Slavery

Definition

Slavery is a system in which individuals are owned by others, depriving them of personal freedom and forcing them to work without compensation. This institution has deeply impacted societies throughout history, especially in the context of the American Civil War, where slavery became a central issue that fueled conflict between the Northern and Southern states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. By the time the Civil War started, approximately 4 million enslaved people were living in the United States, predominantly in Southern states.
2. The economic foundation of the Southern states relied heavily on slavery, particularly in the cotton industry, which was a major driver of their economy.
3. The issue of slavery created a significant divide between the North, which was generally opposed to the expansion of slavery, and the South, where it was integral to their way of life.
4. The American Civil War ultimately led to the abolition of slavery, culminating in the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865, which officially ended slavery in the United States.
5. Resistance to slavery took many forms, including revolts, legal challenges, and the efforts of abolitionists who fought for emancipation and civil rights.

Review Questions

• How did the institution of slavery contribute to the economic differences between the Northern and Southern states prior to the Civil War?
  • Slavery was a fundamental part of the Southern economy, primarily through agriculture, especially in cotton production. In contrast, the Northern states had developed a more industrial economy that did not rely on enslaved labor. This economic divergence led to differing social structures and political ideologies, creating significant tension between the regions as they approached war.
• Discuss how the Emancipation Proclamation changed the nature of the Civil War regarding slavery.
  • The Emancipation Proclamation shifted the focus of the Civil War from merely preserving the Union to also including the fight against slavery as a core objective. By declaring enslaved people in Confederate-held territories as free, it allowed for their enlistment into the Union Army and positioned the war as a moral crusade against slavery. This change galvanized support for abolition among Northern citizens and altered international perceptions of the conflict.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of slavery on American society following its abolition during the Civil War.
  • The legacy of slavery continued to affect American society long after its abolition through systemic racism and social inequalities. The end of slavery did not immediately translate into equality for African Americans; instead, it led to a series of discriminatory practices such as Jim Crow laws that enforced segregation. The struggle for civil rights persisted well into the 20th century and remains relevant today as society continues to address issues stemming from this history.

Related terms

Abolitionism: A social and political movement aimed at ending slavery and emancipating enslaved people.

Emancipation Proclamation: An executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 that declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory.

Underground Railroad: A secret network of routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to free states and Canada.