Slavery is a phenomenon which had already been common practice in ancient times and has influenced human history up till today. Historian and author Stanley Elkins compared the practice of slavery in the southern states of the U.S. to 'national socialist concentration camps' (Meißner, Mücke, Weber 120). Unfortunately, it was the sad truth. Slaves were imported from Africa and sold against their will like goods. The sole objective was effective economic exploitation of work force.
The purpose of this term paper is to take a closer look and especially illustrate every day hardships of a slave's life on a North American cotton plantation. In this regard, the books Schwarzes Amerika from Meißner, Mücke and Weber, Out of Many from Farager, Buhle, Czitrom and Armitage as well as The Enduring Vision from Boyer, Clark and McNair Hawley serve as a basis for statistics and detailed information.
The life of slaves was subject to constantly changing factors which leads to the conclusion that the standard of life was significantly worse on a big plantation than on a small manageable cotton farm. Furthermore, wealth and the plantation owner’s character influenced a slave's everyday life as well. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that not all circumstances and factors applied to every plantation.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Definition of the terms slavery and slave
3 The life of a slave in the cotton plantation economy in North America
3.1 Field of work
3.2 Culture
3.2.1 Religion
3.2.2 Customs and traditions
3.3 Social life
3.3.1 Partnership and marriage
3.3.2 Community life and childhood
3.4 Resistance movements
3.4.1 Day-to-day resistance
3.4.2 Theft
3.4.3 Escape
3.4.4 Organized resistance
3.4.4.1 Rescue attempts
3.4.4.2 Revolts
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the daily hardships and existential conditions faced by enslaved people within the North American cotton plantation economy, examining how social, cultural, and resistance factors shaped their lives.
- Historical and socioeconomic context of the cotton plantation economy.
- Cultural survival strategies including religion and musical traditions.
- Social structures such as family formation, kinship networks, and childhood experiences.
- Diverse forms of resistance, ranging from individual daily acts to organized revolts.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Field of work
The field of work of a slave was quite diverse. It is common belief that they only worked out on the fields. In fact, slaves did any kind of work related to the plantation like repairing carriages or cleaning. Especially on small cotton farms this was rather a necessity than a choice.
However, a typical slave did work on a big plantation together with at least 10 others. A usual day started with a wakeup call by the overseers. After a small breakfast the slaves were sent out on the fields for work. A traveler in Mississippi described that scene as follows:
“First came, led by an old driver carrying a whip, forty of the largest and strongest women I ever saw together; they were all in simple uniform dress […]; they carried themselves loftily, each having a hoe over the shoulder, and walking with a free, powerful swing” (Boyer, Clark, McNair Hawley 235).
Generally, slaves were kept under control or, as some would say, motivated either by various incentives like rewards or also punishments. The plantation owners considered this necessary for they assumed that no slave would voluntarily work at his or her best. It is thus not surprising that a slave's day consisted of non-stop competition. By promising appealing rewards for those reporting any proven violation against the rules, the owner could be sure of the slaves' loyalty. However, those circumstances clearly did not contribute to a productive workday.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the historical practice of slavery in the U.S., defining the scope of the research and the primary sources used.
2 Definition of the terms slavery and slave: This section establishes an objective, legal definition of slavery and highlights the specific racial components that characterized the American institution of slavery.
3 The life of a slave in the cotton plantation economy in North America: This chapter explores the economic rise of cotton cultivation and its direct impact on the massive increase of the enslaved population in the South.
3.1 Field of work: This section details the harsh daily labor routines on plantations and the methods used by overseers to maintain control.
3.2 Culture: This chapter examines the formation of a distinct 'culture of slavery' as a response to the oppressive environment.
3.2.1 Religion: This part discusses the evolution of 'Black Christianity' as a means of support and a way to express a desire for freedom.
3.2.2 Customs and traditions: This section highlights the role of music, dance, and herbal knowledge in helping enslaved people cope with their circumstances.
3.3 Social life: This chapter analyzes how social structures and personal relationships evolved despite legal restrictions.
3.3.1 Partnership and marriage: This part explores the nature of slave marriages and how they were eventually viewed by owners as a stabilizing factor for the workforce.
3.3.2 Community life and childhood: This section explains the importance of kinship networks and the early integration of children into the labor-intensive plantation life.
3.4 Resistance movements: This chapter categorizes the various ways enslaved individuals challenged their oppressors, from minor disruptions to organized rebellion.
3.4.1 Day-to-day resistance: This part discusses subtle, daily acts of defiance such as slowing down work or damaging tools.
3.4.2 Theft: This section frames theft as a common practice used by enslaved people to reclaim a sense of agency and balance.
3.4.3 Escape: This part details the methods and motivations for seeking freedom, distinguishing between temporary 'small escapes' and attempts to reach the North.
3.4.4 Organized resistance: This section addresses the significant difficulties in planning collective actions under constant surveillance.
3.4.4.1 Rescue attempts: This part focuses on the legendary efforts of individuals like Harriet Tubman in facilitating escapes.
3.4.4.2 Revolts: This section analyzes major historical uprisings, such as the Denmark Vesey conspiracy and Nat Turner’s Rebellion.
4 Conclusion: The final chapter reflects on the paradox of slavery within a nation built on the ideals of freedom and addresses the long-term impacts of historical discrimination.
Keywords
Slavery, North America, Cotton Plantation, Resistance, Harriet Tubman, Nat Turner, Black Christianity, Kinship Networks, Field Labor, Abolition, Social Cohesion, Rebellion, Transatlantic Slave Trade, Human Rights, Economic Exploitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this document?
The paper examines the daily existence and systemic oppression of enslaved people working in the cotton plantation economy of the Southern United States.
What are the primary themes analyzed in this work?
Key themes include the economics of cotton production, the development of enslaved social and kinship networks, cultural expressions such as religion and music, and various modes of resistance.
What is the main research objective?
The primary goal is to illustrate the hardships of a slave's life on North American cotton plantations and analyze the factors that influenced their daily environment.
What scientific methodology is utilized?
The work employs a qualitative analysis of historical literature, primary records of plantation life, and sociological perspectives on slave communities and resistance.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the organization of labor, cultural adaptations, social and family structures, and both individual and organized resistance movements.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is best defined by keywords such as Slavery, Resistance, Cotton Plantation, Kinship Networks, and Social Cohesion.
How did plantation owners change their view on slave marriages?
Initially, marriage was unrecognized, but after the prohibition of the transatlantic slave trade in 1808, owners realized that an intact social life could stabilize the workforce and reduce the desire for escape.
What role did kinship networks play for children?
Kinship networks, or 'notional relatives', provided essential emotional and social support, which was critical for children often separated from their biological families.
Why was organized resistance so difficult to implement?
Organized resistance faced severe hurdles due to constant surveillance, lack of access to weapons, and the high risk of betrayal or treason within the slave population.
What significance did the Bible have in the culture of the enslaved?
The Bible was transformed into an anti-slavery manifesto, with narratives like the exodus from Egypt providing a powerful source of hope and resistance.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Julia Schönmann (Autor:in), 2014, The life of a slave in the cotton plantation economy of North America, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/273314
