The Slave System

American History- Day One

Living a Life as a Slave Child

As we discussed briefly, life previous to, during and after the Civil War differed on a variety of levels.  Many of the awful elements slaves were exposed to were, no less than horrific.  Today you will research what life was life for a slave child(ren). 

You are to conduct research, using the below listed websites and construct a Venn diagram to compare the life of a child now, in 2012, to that of a slave child. Such ideas will include that you were a field worker and were separated from family.

http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/00394/life.htm

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USASseparation.htm

World History- Day Two

The Limits of Ideals.  How world practices (and explorers) contributed to slavery.

In 1619 the first black slaves were brought in chains to America.  Slavery then lasted a dreadful 250 years. 

Have you ever wondered why and or how the institution of slavery began or who could have possibly supported slavery and racial oppression?  Using the links below, you will conduct research and answer the following questions. Questions 1-3 will be answered from the first web site. Questions 4-6 will be answered from the second web site.

1.)  Approximately how many Africans were transported to Spanish Americas and Brazil?

2.)  Enslaved people commonly worked as _____________and____________ on small vessels designed for coastal trade and river traffic. 

3.)  During the time from 1440 to 1640 were ones religious background, political loyalties, and geographical locations factors in determining who was �eligible� to be a slave?  Yes or No?  Please, explain your answer.

4.)  How many millions of Africans were forcefully brought to the United States?

5.)  How many Africans were brought to North America?

6.) What percentage of Africans died between their initial capture to their arrival in America?Enslaved people also commonly worked as sailors and boatmen on small vessels designed for coastal trade and river trafficEnslaved people also commonly worked as sailors and boatmen on small vessels designed for coastal trade and river trafficEnslaved people also commonly worked as sailors and boatmen on small vessels designed for coastal trade and river traffic

http://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/origins-slavery/essays/iberian-roots-transatlantic-slave-trade-1440-1640

http://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/origins-slavery/essays/origins-slavery-0

 Civics/Government-Day Three

The American Civil War and the government

Both the Northern and Southern states were in complete disagreement over slavery as it grew.  By, 1860, the United States consisted of both free, or non-slave, states.  Enslaved African Americans faced harsh working conditions.  Many tried to escape the slave system. 

You will research and discover (use the below link) the attempts by enslaved African Americans to reach the North (where the government opposed slavery) and the people who assisted them.  Imagine you were trying to help slaves travel to freedom.  Write two entries into a diary.  In each entry, describe your experiences. You may also write your entries as one of the individuals who assisted the slave(s) to obtain their freedom.  Such examples can include, Harriet Tubman.

http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112391/the_fight_to_end_slavery.htm

 Geography-Day Four

Slavery: The North �vs.-The South

United States prior to the Civil War was far from United.  Many saw slavery as vital to the South�s economy and culture whereas, the North opposed slavery vehemently. 

You will view a political map from 1850, (see link below) interpret the results, and answer the following questions.

1. What states prohibited slavery?

2. Where was slavery prohibited by Federal Law?

3. Where was slavery maintained by State Law?

4. Where was slavery permitted by Federal Action?

http://etc.usf.edu/maps/pages/2900/2906/2906z.htm

*Note* To enlarge the map and zoom, right click with your mouse anywhere on the map

Economics-Day Five

The Southern States and the Cotton Economy

Growth of the Cotton Industry affected slavery immensely, but also the economy.  

The cotton gin revolutionized the cotton industry. Cotton was so profitable that southern farmers abandoned other crops in favor of growing cotton.  With the gin production increased rapidly.  As early as 1840, the United States was producing more than half of the cotton in the entire world.  The economic boom attracted new settlers, built up wealth among wealthy white southerners, and firmly put in place the institution of slavery in the south.   

View and interpret the chart labeled, American Production of Raw Cotton, 1790-1860 (bales) on the following web site http://eh.net/encyclopedia/article/phillips.cottongin, and answer the following questions:

1. How many bales of cotton were produced in 1860?

2. Why did the production of cotton increase so rapidly?

3. What was the cotton production in 1790?

5. What is the difference in cotton production between 1810 and 1850?