how did the character of slavery change

Question

during the 1619 and 1739 how did the slavery change throughout colonial north america

Answer 1

Hi Marie,

 

This is a really great question.  Slavery in North America changed several times in several aspects during the 16th through to the 19th centuries.  When the Spanish began to colonize the New World during the early 16th century, they enlisted the help of the indigenous peoples for labor and construction.  They were called the encomienda, or to "entrust".  This was essentially indentured labor.   Their conversion and salvation was tied to their earthly works as observed by their serving masters.  Indentured servants carried well on to the next two centuries in the New World.

 

Toward the 18th century, there were some major changes in popular opinion in regards to slavery.  The industrial Revolution taking place in the North was counter-acted by the plantations in the South.  "Cotton is King" was spoken all over the South and it required manpower.  When Eli Whitney invented and patented the cotton gin in 1794, more southern land could be cultivated, so more slaves were needed.

 

Slavery in the United States was changed forever with the Supreme Court ruling on the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.   This allowed Southern slave owners to pursue runaway slaves into the North.  Northern authorities were not only compelled to assist at their own expense, but they had to return the slave to its owner.  This was astounding as any Southerner could travel to the North and demanded the return of any Black.

 

This was the beginning of the dissolution of the Union and the Civil War was inevitable.  Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist you.   

 

Chris Nawrocki, MA