Forms Of Slave Control

Question 1

Other than the slave law, what were other ways in which masters tried to keep the slaves in subjection/control/oppressed?

Answer 1

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTROL- constantly proclaiming in word and by deed that Negros were inferior to the White race.

CULTURAL- prohibiting the use of African languages and the practice of African religions and customs.

PHYSICAL- the establishment and maintenance of police and militia in order to prevent and defeat rebellious slaves and rebellions.

4. rewarded slaves who acted as informants

ECONOMIC- Hindered their earnings. They knew if they could prevent them from making money they would be unable to purchase their freedom. Economic Enslavement.

Question 2

THE USE OF CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS; although many BWI planters were not willing to allow non-conformist missionaries to work among the slaves, in smaller islands like Antigua, the planters were willing to try in order to make them more loyal.
IT WORKED AND HOW IT MIGHT’VE HELPED:

Answer 2

1. the scriptures, etc from the bible taught them to accept their roles as slaves and to understand the importance of obeying/submitting to their masters.
2. The virtue of “turning the other cheek” was emphasised, suppressed the desire for revenge/pay back.
3. Christianity promotes peace, non-violence and obedience.
4. The idea and hope of heaven being an eternal resting place of peace made them even more obedient and…

Question 3

Economic Control- used various economic measures in order to keep the slaves dependent on them so they would be less likely to free themselves.

Answer 3

1. slaves couldn’t legally own property without permission from their masters
2. the size of the provision ground was limited so they couldn’t earn enough money from their crops and therefore gain independency
3. Laws prevented slaves from growing stable crops such as sugar and trading cattle to prevent economic competiton for planters
4. Severe punishment if a slave was caught/accused of stealing some crimes were punishable by death.
5. only one recognised day for the market, intially sunday the moved to saturday
6. couldn’t sell sugar, couldn’t sell to poor whites and shopkeepers.

Question 4

CULTURAL MEASURES

Answer 4

1. slaves were forbidden to beat drums and blow horns because it could’ve also been used as a form of communication.
2. forced to celebrate western holidays and in some territories slaves were baptised
3. african culture was degraded laws made it difficult to practice african religions like obeah
4. could only marry with owners consent

given christian names

5. curfews at night to prevent assemblies for cultural purposes.

Question 5

Psychological

Answer 5

propoganda taht africans/black were lazy stupid violent loud salacious uncivilised inferior still lasts

Question 6

Physical- when other forms of control failed, force was used

Answer 6

whippings, sexual assault, placed in stocks, treated like animals

Question 7

REASONS SLAVE LAWS AND OTHER FORMS OF SLAVE CONTROL WERE NOT ALWAYS SUCCESSFUL

Answer 7

the brutality of the plantation system never succeeded in crushing the spirit of tire slaves, neither did the slave laws always succeed in controlling their actions BECAUSE:

1. laws could not deny the humanity of slaves
2. backfired, the conditions of slavery and harshness of the laws subsequently created the conditions of revolt \
3. strong desire for freedom
4. could not eliminate all acts of resistance like running away, Maroons of Jamaica successfully resisted
5. Literate slaves such as Samuel Sharpe understood the convos and arguments in Parliament and felt planters were intent on withholding their freedom