Chapter 4: Slavery and Empire in the 1700s

Slavery in the British Empire

• Slavery was widespread in the British Empire.
• Goods such as sugar and tobacco were traded based on slave labor.
• Triangular Trade benefited both southern plantation owners and those in port cities.
• Liverpool and Bristol became banking centers as slavery increased.

African Slave Trade

• Europeans, led by Spain and Portugal, expanded into Africa, initiating the slave trade.
• Guns were traded with African tribes, encouraging the capture of slaves.
• The Middle Passage was the forced journey from Africa to the Americas, with a high mortality rate.
• As slavery became entrenched, harsher laws and increased racism developed.

Slavery in the Chesapeake

• Tobacco-based slavery was a major source of income in Maryland and Virginia.
• Post Bacon's Rebellion, there was a shift from indentured servants to slaves.
• Politicians were often linked to planter elites, encouraging slavery.
• Free blacks lost rights over time.

Rice and Indigo in South Carolina

• Rice transformed South Carolina society, with large plantations requiring significant investment.
• Africans were used on rice plantations due to their immunity to malaria.
• The task system required slaves to complete specific tasks.

Georgia and Slavery

• Georgia was initially a buffer colony and banned slavery, but later adopted South Carolina’s plantation model.

Northern Slavery

• Slavery existed on a smaller scale in the North.
• Slaves had some rights, such as marriage recognition and court access.
• Wage labor began to replace slave labor over time.

African Culture and Resistance

• Africans were diverse, with different languages and religions, creating a blend of European, African, and American cultures.
• Resistance included runaway slaves and rebellions like the New York City and Stono Rebellions.

Colonial and British Relations

• High taxes and military establishments arose post-Seven Years War.
• Britain began taxing the colonies to pay war debts.

Political Ideas and Developments

• Republicanism promoted economic independence.
• Liberalism focused on individual rights, influenced by John Locke.
• Property requirements were common for voting.
• Salutary Neglect allowed colonies some autonomy until 1763.

Freedom of Speech and Press

• The Zenger Trial promoted the idea of freedom of the press.

Enlightenment and the Great Awakening

• Enlightenment ideas promoted reason over tradition.
• The Great Awakening was a religious revival focusing on returning to church practices.
• New denominations emerged, challenging traditional authority.

Spanish and French North America

• Spain controlled large areas including the southwest US and Texas.
• The French population was smaller but active in trade alliances.

Seven Years War

• The war altered the balance of power, leading to British dominance in North America.

Proclamation Line of 1763

• Prohibited westward expansion beyond the Appalachians, angering colonists.

Colonial Identity and Unity

• The Albany Plan of Union sought to unify colonies but was rejected.

Key Points for Review

• Middle Passage, differences in slavery across regions, Great Awakening impacts, Seven Years War outcomes.
• Important rebellions: New York City and Stono
• Voting requirements and colonial assemblies' power.
• John Peter Zenger trial's impact on press freedom.
• Proclamation Line and its effects.