Lecture on British North America and the Concept of Freedom

Context of British Colonies

• British North America consisted of more than just the 13 colonies that became the United States.
• Other territories included Jamaica, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Nova Scotia, parts of Canada, and Belize.

Concept of America

• Many students associate the word "America" with "opportunity."
• This includes economic opportunity and the idea of freedom.
• Some people came to America for religious freedom, but this is debated regarding the Pilgrims (Puritans).

Economic Opportunity and Indentured Servitude

• Many came from England as indentured servants, working as essentially slaves for an agreed number of years.
• Their contracts promised land or other rewards at the end, though many died before completing their term.
• High mortality rates due to unfamiliar climate and diseases.

Slavery and the Lack of Freedom

• By 1860, 4 million African slaves were in the U.S., brought forcibly and kept under strict laws to remain slaves for life.
• The settlers' success relied on depriving Native Americans of their land and importing African slaves.
• "Freedom and lack of freedom expanded together" in the 17th century.

Native American Land and Enclosure in England

• Enclosure in England led to surplus labor and migration to cities, creating crowded conditions and civil unrest.
• Some sought the opportunity in America despite risks, seeking land and better economic conditions.

Differences in Colonization: England vs. France and Spain

• England encouraged settlement and land ownership, leading to what could be termed "ethnic cleansing."
• Other countries focused on resource extraction and native labor.

Indentured Servants vs. Slaves

• Indentured servants signed contracts; slaves were bought and sold as property.
• Laws by 1705 established African slaves as legal property.
• Both indentured servants and slaves experienced harsh labor and conditions.

Social and Legal Constructs of Slavery

• Justifications for slavery included beliefs in racial inferiority and religious differences.
• Laws encouraged sexual exploitation and dehumanization of slaves.
• Economic reliance on slavery grew, with significant financial investment in slave property.

Freedom Dues and Transition to Slave Labor

• Freedom dues for indentured servants diminished as people lived longer, making slavery more appealing economically.
• Virginia's headright system encouraged bringing more people to America by granting land per new settler.

Role of Government and Private Investment

• Colonies had charters backed by government and private investors, often with religious missions involved.

Historical Context and Impact

• First African slaves arrived in Jamestown in 1619, the same year as the establishment of the Virginia House of Burgesses.
• Some early slaves gained freedom and even owned slaves or indentured servants themselves.
• Slavery intertwined with race and racism, which have lasting impacts on society and political dialogue today.

Conclusion

• Slavery and indentured servitude were systems of forced labor that evolved based on economic, social, and legal factors.
• The implications of these systems and their legal justifications continue to affect society.