Facts About Slavery in the United States Flashcards
(32 cards)
When was slavery introduced to the English colonies in North America?
Slavery was introduced in the early 17th century and lasted until the end of the Civil War in 1865.
What was the transatlantic slave trade?
The transatlantic slave trade involved the forced migration of millions of Africans to the Americas as enslaved people. It is estimated that approximately 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic Ocean.
Where was slavery primarily concentrated in the United States?
Slavery was primarily concentrated in the southern colonies and states, deeply intertwined with the plantation economy, particularly in cash crops like tobacco, rice, and cotton.
How was slavery legally recognized in the United States?
The Constitution of the United States, adopted in 1787, contained provisions that protected slavery, such as the Three-Fifths Compromise and the Fugitive Slave Clause.
What legal status did enslaved people have?
Enslaved people were considered property and had no legal rights. They were bought, sold, and owned by their enslavers.
What were the working conditions like for enslaved people?
Slavery was a system of forced labor, and enslaved people were subjected to brutal working conditions and often endured physical and psychological abuse.
What emotional impact did slavery have on families?
Families were frequently separated through the sale of enslaved individuals, resulting in significant emotional trauma and disruption of kinship ties.
What were slave codes?
Slave codes were enacted in southern states to control and regulate the lives of enslaved people, restricting their movement and denying them basic civil rights.
What were some notable slave rebellions?
Slave rebellions like the Stono Rebellion (1739) and Nat Turner’s Rebellion (1831) demonstrated resistance against slavery, though they were often violently suppressed.
What was the Underground Railroad?
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved individuals escape to free states or Canada.
Who were prominent figures in the abolitionist movement?
Prominent abolitionists included Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and William Lloyd Garrison.
What were the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850?
These were political agreements that attempted to address the issue of expanding slavery into new territories but heightened tensions between northern and southern states.
What was the Dred Scott decision?
The Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision in 1857 ruled that enslaved individuals were property and not citizens, further entrenching slavery.
What was the Emancipation Proclamation?
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territories were to be set free.
What did the Thirteenth Amendment accomplish?
The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude throughout the United States.
What legacy did slavery leave in American society?
The legacy of slavery and systemic racism continued to shape American society, leading to widespread discrimination and inequality for African Americans.
What was the economic impact of slavery on the United States?
Southern plantations generated significant wealth and contributed to the nation’s economic development through the production of lucrative agricultural commodities.
How is the memory of slavery commemorated today?
The memory and history of slavery remain significant and are explored through historical research, museums, and initiatives acknowledging its enduring impact.
What is the Middle Passage?
The Middle Passage refers to the brutal journey across the Atlantic Ocean that enslaved Africans endured during the transatlantic slave trade.
In what other industries were enslaved people employed?
Enslaved people were also employed in mining, construction, domestic service, and skilled trades like blacksmithing and carpentry.
How did enslaved people express their culture?
Enslaved people maintained their African cultural traditions, including music, dance, spirituality, and oral storytelling.
Who was Harriet Tubman?
Harriet Tubman was an escaped slave who became a prominent figure of the Underground Railroad, making dangerous trips to rescue enslaved individuals.
What were slave patrols?
Slave patrols were vigilante groups in southern states that enforced slave codes and suppressed resistance.
What was the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850?
The Fugitive Slave Act required the return of escaped slaves to their enslavers, even in free states, heightening tensions between the North and South.
