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2.6 Slavery in the British Colonies
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The Development of Slavery in Colonial America
Slavery became a fundamental institution in colonial British North America, though its development varied across regions. All British colonies participated in the Atlantic slave trade to some degree, responding to abundant available land, growing European consumer demand for colonial goods, and a decreasing supply of indentured servants. The first Africans arrived in Virginia in 1619, and by the late 1600s, a significant shift occurred from reliance on white indentured servitude to racial slavery.
This transition accelerated after events like Bacon's Rebellion (1676), as colonial elites sought a labor force they considered easier to control. As European demand for tobacco, rice, sugar, and other colonial products grew, so did the demand for enslaved labor to produce these goods.
Regional Patterns of Slavery
All British colonies participated in slavery, though the extent and nature of the institution varied significantly by region:
New England Colonies
- Small New England farms used relatively few enslaved laborers due to shorter growing seasons and crops requiring less intensive labor
- Enslaved population typically comprised only about 3% of the total population
- All port cities held significant minorities of enslaved people (up to 25% in cities like Boston)
- Urban enslaved people typically worked as domestic servants, dockworkers, and in maritime trades
Middle Colonies
- New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware all participated in the slave trade
- Port cities like Philadelphia and New York held significant minorities of enslaved people
- Diverse economy created varied roles for enslaved workers in both urban and rural settings
- European demand for grain exports indirectly supported the system of slavery
Chesapeake Colonies
The tobacco plantations of Virginia and Maryland drove the development of slavery in this region:
- Tobacco cultivation for European markets required extensive labor
- Declining availability of European servants led planters to turn increasingly to enslaved Africans
- By the early 18th century, chattel slavery became the dominant labor system in the region
- Large numbers of enslaved workers maintained the tobacco economy
Southern Atlantic Colonies
The southernmost British colonies developed plantation systems with the largest concentrations of enslaved people:
- South Carolina and Georgia developed plantation economies centered on rice and indigo for European markets
- These labor-intensive crops required large workforces of enslaved people
- By the mid-18th century, enslaved Africans constituted the majority of the population in these areas
- Harsh conditions in rice cultivation resulted in high mortality rates
West Indies Connection
Though not part of the mainland colonies, the West Indies played a crucial role in shaping slavery in North America:
- The great majority of enslaved Africans transported in the Atlantic slave trade were sent to the British West Indies
- Labor practices and legal codes governing slavery often developed first in the West Indies and were later adapted in mainland colonies
- Trade networks connected the West Indies to mainland colonies, creating economic interdependence
The Transatlantic Slave Trade
The Atlantic slave trade brought millions of enslaved Africans to the Americas, though only a fraction of the total went to British North America:
- West African regions supplied most captives to the British colonies
- The Middle Passage (the journey across the Atlantic) was characterized by inhumane conditions
- European demand for colonial goods drove the expansion of the slave trade
- Different African regions supplied captives, bringing diverse cultural backgrounds to the colonies
🎥Watch: AP US History - The Impact of Slavery on Colonial America
The Evolution of Chattel Slavery
As chattel slavery became the dominant labor system in many southern colonies, new laws created a strict racial system:
- Colonial legislatures defined enslaved Africans as property (chattel) rather than persons
- Laws made slavery hereditary through the mother's status, meaning children born to enslaved women were automatically enslaved
- Legal codes prohibited interracial relationships, especially between white women and Black men
- Descendants of African American mothers were defined as Black and enslaved in perpetuity
- Free Blacks faced growing legal restrictions, reinforcing a racial hierarchy
These legal developments created a system of racial slavery that:
- Linked slavery permanently to African ancestry
- Established slavery as a permanent, inheritable condition
- Justified enslavement based on perceived racial differences
Resistance and Cultural Persistence
Despite the oppressive system of slavery, enslaved Africans actively resisted and maintained their cultural identity.
Overt Resistance
Africans developed various forms of direct resistance against their enslavement:
- Physical rebellions, such as the Stono Rebellion in South Carolina (1739)
- Escape attempts, including formation of maroon communities in remote areas
- Destruction of property, tools, or crops as forms of economic sabotage
Cultural Resistance and Adaptation:
Enslaved people maintained their culture and religion as forms of resistance:
- African religions blended with Christianity, preserving African spiritual traditions
- Traditional music, dance, storytelling, and art were maintained and adapted
- African linguistic patterns influenced the development of distinctive speech patterns
- Food traditions and medicinal knowledge preserved aspects of African cultures
Family and Gender Systems
Enslaved people fought to maintain family bonds and gender roles despite the system's attempts to break them:
- Created and maintained family structures despite lack of legal recognition
- Preserved traditional gender roles and relationships when possible
- Developed extended kinship networks that could survive family separations
- Established naming practices that preserved family connections across generations
- Created community support systems for raising children and supporting each other
These various forms of resistance helped enslaved people maintain their humanity and dignity in a system designed to deny both, while preserving cultural traditions that would endure across generations.
Key Terms to Review (36)
African Slaves: African slaves were individuals of African descent who were forcibly brought to the Americas and subjected to chattel slavery, a system that treated them as property rather than human beings. This practice played a central role in the economic and social structures of the British colonies, influencing cultural interactions between European settlers, Native Americans, and Africans, as well as contributing to the regional distinctions within colonial America.
African-American Culture Development by Blacks Born in Colonies: African-American Culture Development by Blacks Born in Colonies refers to the unique cultural expressions, practices, and identities that emerged among enslaved Africans and their descendants in British colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. This development was shaped by a blend of African traditions, European influences, and the harsh realities of slavery, leading to distinctive art forms, musical styles, religious practices, and social customs that laid the foundation for a rich cultural heritage.
Bacon’s Rebellion: Bacon's Rebellion was an armed uprising in 1676 led by Nathaniel Bacon against the rule of Governor William Berkeley in Virginia. This conflict highlighted the growing tensions between wealthy landowners and poorer settlers, particularly over issues such as land access and the treatment of Native Americans, making it a significant event in understanding the early colonial struggle for power and the role of class conflict in the British colonies.
Barbados Code Law Passed in 1661: The Barbados Code Law, enacted in 1661, was a set of legal statutes that established the framework for the institution of slavery in the British colonies, particularly in Barbados. This law laid the groundwork for defining the status of enslaved people and their owners, solidifying racial hierarchy and legal justifications for slavery that would influence other colonies in the Caribbean and North America. The code outlined the treatment of enslaved individuals, their rights (or lack thereof), and the obligations of slave owners, marking a pivotal moment in the history of slavery in the British Empire.
Brazil: Brazil is the largest country in South America, known for its vast rainforests, diverse ecosystems, and a rich cultural heritage that includes influences from indigenous peoples, Portuguese colonizers, and African slaves. In the context of slavery in the British Colonies, Brazil serves as a critical reference point due to its significant role in the transatlantic slave trade and as one of the largest destinations for enslaved Africans.
Brookes Print: The Brookes Print is a famous engraving created in the late 18th century that depicts the inhumane conditions of enslaved Africans aboard a slave ship. This graphic image illustrated the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade and aimed to raise awareness and garner support for the abolitionist movement, highlighting the suffering endured by enslaved individuals during their forced transportation to the British colonies.
Chattel Slavery System: The Chattel Slavery System was a form of slavery in which individuals were treated as personal property that could be bought, sold, and owned indefinitely. This system became prevalent in the British colonies, where enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to work on plantations, and their status as property denied them basic human rights and freedoms. The Chattel Slavery System was characterized by its legal recognition of slaves as commodities rather than human beings, impacting social, economic, and cultural aspects of colonial life.
Christian Salvation Argument to Defend Slavery Institution: The Christian Salvation Argument to Defend Slavery Institution refers to the belief held by some in the 19th century that slavery was morally justified because it provided enslaved Africans with the opportunity for spiritual salvation through Christianity. This rationale was used by pro-slavery advocates to argue that slavery was not only acceptable but beneficial, as they claimed it introduced enslaved people to Christian values and a path to eternal salvation.
Covert Resistance Methods: Work Slowdowns/Damaging Equipment; Medicinal Plants Use for Healing: Covert resistance methods refer to subtle and indirect ways that enslaved individuals resisted their oppression, often through actions that disrupted the plantation economy or provided means for self-care. These methods included work slowdowns, where enslaved people deliberately reduced their productivity to undermine the economic goals of their enslavers, and damaging equipment to impede operations. Additionally, the use of medicinal plants highlighted a form of resistance through self-sufficiency and healing, as it empowered individuals to care for themselves and maintain a degree of autonomy despite the harsh conditions of slavery.
Dutch Warship: A Dutch Warship refers to the naval vessels that were part of the naval forces of the Netherlands, particularly during the 17th century when they played a significant role in maritime trade and conflicts. These ships were crucial in establishing Dutch naval power, which had direct implications for colonial expansion and the Atlantic slave trade, as they often engaged in battles and trade routes that involved the transport of enslaved people to British colonies.
European Goods: European goods refer to a variety of products manufactured in Europe that were exchanged in the transatlantic trade networks during the colonial period. These items included textiles, metal goods, and agricultural products, which were highly sought after in the Americas. The importation of these goods played a crucial role in shaping the economies of the British colonies and the institution of slavery, as they were often traded for enslaved Africans, thereby linking European consumer demand with the growth of the slave trade.
Europe, Africa, and the Americas Exchange Route: The Europe, Africa, and the Americas Exchange Route, often referred to as the Columbian Exchange, is a complex network of trade and cultural exchange established during the Age of Exploration, linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This route facilitated the transfer of goods, ideas, and populations between these regions, significantly impacting economies and societies, especially regarding slavery in the British colonies, where it played a crucial role in the forced migration of Africans to the Americas.
Great Awakening Religious Revival Starting from 1740: The Great Awakening was a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, beginning around 1740. It emphasized personal faith, emotional connections to religion, and a direct relationship with God, often challenging established religious authorities. This movement played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of colonial America and had lasting effects on various social structures, including the dynamics of slavery.
Indentured Servants: Indentured servants were individuals who signed a contract agreeing to work for a specific number of years in exchange for passage to the New World, along with food, shelter, and other necessities. This system played a crucial role in the labor dynamics of early colonial America, influencing social structures and economic development.
Institution of Slavery: The Institution of Slavery refers to the system of forced labor that primarily involved the ownership and exploitation of individuals, predominantly Africans, who were deprived of personal freedom and rights. This institution became deeply entrenched in society, influencing social structures, economies, and cultures, particularly in the context of colonial America and the early years of the Republic.
Iron Leg Shackles: Iron leg shackles were heavy metal restraints used to confine the legs of enslaved individuals during the transatlantic slave trade and throughout slavery in the British colonies. These shackles were designed to restrict movement, making escape more difficult, and served as a physical manifestation of the brutal conditions faced by enslaved people. Their use highlights the dehumanization and systemic violence inherent in slavery, as well as the lengths to which slaveholders would go to maintain control over their captives.
James Oglethorpe's Followers in Georgia: James Oglethorpe's followers in Georgia were a group of settlers who established the colony of Georgia in 1733 under his leadership. This colony was unique as it was founded as a refuge for debtors and the poor, contrasting sharply with other colonies that relied heavily on slave labor and plantation economies. Oglethorpe's vision included a society based on small farms and moral reform, yet this vision would eventually clash with the growing demand for labor-intensive agriculture, leading to a significant reliance on slavery.
Maroon Groups: Maroon Groups were communities formed by enslaved Africans who escaped from plantations and sought refuge in remote areas, often in the Americas, particularly in the British colonies. These groups played a significant role in the resistance against slavery and created distinct cultures that blended African traditions with local influences. The existence of Maroon societies highlighted the desire for autonomy and the fight for freedom among enslaved populations.
Middle Passage: The Middle Passage refers to the brutal sea voyage that transported enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. This horrific journey was characterized by inhumane conditions, high mortality rates, and severe suffering, highlighting the cruelty of slavery in various colonial systems.
Native Americans: Native Americans are the indigenous peoples of the Americas, who have distinct cultures, languages, and histories that predate European contact. Their experiences and interactions with European settlers significantly shaped the social, political, and economic landscape of North America.
Northern Colonies: The Northern Colonies, primarily consisting of New England states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, were characterized by their colder climate and rocky soil, leading to different economic and social structures compared to other colonial regions. These colonies developed economies based on fishing, shipbuilding, and small-scale farming, alongside a strong emphasis on community and religious values. The Northern Colonies also had a distinct relationship with slavery, which was less central to their economy than in the Southern Colonies.
Plantations and Mines Labor Force: The Plantations and Mines Labor Force refers to the system of labor utilized primarily in the agricultural and mining sectors of the British colonies, where enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to work under brutal conditions. This labor force was integral to the economic foundation of the colonies, particularly in the production of cash crops like tobacco, sugar, and cotton, as well as in the extraction of valuable minerals. The reliance on enslaved labor not only fueled the colonial economy but also contributed to the social and political structures that supported slavery and racial hierarchies.
Raw Materials: Raw materials are the basic substances that are used to produce goods and services, often extracted or harvested from natural resources. These materials are crucial for the economy, especially in the context of trade and production processes, as they serve as the foundation for manufacturing various products. The flow of raw materials between regions, particularly during historical periods, facilitated economic development and influenced social structures, including the reliance on enslaved labor for their extraction and processing.
Regulated Slave Trade Act of 1788: The Regulated Slave Trade Act of 1788 was legislation passed by the British Parliament aimed at improving the conditions of enslaved Africans during transport to the Americas. This act arose from growing concerns about the brutalities of the transatlantic slave trade, particularly after public outcry over reports of inhumane conditions on slave ships. It established regulations for the treatment of enslaved individuals during their transport, reflecting a tension between economic interests and humanitarian concerns in the context of slavery in the British colonies.
Resistance Methods: Resistance methods refer to the various ways enslaved individuals and communities in the British colonies expressed their opposition to slavery and sought to undermine the system of oppression. These methods varied from subtle acts of defiance, like work slowdowns and sabotage, to overt actions, such as revolts and escape attempts. The persistence of these resistance efforts highlights the resilience and agency of enslaved people in their struggle for freedom and dignity.
Rice Plantations and Indigo Harvesting in South Carolina and Georgia: Rice plantations and indigo harvesting refer to the agricultural practices developed in the low-lying coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia during the 18th century, where enslaved labor was extensively used to cultivate these cash crops. These plantations became central to the economies of these colonies, relying on the brutal system of slavery that defined agricultural production and social structures in the British colonies.
Slave Revolts Areas: American South; Jamaica; Haiti; Caribbean: Slave revolts refer to uprisings and rebellions by enslaved people against their oppressors, aiming to achieve freedom or better living conditions. These revolts were significant not only in the American South but also in regions like Jamaica, Haiti, and other parts of the Caribbean, as they highlighted the resistance of enslaved individuals against brutal systems of oppression and were pivotal in shaping the discourse around slavery and human rights.
Southern Colonies Demand for Slaves: The Southern Colonies Demand for Slaves refers to the increasing need for enslaved laborers in the agricultural economies of the southern British colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. This demand was largely driven by the cash crops, such as tobacco, rice, and indigo, which required a large workforce to cultivate and harvest. As plantations expanded, so did the reliance on enslaved Africans, creating a system of racialized slavery that became deeply entrenched in southern society and economy.
Stowage of the British Slave Ship Brookes: The Stowage of the British Slave Ship Brookes refers to a specific diagram that illustrates how enslaved Africans were packed into the Brookes ship during its voyages in the late 18th century. This diagram was used as a powerful visual representation of the inhumane conditions faced by enslaved people during the Middle Passage, highlighting the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade and the broader implications of slavery in British colonies.
Stono Rebellion in South Carolina: The Stono Rebellion was a slave uprising that occurred in September 1739 in South Carolina, where enslaved Africans revolted against their oppressors, seeking freedom and better lives. This rebellion was significant as it highlighted the tensions and brutal realities of slavery in the British colonies, prompting stricter slave codes and increased control by plantation owners in the aftermath.
Sugar Plantations: Sugar plantations were large agricultural estates primarily focused on the cultivation and processing of sugarcane, which became a significant part of the economy in the Caribbean and parts of the American South. These plantations relied heavily on enslaved labor, leading to an extensive system of slavery that shaped social, economic, and political structures in the British colonies.
Tobacco Harvesting in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina: Tobacco harvesting in Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina refers to the agricultural process of cultivating and collecting tobacco, which became a cash crop essential to the economy of these colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries. This practice was heavily reliant on enslaved labor, leading to the establishment of a plantation system that shaped social, economic, and cultural dynamics in the region. The high demand for tobacco in Europe created a lucrative market that incentivized the expansion of plantations and increased the reliance on slavery.
Traditional Music/Dance/Cultural Practices as Resistance Expression: Traditional music, dance, and cultural practices as resistance expression refer to the use of artistic and cultural forms by enslaved individuals and their descendants to assert their identity, maintain cultural heritage, and oppose oppressive systems. In the context of slavery in the British Colonies, these practices became vital for creating a sense of community, preserving African traditions, and subtly challenging the dehumanizing conditions imposed by slavery.
Triangular Trade: Triangular Trade refers to the transatlantic system of trade that operated between Europe, Africa, and the Americas from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It involved the exchange of goods, enslaved people, and raw materials among these three regions, creating a cycle that significantly impacted economies and societies on both sides of the Atlantic. This system was crucial for the development of colonial economies and laid the groundwork for the institution of slavery in the Americas.
Virginia: Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies in North America, established in 1607 with the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement. Its development played a significant role in shaping early American history through interactions with Native Americans, the establishment of slavery, and its unique colonial culture.
West Indies: The West Indies is a region located in the Caribbean, comprising numerous islands and countries that were central to European colonial trade and plantation economies. This area played a critical role in the transatlantic trade network, especially in the exchange of goods like sugar, tobacco, and rum, while also being a major hub for the enslavement and labor of Africans in the British colonies.