America's Thriving Colonies and the Role of Slavery

Introduction

• Colonies heavily dependent on slave labor.
• Slavery viewed as the "goose that laid the golden egg".
• War for independence brought new hope for the enslaved as a freedom struggle.
• America founded on principles of freedom yet based on slavery.

Historical Context

• For over 100 years, enslaved individuals faced a brutal system.
• Revolution period sparked desires for freedom among the enslaved.

The Quack Incident in New York (1741)

• Quack, enslaved to a house painter, faced hostility from the governor.
• Suspected of burning Fort George.
• Resulted in mass panic and arrests of black men over 14.
• Conspiracy trials revealed harsh realities of slavery in New York.

Common Complaints Among the Enslaved

• Overworked and underprovided for basic necessities.
• Restricted from gathering or visiting loved ones.

Systematic Dehumanization

• Enslaved as property, not recognized as persons under the law.

Resistance and Rebellion

• Arson and poisoning as forms of resistance.
• Negotiation with masters for better living conditions.
• Preservation of African religious and cultural identities.

The Plantation Life and Dependency

• Slave labor made significant wealth possible, benefiting plantation owners.
• Example: Thomas Jefferson's plantation sustained by enslaved individuals.

Liberty and Contradictions

• Thomas Jefferson and the language of liberty despite owning slaves.

Revolutionary War and Black Participation

• Some blacks fought with Patriots; others sought freedom by joining the British.
• Colonel Ty, a notable figure, fought for the British.
• The revolution became a freedom struggle for African-Americans.

Legal and Constitutional Developments Post-Revolution

• 1780 Massachusetts Constitution and its impact.
• Elizabeth Freeman's (formerly Mumbet) legal victory against slavery.
• Constitutional compromises like the three-fifths clause.

Emergence of Black Christian Churches

• Key for community building and resistance.
• The Great Awakening inspired a more engaging form of Christianity.

Thomas Jefferson's Contradictory Stance

• Argued against slavery yet did not free his slaves.
• Advocated for colonization of freed slaves.

Rise of Black Activism

• David Walker's "Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World" emphasized empowerment.
• Mariah Stewart continued Walker's activism, criticized black men for inaction.

Key Themes in Walker's Appeal

• Demand for freedom and self-empowerment.
• Critique of American and Christian hypocrisies.

Conclusion

• Despite new constitutional rights, black Americans continued to face oppression.
• Efforts of figures like Walker and Stewart laid groundwork for future activism.