Development of Slavery

Definition

The Development of Slavery refers to the evolution of enslaved labor systems in the British colonies, particularly in North America, where the reliance on enslaved African people grew significantly from the early 17th century onward. This shift was driven by economic demands for labor in agriculture, particularly in cash crops like tobacco, rice, and later cotton, leading to a formalized system of racialized slavery that had profound social and economic implications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Slavery in the British colonies began with the importation of African slaves in 1619 to Virginia, where they were used to meet labor demands for tobacco cultivation.
2. The system of slavery evolved over time, becoming more rigid and racially based, particularly after the enactment of Slave Codes in the late 17th century.
3. By the 18th century, slavery became a key component of the southern economy, with plantations growing cash crops like rice, indigo, and cotton, which were crucial for trade.
4. The transatlantic slave trade forcibly brought millions of Africans to the Americas, with estimates suggesting around 12 million were transported between the 16th and 19th centuries.
5. Resistance to slavery took many forms, including uprisings, escape attempts, and the establishment of maroon communities by escaped slaves.

Review Questions

• How did economic factors contribute to the establishment and growth of slavery in the British colonies?
  • Economic factors played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of slavery in the British colonies. The demand for labor-intensive cash crops like tobacco and rice created a need for a stable workforce. As indentured servitude declined and labor shortages arose, plantation owners turned increasingly to enslaved Africans as a more profitable solution. This shift not only increased agricultural productivity but also solidified slavery as an integral part of colonial economies.
• Discuss the impact of Slave Codes on enslaved people's lives and their families within the British colonies.
  • Slave Codes had a significant impact on the lives of enslaved people and their families by legally enforcing racial discrimination and stripping them of basic rights. These laws defined enslaved individuals as property rather than persons, making it illegal for them to marry or own property. Families were often torn apart as individuals were sold or traded away. The implementation of these codes created an environment of fear and control that shaped every aspect of life for enslaved people.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of slavery's development in the British colonies on American society and its economy.
  • The development of slavery in the British colonies had long-term consequences that profoundly shaped American society and its economy. The reliance on enslaved labor established deep economic disparities between the northern and southern states, fostering sectional tensions that would later lead to civil conflict. Furthermore, this system entrenched racial hierarchies and social divisions that persisted long after abolition. The legacy of slavery continues to influence contemporary discussions on race, equity, and justice in America.

Related terms

Middle Passage:

The brutal sea journey undertaken by enslaved Africans from their homeland to the Americas, characterized by overcrowding and high mortality rates.

Slave Codes:

Laws enacted in the colonies that defined the status of enslaved people and outlined the rights of their owners, institutionalizing racial discrimination.

Plantation System:

An agricultural system that relied heavily on the labor of enslaved people to cultivate cash crops on large estates, shaping the economy and society of the southern colonies.