Slavery in the American Colonies Essay - 966 Words

1. In the American colonies, Virginians switched from indentured servants to slaves for their labor needs for many reasons. A major reason was the shift in the relative supply of indentured servants and slaves. While the colonial demand for labor was increasing, a sharp decrease occurred in the number of English migrants arriving in America under indenture. Slaves were permanent property and female slaves passed their status on to their children. Slaves also seemed to be a better investment than indentured servants. Slaves also offered masters a reduced level of successful flight. 2. Most American slaves came from the coastal region of West Africa. 3. Around 10 or 11 million African slaves were brought to New World. Only about six†¦show more content†¦Blacks made up a minority of the population and the lower South comprised only roughly half the population. 6. The â€Å"Americanization† process of slaves brought to America is one that has been debated. Some say the slaves brought to America quickly abandoned most of their African ways and adopted the dominant culture against those who stress the continuing African cultural legacy among black Americans. The Africans that were brought to America involuntarily essentially remained Africans at heart. The descendants of Africans that were brought to America were not like the original Africans or white Americans. They were heavily influenced by the behavior of their masters but maintained some of their African culture. They formed a new culture known as African-American. 7. Slave women that were imported from Africa tended to continue the African tradition of breastfeeding for the first two years of life, while those born in America rapidly adapted to the local custom of breastfeeding for one year. The number of African names decreased over time, even though American-born slaves were able to mostly name their babies. Biblical names became more common among slaves born in America. The persistence of African folkways into the 19th century produced slave dancing in New Orleans. Nighttime dancing was so popular among African-born slaves in early New Orleans that city officials set aside a squareShow MoreRelatedSlavery During The American Colonies Essay1537 Words   |  7 PagesSlavery in the American colonies had greatly shaped the nation as we know it to be today. After the discovery of the New World, Spanish conquerors intended to enslave Native Americans, but punishment, overwork, and diseases such as small pox and malaria decreased their population rapidly. The only solution was to kidnap African Americans from their homeland and transport them on ships under poor, unsanitary conditions, many of which died of yellow fever, dysentery, or suicide. Upon arrival, theyRead MoreThe Identity Of The American Revolution1527 Words   |  7 PagesThe identity of the American colonists prior to the American Revolution was still work in progress because there were certain events that helped shape their identity and led to the American Revolution. The American colonies were trying to break away from the British control because they wanted to become independent and be their own nation. Once the British began to realize the intentions of the colonists, they began to create laws, acts, and other forms things to keep the colonists under their controlRead MoreThe American Revolution And Its Effect On American History1537 Words   |  7 PagesThe American Revolution began in 1775. Due to the Revolution 1775 proved to be one of the most prod uctive years in American history. The American Revolution caused great changes in the original thirteen colonies that helped mold the United States into what it is today. The revolution caused changes in the original colonies’ economics, caused immense changes in slavery, and changed the society of the colonies in general. As a result of the French and Indian war Britain neglected the American coloniesRead MoreAfrican Americans and Cotton Fields1233 Words   |  5 PagesWhen we think about slavery we perceive it to be African Americans working on a cotton field, but where did that perception come from and where did slavery begin in North America? Slavery has been one of the longest standing legal systems used throughout history. History shows that the first settlers in North America, both the Vikings and Native Americans, were the first cultures to practice slavery in the area. Slavery continued through early modern history, aiding in the discovery of North AmericaRead MoreAPUSH SLAVERY FRQ813 Words   |  4 Pages FRQ #2: Analyze the origins and development of slavery in Britain’s North American colonies in the period 1607 to 1776. The founding of the majority of American colonies was either for an economic profit or for religious freedom. To make the colonies founded for an economic profit, a large work force was needed. For many religious colonies that turned into huge economic powers, they used the Protestant work ethic. Other colonies decided to use indentured servants originally, but this ended upRead MoreHelping the Poor Whites in the Book, American Slavery, American Freedom by Edmund S. Morgan730 Words   |  3 PagesAmerican Slavery, American Freedom was written by Edmund S. Morgan, a professor at Yale University, who was born in 1916 and studied with very well-known professors at Harvard. The book is broken down into four sections: early English colonization, the beginning of a stable colony in Virginia, the indentured servant class and African slaves as a permanent labor. The first book Morgan talks about the relationship between the English colonists and the American Indians who inhabited the land previouslyRead MoreFederal Government of the United States and Territorial Expansion1101 Words   |  5 Pagessocial development of the New England colonies from 1630 through the 1660s? (Form B) 1. The issue of territorial expansion sparked considerable debate in the period 1800–1855. Analyze this debate and evaluate the influence of both supporters and opponents of territorial expansion in shaping federal government policy. 2009 DBQ: (Form A) From 1775 to 1830, many African Americans gained freedom from slavery, yet during the same period the institution of slavery expanded. Explain why BOTH of thoseRead MoreThe Necessary Evil That United The Colonies. Slavery Is1508 Words   |  7 PagesThe Necessary Evil That United The Colonies Slavery is an important part of the United States history, using White, Native American, and black African American slaves, it helped build this country in its beginning. Ultimately it was one of the worst atrocities in history. The inhumanity of it is still affecting the country today. So why did it take so long to abolish it when a majority of the Founding Fathers, while having slaves themselves, where apposed to it? Why did they not use their power toRead MoreAfrican Americans During The Revolutionary Era925 Words   |  4 Pagestyrannic king swept through the colonies and a fight for independence was making it’s way. However, the war with Britain would be no cake walk for the new found colonies and extra reinforcement was needed. African Americans played major roles during the Revolutionary Era by participating in battles such as Lexington, Bunker Hill, and Yorktown. Some were free African Americans who volunteered to serve in the war, but the majority were slaves not onl y fighting for the colonies independence, but freedom ofRead MoreSlavery 1680-18601039 Words   |  5 Pagestraded. With slavery came empowerment to the white man and land ownership and all rights and freedom for Native Americans, poor whites, African Americans, and women diminish substantially in America. Americas growing settlements and colonies were completely dependent on slave labor and were growing fast because of it. America’s freedom was stripped during slavery due to the high dependency on African American slave trade. With the up rise of revolts and anti slavery acts, the colonies feel just how