The USA expanded in the early period, both territorially and in terms of slavery.
Despite being founded on democratic ideals, slavery grew significantly.
Slavery Expansion Maps
1790 Census:
Nearly 700,000 enslaved people.
Concentrated mostly in the South, but present in the North.
1830 Census:
Slave population grew to 2 million.
Predominantly located in the Deep South.
Differences Between North and South
Economic Reasons:
South had a suitable climate for plantations (tobacco, rice, cotton) which required slave labor.
North was unsuitable for plantations, so slavery was not as prevalent.
Religious Reasons:
Northern churches preached equality, while Southern churches justified slavery through religious doctrine.
Factors Contributing to Slavery Growth
Forced Movement of the Enslaved:
Enslaved people were forcibly moved to the Deep South.
Slave traders profited significantly from this movement.
Invention of the Cotton Gin (1793):
Created by Eli Whitney.
Allowed for mass production of cotton by speeding up seed removal.
Pushing System:
Enslaved individuals were pushed to work faster to keep up with cotton gin.
Louisiana Purchase (1803):
Acquired vast lands ideal for cotton farming.
Led to creation of the "Cotton Kingdom," with cotton as a major export.
Economic Impact
By 1820, over 42% of all US exports were cotton, much of which was sent to England.
Underlying Racism
Racism as an Undercurrent:
Racist ideologies justified and perpetuated slavery.
Enabled an effective but morally reprehensible economic system in the South.
Conclusion
Slavery's expansion in the Deep South was multifaceted, driven by economic, technological, and racial factors, contradicting the democratic ideals of the USA.