Premium Essay

How Did Slavery Affect American Life

Submitted By
Words 1008
Pages 5
Slavery was one of the biggest factors of life in the 1800’s. Slaves impacted just about every aspect of an American's lifestyle in one way or another. When Americans realized that if they wanted to produce more money growing crops, they were going to need some more help. It is estimated that 12.5 million slaves came over seas on the slave trade, and only 10.7 million survived. And of those 10.7 slaves that survived, only around 388,000 came to North America. The ones that didn’t come to the states went to the Caribbean and elsewhere. Slaves from Yyesteryear are affecting lives for Americans now. Everything from the south and the Confederate flag, to white and black racial tensions, to the black lives matter movement, all have roots stemming from the slaves and the slave trade. Some of the most …show more content…
The exact date and year Douglass was born is unknown, but he chose to celebrate his birthday on February 14th. Frederick lived on a plantation, with his expected father as the plantation owner and his mother passing away by the time he was 10. He got sent to live with Hugh Auld in Baltimore, and there Mrs. Auld taught Douglass to read and write and help him to become the intellect he was. It was through reading that he developed his ideas about slavery and other social issues. He escaped slavery on his third attempt, after two unsuccessful ones. He escaped up to New York with love interest Anna Murray, to a thriving black community. There, he was urged by William Lloyd Garrison to speak publicly for anti-slavery. Frederick accepted the challenge, but wasn’t always successful. Sometimes he would get mobbed. Douglass did go on to have success in his speakings about civil issues, and even got on the ballot for United States Vice President. Douglass wrote his autobiography, which helped spread the evils of slavery. He was very successful in his life, up to his death in

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Essay

...race in particular the African American race was discriminated for a long period and was discriminated in various ways throughout this time. The longest and most prominent method used was slavery, then after slavery ended segregation was another method, and lastly African Americans not being treated equally or having the same rights was another method that was used to discriminate against the African American race. To start with, the first method that was used to discriminate against was slavery which was the most prominent and abrasive method used to oppress the black race for hundred of years. Slavery caused the black race to basically be treated as property and not a person for hundred of years and even when slavery finally ended blacks still were not treated equally and were discriminated against. Slavery was also the most brutal of methods used to oppress the black race and the longest method used to discriminate the black race. During slavery blacks had no rights what so ever and and no say in what they did because there masters told them what to do and when to do it and they had to follow their orders. Also, during slavery blacks were not able to be their full potential because they were not even considered to be people and were treated as property. Also, during slavery slaves couldn’t even stay with their families a lot of the time or their significant other so hypothetically everything was taken from them and they had nothing. Slavery also occurred for hundreds of years...

Words: 997 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Peaceful Resistance To Civil Disobedience

...As civil injustice was rampant in the early 1900s, many turned to passiveness in the face of this problem. This lets hate and injustice grow towards the minorities and colored Americans. This did not stop the emergence of a new era of individuals who sought to stop injustice and restore civil rights. One of the great figures of the Civil Right Movement was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr who fought endlessly to bring about love and peace between all the different types of Americans. His actions of passive resistance were often faced with criticism but no matter, Dr. King stood against the criticisms for what he believed. Even after Dr. King was put in jail, he stated in his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, “I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Dr. King used peaceful resistance to benefit the whole of America because he knew that the injustice prevalent in the United Stated was hurting everyone in the country. His actions brought together people from all colors and all walks of life not through hate but love and morals. He wanted American to judge based on the content of character not on the physical or racial attributes of an...

Words: 689 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

North and South

...and South were on two different planets. What happened in the North and South to widen the differences? How did these changes affect the lives of all people in each section and their views on people in the other section? Be thorough and talk about economic, social, and cultural changes much more than political changes. The North and The South The North and South were very different by the 1860's. Several changes took place within the nation during this time from an onset of events happening after the 1820's. Inside of America, slavery became a major issue that tore the nation into two. Northerners favored equality for all, while contrarily Southerners supported the bondage of slaves to continue the labor of cotton productions, and ultimately, to ensure white supremacy. “After abolition in the North, slavery became the 'peculiar institution' of the of South – an institution unique to southern society” (417). This was also another large factor which shaped the regions. Overall, between the 1820's and 1860's, many economical, social, cultural and political changes happened which divided the nation into two. The occurrence of several events widened the differences between the North and the South. Despite the Northerners hopes that slavery would eventually die out and equality for all would regulate the nation, “the institution of slavery survived the crisis of the American Revolution and continued to rapidly expand westward” (417). The onset of divisions between these two...

Words: 1708 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Hist Exam Review

...• Robert Livingston • War of 1812- Military conflict between US and Britain following revolution about unresolved issues: trade restrictions, etc. • Tecumseh- Native American leader of the Shawnee and a large tribal confederacy; opposed US in war of 1812. • John Quincy Adams- sixth president; whig. • Empire of Liberty- theme developed first by Thomas Jefferson to identify America's world responsibility to spread freedom across the globe. Jefferson saw America's mission in terms of setting an example, expansion into the west, and by intervention abroad. • Transportation Revolution- early 1800s, development of steamboats, canals, and railroads. Faster transport of people, products, and knowledge. • National Road-  First major improved highway in the United States to be built by the federal government. Connection between the Potomac and Ohio Rivers and a gateway to the West for thousands of settlers. • Communication Revolution- Samuel Morse invented telegraph. • The Market Revolution- improvements in how goods were processed and fabricated as well as by a transformation of how labor was organized to process trade goods for consumption.  • Porkopolis- Cincinnati was the country's chief hog packing center, and herds of pigs traveled the streets. • Labor theory of value- The value of a commodity is only related to the labor needed to produce or obtain that commodity and not to other factors of production • Second Party System- 2 party system • Democrats-...

Words: 2107 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Frederick Douglass: The Oppression Of Human Freedom

...The plight of African-Americans in history is one that fascinates many people. The trials and tribulations that so many people experienced has created a beautiful landscape of stories that express themselves in poetry, music, literature, paintings and film. More than all of this, it has created a select group of people whom the public now celebrates as national heroes. These people in times of great sacrifice have stood up not only for the rights of their people but for the rights of all people who face oppression. The ideas that these men and women embody will stand the test of time and will always contribute to the idea of human freedom. Frederick Douglass, born a slave, died a saving grace, is a man whose contribution to the abolition of...

Words: 1671 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

African Americans from 1865 to the Present

...African Americans from 1865 to the Present HIS 204 Instructor Cheryl Lemus 2014 The United States have come along way in terms of making society what it is today. These ground that we walk on have been the pot in which many different races brew. From the beginning of the development of the United States, there have always been at least two or three different types of races talked about in almost every historical event. The United States would not be what it is today without unity, and the combination of all of the different type of culture and races that it carries. In the process of building this land, the Americans had help from people that they brought over from Africa in which they turn into slaves. These people were called African Americans, people of color, and Negros. African Americans lived under the rule of the White American people. They served them, and did everything that they were told to do. Many did not know how to read nor did they know how to write. Living as an African American in those times was like not living at all. Many were killed, raped, and treated like animals. With the United States progressing there was another process in the making. With the help from their own people, legislatures, and many other types of movements, African Americans were able to accomplish ultimate freedom. As they came into slavery, they stayed slaves for many years. African Americans worked day and night, not as people but as property. The nation was very much divided...

Words: 2204 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

English

...Certina Rolle 10 Henry History Assignment American Civil War Causes of the American Civil War The American Civil War was a war fought within the United States of America between the North (Union) and the South (Confederacy) starting from 1861 and ending in 1865. There were many said causes that led to the American Civil War. They were social, political and economic, however, the root of the Civil War was slavery. There were many factors that contributed to the onset of the Civil War. Socially, the North and the South were built on different standards. The South, or the Slave States, was a slave-based community that followed a class-based system. This system consisted of upper classes, middle class and then slavery. Many depended on slaves and were accustomed to this way of life, which was hard to change. Plantation owners had slaves working for them, and those who could not afford to own slaves would work on their own farm. The North had more immigrants settling in its areas, where labor was needed, but not the labor of slaves. Therefore it had a more developed society where most people worked in factories, and did not follow a class system. The Northerners opposed to Slavery as a body in the South, as the Confederate States were the only region in the world that still legalized the ownership of slaves. This angered the Southerners and threatened their way of life. Economic differences also developed between the two regions. The Southern states were farming states...

Words: 1217 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Compare And Contrast Frederick Douglass And Booker T Washington

...other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington are very good examples of this principle. They both lived to further their race’s plight. These two black pioneers lived through drastically different situations. Douglas, who was an ex-slave, lived when slavery was legal and very prominent. Washington, who was emancipated at the age of 7, lived his life in the age after the abolition of slavery. Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington both lived in the 1800’s and both of these men were renowned writers and teachers. Yet, they both were...

Words: 679 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Second Great Awakening Dbq

...Awakening The Second Great Awakening had a severe impact on slavery, as well as the way women were viewed in society. During this era, many new religions were formed, causing individuals to live their lives in different ways. Eric Foner states that the Second Great Awakening added a religious basis to the celebration of one’s self-improvement, self-reliance, and self-determination. The Revivals broadened beyond existing churches. The powerpoint mentions some new religions that came about were Mormons, Shakers, Millerites (Adventists), and Churches of Christ. Many revival meetings were held, as well as camp meetings. Foner states that this Great Awakening established the predominance of the Baptist and Methodist churches. According to Foner, Christianity became more central to the American Culture. He also mentions that it spread to all regions of the country and made American Christianity a mass operation. Our powerpoint states that it was a “Spiritual Reform From Within”. It also claims that it consisted of social reforms, as well as redefined the ideal of equality. During camp meetings, Foner mentions how revivalist preachers dropped the belief that man is a sinful creature with a predetermined fate, advocating instead the concept of human free will. He also states that during these gatherings, people of...

Words: 814 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Slavery And Abolition Essay

...or eliminate slavery in this new country. Several of the northern states had already done away with slavery, but it was a necessity for the southern financial system. The southern elites, like Landon Carter, have lived with slaves their whole life and knew nothing immoral about it. In fact, numerous men like Carter thought the black race to be inferior and it was the duty...

Words: 665 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Women

...Northern soil and bringing confidence to the Union army. What Roles did Northern Women play in the War Effort on the Union Side during the Civil War Clara Barton, a Northerner, had the skills of helping people, especially in the American Civil War. During the war, she collected and delivered supplies to Northern troops in the Washington, D.C. area, used her medical skills to aid Northern troops, and later organized The Ladies Aid Society as well as The American Red Cross where she dedicated the remaining of her life. Northern women organized fundraising projects, county fairs, which were beneficial in raising money for medical supplies and other necessities. Inspired by Florence Nightingale, the women put forth efforts to work on the front lines aiding injured and wounded soldiers by establishing a Preventive Hygienic and Sanitary Service for helping the union soldiers called the United States Sanitary Commission which were to combat preventable diseases and infections (Chang, 1991). One of these famous Army nurses was Louisa May Alcott, who traveled from hospital to hospital providing humane and efficient care for the union soldiers. What Role Did the Southern Women Play in the War Effort on the Confederate Side During the Civil War Southern women were just as industrial and projected the zeal and dedication to the Confederate soldiers. They had less money and resources, however, they did a tremendous amount of work thought auxiliaries and relief...

Words: 1307 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

'The Narrative Of Fredrick Douglass'

...Sherae Bonner History 231 Honor Sachs November 1, 2015 Fredrick Douglass The Narrative of Fredrick Douglass focuses on the harsh reality of slavery in the southern United States and the push for the abolishment of slavery as whole. Fredrick Douglass discredits the slave owners’ account on slavery by going into great detail about his life as slave and the cruel realities that many slaves, including himself, faced on the plantations. Fredrick takes us through each of his slave masters and tells about each one in great detail and described them as good or bad. This book has a significant amount of historical importance because Fredrick Douglass gives his firsthand account on his life as a slave and his push for freedom. Secondly, his autobiography...

Words: 1107 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Effect on Youth

...Josue lumba Mr. Force English 3 Period 0 October 31, 2013 The life of Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln was elected the16th President in 1860. He was president for four years from 1861-1865. Throughout his term he was able to start the process to end slavery by using emancipation proclamation, he was able to keep peace between states in the United States over slavery. If Abraham Lincoln would not have existed during the reconstruction era then life today would be different because his goals would never have been met, people’s life would be very different if not for his actions, and many things could have happened if not for him. Abraham had many goals throughout his terms as president and they affect the world greatly today. One thing he did was “encouraged settlement of the west by offering 100 acres free land to settlers”. If he never offered free land I think that settlement to the west would have taken some time to accomplish. Another example would be “His sacred duty as president of the United States was to preserve the union at all cost”, I believe that if he did not take this important role that slavery would have still been around today . H was also “Self described as prairie Lawyer he focused on embracing law practice in early 1850’s” He really had a big goal on keeping the country in peace. He took law really seriously and made it a big deal. If not for Abraham Lincoln many peoples life’s would be different, and may even still have an impact on people today...

Words: 681 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Black Lives Matter

...Stand By? African Americans have felt discriminated over many centuries starting with slavery. They have experienced segregation and unethical treatment from people around them. Race and racism, two highly talked about topics, are never completely out of the news. The most controversial topic recently is related to the many blacks that have been shot by police officers, which have led to death or serious injures. This has happened numerous times across the United States. I do believe that African Americans deserve to be treated equally and the police officers taking part in these acts need to be held responsible for their actions. One of the first recorded incidents of racial discrimination towards African Americans was the action of slavery. Slaves were forced to work against their free will. Even though slave life depended on the slave holder, all conditions were not tolerable for a human being. Life as a slave meant working sunup to sundown six days a week, having food sometimes not suitable for an animal to eat, and living in a shack with dirt floor (“Slave Life”). This all took place while the slave holders enjoyed cracking the whip. After slavery took place for a long period of time, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 (Balser). The proclamation declared that “all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be free (Balser). As you can imagine, African Americans felt a feeling beyond...

Words: 1539 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Missouri Compromise

...between the central government and the state government. In the 19th century, the Northern and Southern Americans could not decide if slavery should be legal. The southern states were made up of a lot of farmland, and those that lived in the south were mainly farmers. Due to the majority of farms being in the south, most Southerners were in favor of slavery because they needed cheap help with labor on their farms. The northerners were more split on the issue of slavery. Because they did not need slave labor as much, some northerners felt indifferent about slavery. Others, especially after the publishing of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” felt that slavery was inhumane and morally corrupt. The Missouri Compromise was...

Words: 743 - Pages: 3