Slavery

The original Florida Constitution, adopted in 1838, permitted slavery and established the legal rights of slaveholders. It outlined rules for the treatment and control of enslaved individuals, including provisions for the ownership, buying, selling, and punishment of slaves. The Constitution also prohibited the emancipation of slaves without the consent of their owners.

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 heightened tensions by requiring the return of escaped slaves, making the work of the Underground Railroad riskier and more challenging. It increased the need for secrecy and forced conductors to be more cautious in helping fugitive slaves reach freedom.

The people who help runaway slaves are known as conductors or stationmasters on the Underground Railroad. They provided assistance and guidance to enslaved individuals seeking freedom by helping them navigate routes to safety and providing shelter along the way.

Servants typically received food, shelter, clothing, and sometimes a small wage in return for their physical labor. Some servants might have also received benefits such as education, training, or opportunities for advancement within the household or organization they served.

Underground Railroad

One possible effect of the domestic slave trade in the United States was the forced separation of enslaved individuals from their families and communities. This practice disrupted social bonds and created deep emotional trauma for those affected.

In the Dred Scott case, the Supreme Court ruled in 1857 that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be considered American citizens and therefore did not have the right to sue in federal court. The Court also stated that Congress did not have the power to prohibit slavery in any U.S. territory.

Child slavery can occur in many countries around the world, particularly in regions with high levels of poverty and limited access to education and resources. Common industries where child slavery is prevalent include agriculture, mining, textiles, and domestic work. Countries with reported cases of child slavery include India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and countries in West Africa.

After independence, views on slavery shifted as a result of Enlightenment ideals emphasizing equality and natural rights. Abolitionist movements gained traction in many countries, leading to the eventual outlawing of slavery. The recognition of the inhumanity and immorality of slavery prompted a gradual change in attitudes towards the institution.

Gabriel Prosser and Denmark Vesey were both enslaved African Americans who planned unsuccessful rebellions against slavery in the United States in the early 19th century. Prosser planned a revolt in Virginia in 1800, while Vesey planned a rebellion in South Carolina in 1822, both aiming to secure freedom for themselves and others enslaved.

Slave owners implemented harsh punishments, such as physical abuse and restrictions on movement, to suppress any potential resistance from slaves. They also enforced strict codes and laws to control the behavior and activities of slaves in order to maintain power and prevent uprisings. Historical events like Nat Turner's Rebellion in 1831 further intensified the fear among slave owners, leading to increased surveillance and oppression of the enslaved population.

Three typical reasons for becoming a slave historically include being captured in war and enslaved as a prisoner, being born into slavery from slave parents, or being forced into slavery as punishment for a crime or debt.

The Dred Scott decision declared that enslaved people were not citizens and could not sue in federal court, effectively denying them any legal rights. This decision also stated that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories, further solidifying the institution of slavery in the United States. This was a blow to those who opposed the extension of slavery because it limited the federal government's ability to regulate or restrict slavery's spread to new territories.

Theoretically an indentured servant can eventually become free after he's worked long enough.

In 1860, around 25% of the Southern population owned slaves.

There were a significant number of indentured servants in the colony of New York. Slavery also existed in the colony, but it was not as prevalent as in some other southern colonies. However, over time, the number of slaves in New York grew due to various factors like the growth of the economy and labor demands.

Escaping slavery was difficult regardless of location, as it required overcoming physical, legal, and social barriers such as surveillance, identification papers, and harsh consequences for attempted escapes. Some geographical factors, like proximity to free states or networks of support, could potentially make escaping slightly easier in certain areas, but it was a risky and challenging undertaking regardless of location.

Crowded conditions in the city heightened the visibility of enslaved servants, making it harder for masters to assert their dominance and control in public. As a result, masters may have been more likely to treat their enslaved servants with greater respect and leniency in order to avoid public scrutiny or backlash. The social dynamics and power structures within urban settings could influence how masters interacted with their enslaved servants in public spaces.

Massachusetts

Frederick relates the story of Henrietta and Mary to highlight the dehumanizing effects of slavery and the impact it had on families. By sharing their story, Frederick sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery and the resilience of those who endured such injustices.

The South supported the Dred Scott decision, as it reinforced the rights of slave owners to take their slaves into territories where slavery was prohibited. They viewed it as a victory for protecting their property rights and upholding the institution of slavery.

Landowners may prefer slaves over indentured servants because slaves do not have set terms of service and can be owned for life, providing a more long-term and stable labor force. Slaves also offer less risk of running away or quitting compared to indentured servants who may leave once their contract is complete. Additionally, slaves are considered property and provide a more complete control over their labor.

Many people became indentured servants because they were promised land, passage to a new country, and the opportunity for a better life. Economic hardship, lack of opportunities, and the hope for a fresh start in a new place were strong motivators for individuals to accept indentured servitude.

There is ongoing debate regarding the peremptory challenge in legal systems. Some argue that it can perpetuate biases and discrimination, while others believe it allows for fair and effective jury selection. Ultimately, the decision to abolish it should consider the balance between upholding justice and ensuring impartiality in the legal process.

Many people became indentured servants as a way to escape poverty or debt in their home country and seek better opportunities in a new one. They often saw it as a way to gain passage to a new land and eventually earn their freedom after a set period of service. Agencies and recruiters also sometimes used deceitful tactics to entice individuals to sign indenture contracts.