancient times reached its peak in

Greece and the Roman Empire. • During the 1500's and 1600's, the colonization of the

New World by Europeans resulted in a great expansion of slavery.

• Plantations were a huge source of money in America, and the colonists needed someone to work them.

• The United States officially abolished slavery in 1865• Today, slavery is illegal in almost every country in the

world. But slavery still exists in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America.

Slave Trade• Enslavement and Transportation of

Africans to the New World.• Lasted from the 16th-19th century• Most enslaved people were taken from

Western and Central Africa.• 1.2-2.4 million Africans died on their route

to the New World. • During the Slave Trade, 10-12 million

slaves were transported to North America.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Triangle_trade2.png

http://www.inheritingthetrade.com/images/photos/ghana/168Ghana.jpg

The new regulations limited the Brooks to a maximum capacity of 292 slaves as compared to a cargo of 740 on one of its previous voyages.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/The_Slave_Trade_by_Auguste_Francois_Biard.jpg

Cowrie Shells – used as money in the Slave Trade

Slavery in America• Slaves were first brought to America in 1619 • 1642: Massachusetts becomes the first colony to

legalize slavery• By 1860, the slave population in the United States was

4 million.• The majority of the slaves worked on the plantations in

the South; especially tobacco, cotton, sugar and coffee.

• In the south, slaves made up 34% of the population• In the north, slaves made up 1% of the population.

Domestic Slaves

• Worked in the house• Generally treated better• Better clothing• Usually lived in the main house• Some slept at the foot of the master’s bed

on the floor or just outside their door• Considered to be “Uncle Tom’s”

Field Slaves

• Worked in the fields from before sun up to sun down

• Lived in row houses• Had to gin a shoe full of cotton before

going to bed• Given one pair of clothes and a blanket

each year

The Cotton Gin

How did slaves make it through each day?

• Sang spirituals• “hit the flo’ with ol’ Jenny” meaning they would

have a dance out in the woods sometimes 5 miles away – at night

• Had to be careful of the paddyrollers who were out on patrol looking for runaway slaves or unruly slaves

• “Steal away to Jesus” meaning their own church services done secretly

Discussion• What was the

relationship between a slave and their master?

• Do you think countries built on slavery should pay compensation to the descendents of slaves?

• Do you think slavery will ever disappear completely? What about racism?

Two Opposing Views of Slavery• During the Civil War Era, there were two sides to the

slavery argument:• Pro-Slavery (South)• Anti-Slavery (North)• With a partner, you are going to read primary

documents that support each argument.• One person will read the pro arguments and the other

will read the anti arguments.• As you read, complete the worksheet.• When both people are finished, share the information

you just learned.• Together, you will complete the graphic organizer.• Be ready to discuss!