Lecture Notes: 19th Century Southern Slavery and Society

Introduction

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• Focus on various aspects of Southern slavery in the 19th century.

Slaveholder Power and Legal Framework

• Southern slaveholders' power compared to property owners (cattle, etc.).
• Aristotle's comparison of oxen to slaves.
• James WC Pennington's definition of slavery through the chattel principle.
• Legal restraints on slaveholders were weak and hard to enforce.
• State laws in the 19th century intended to protect slaves but often not effectively implemented.

Slavery Laws and Social Dynamics

• State laws protected slaves from extreme abuse but upheld harsh conditions.
• Slaves were prohibited from learning to read, carrying firearms, or roaming freely.
• Restrictions on manumission increased, acknowledging slaves' humanity and potential for rebellion.
• Slaves were treated as property that could be sold or inherited.
• Laws did not support slave community rights or family structures.

Economic and Social Motivations of Slaveholders

• Slaveholders aimed to maximize productivity and protect their investment.
• Slave morale and health were important for economic reasons.
• The desire to be seen as good Christians and decent individuals by peers.
• Instances of genuine affection between masters and slaves.
• Slaveholders needed signs of consent and gratitude from slaves (paternalism).

Slave Resistance and Survival Strategies

• Slaves aimed for self-preservation and minimal degradation.
• The decline in manumission made freedom unrealistic for most slaves.
• Various resistance methods: working minimally, feigning illness, and exploiting master-overseer conflicts.
• Maintaining dignity and self-respect through cunning and subtle forms of resistance.

Plantation Economics and Social Hierarchies

• Large plantations combined Christian paternalism with welfare capitalism (medical care, rewards, vacations).
• Masters' desire for popularity with slaves was unique to American slavery.
• Plantation life was harsh, often ruled by the threat and reality of violence.
• Examples of severe punishments vs. minor incentives (Bennett H. Barrow's methods).
• The role of black drivers and household servants in maintaining discipline.

Geographic and Social Diversity in the South

• The South was diverse in geography and culture, affecting slave experiences.
• Differences between small slaveholders and large plantation owners.
• Varied treatment of slaves based on location, owner's character, and nature of work.
• Examples of privilege vs. severe exploitation among slaves.

Slave Family Life and Vulnerabilities

• Family bonds and marriages provided refuge but were fragile and vulnerable to disruptions from sales and economic needs.
• High rates of family separation due to economic pressures and owner decisions.
• Sexual exploitation by slaveholders was common and deeply damaging.
• Legal and societal constraints on slave marriages and family structures.

Religion and Slavery

• The Second Great Awakening encouraged religious conversions of slaves to promote obedience and productivity.
• Christianity was used to soften and humanize the institution but often fell short of ideals.
• Black preachers and African-American culture within slave communities provided a sense of pride and identity.
• Religion offered some comfort and a semblance of autonomy but did not eliminate inherent cruelty.

Free Blacks in the South

• The status of free blacks improved post-Revolution but faced tightening restrictions over time.
• Free blacks faced severe legal and social constraints similar to those of slaves.
• Tensions and varying treatment of free blacks across different regions of the South.