Slaves

Definition

Slaves were individuals who were considered property and were forced to work without compensation, often subjected to harsh treatment and dehumanization. In pre-Columbian societies, slavery was tied to various social and economic structures, with individuals becoming enslaved through warfare, debt, or as punishment for crimes. The existence of slavery in these societies influenced their political dynamics and social hierarchies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Slavery in pre-Columbian societies was often not based on race but on factors like warfare, social status, or economic hardship.
2. In the Aztec Empire, slaves could own property and could sometimes buy their freedom, which made their situation different from later forms of chattel slavery.
3. Slaves were used for various purposes including agricultural labor, domestic work, and as sacrifices in religious rituals.
4. The institution of slavery was integral to the economy of many pre-Columbian societies, influencing trade and labor systems.
5. Warfare played a crucial role in the supply of slaves, as many captives from battles were enslaved and integrated into the victors' society.

Review Questions

• How did slavery impact the social hierarchy in pre-Columbian societies?
  • Slavery significantly influenced social hierarchies in pre-Columbian societies by establishing a clear division between free individuals and slaves. Slaves occupied the lowest rung on the social ladder, often seen as property rather than persons. Their existence allowed for the accumulation of wealth and power among free individuals, particularly elites who owned large numbers of slaves. This dynamic reinforced existing power structures and affected social mobility within these cultures.
• What were some of the methods through which individuals became enslaved in pre-Columbian societies?
  • Individuals could become enslaved through various means in pre-Columbian societies. The most common method was through warfare, where captives from conflicts were taken as slaves by the victors. Additionally, people could be enslaved as a result of debt they could not repay or as punishment for crimes. This multifaceted approach to slavery highlighted its complex role within the economic and social fabric of these cultures.
• Evaluate the role of slavery in shaping economic systems within pre-Columbian societies and its lasting effects on future societies.
  • Slavery played a pivotal role in shaping economic systems within pre-Columbian societies by providing a source of labor that facilitated agricultural production and trade. The reliance on slave labor contributed to wealth accumulation among elite classes and reinforced social stratifications. As these practices influenced later colonial systems, they left a lasting legacy that shaped economic relations and social dynamics in post-conquest societies. This transition from pre-Columbian forms of slavery to European models ultimately impacted global trade and demographics in profound ways.

Related terms

Serfdom: A form of labor system where peasants were tied to the land and owed service to a landowner, often resembling slavery but with some rights.

Tribute System: A system where conquered peoples or subordinate states were required to pay tribute, which could include goods, labor, or even individuals as slaves.

Human Sacrifice: The ritual killing of individuals, often slaves or war captives, as offerings to deities in various pre-Columbian cultures, particularly among the Aztecs.