Slavery in the British Colonies - AP U.S. History
- Which colony was initially founded as a haven for debtors and opposed slavery?
- Georgia. Initially prohibited slavery but later reversed this policy.
- Identify one cultural impact of slavery on American society.
- Introduction of African traditions and cuisines. African heritage enriched American music, food, and customs.
- What was the triangular trade?
- A trade system between Europe, Africa, and the Americas involving slaves, cash crops, and manufactured goods. Connected three continents in profitable but brutal commerce.
- Which African region provided the majority of enslaved individuals during the transatlantic slave trade?
- West Africa. Region targeted by slave traders for established networks.
- What was the primary purpose of slave codes?
- To control and regulate the lives of enslaved people. Legal restrictions limited movement, gatherings, and basic rights.
- What was the significance of the Zong massacre?
- Highlighted the brutality of the slave trade and fueled abolitionist movements. Ship massacre exposed cruelty and strengthened anti-slavery sentiment.
- Which law first legally recognized slavery in the British colonies?
- Virginia Slave Codes of 1705. Established comprehensive legal framework defining enslaved status.
- What was the significance of the Somerset case of 1772 in Britain?
- Declared that slavery was unsupported by English law in Britain. Legal precedent challenging slavery's legitimacy in British territories.
- Identify the region known for the harshest conditions for enslaved people.
- The Caribbean and Southern colonies. Hot climate and sugar cultivation created deadly working conditions.
- What was the main economic benefit of slavery for the British colonies?
- Provided cheap labor for plantation economies. Free labor generated enormous profits for plantation owners.
- Which European country first introduced African slavery to the Americas?
- Spain. First European power to establish African slavery systems.
- Identify one method enslaved people used to resist their conditions.
- Work slowdowns. Passive resistance tactic to reduce productivity and profits.
- Identify the year the first enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown.
- 1619. Marked the beginning of African slavery in British North America.
- What was the main reason for the implementation of slave codes?
- To prevent rebellion and control enslaved populations. Legal restrictions designed to maintain white control over enslaved.
- What was an indentured servant?
- A laborer bound by contract to work for a specified period in exchange for passage to America. Temporary bondage system that preceded widespread chattel slavery.
- Name the rebellion in 1739 that was a significant slave uprising in South Carolina.
- Stono Rebellion. Led to stricter slave codes and increased surveillance.
- Which colony was the first to legally recognize slavery in 1641?
- Massachusetts. First colony to legally codify slavery in colonial law.
- What was an abolitionist?
- A person who advocated for the end of slavery. Moral reformer working to end slavery through various means.
- Identify the economic system that justified slavery as beneficial for colonial interests.
- Mercantilism. Economic theory promoted colonies as sources of wealth for Britain.
- Identify the economic impact of slavery on Northern industries.
- Provided raw materials for manufacturing. Slave-produced cotton and tobacco supported Northern textile mills.
- Identify a common justification used by pro-slavery advocates.
- Biblical references. Religious arguments claimed divine sanction for enslaving people.
- What is 'chattel slavery'?
- A system where individuals are treated as personal property to be bought and sold. Complete ownership distinguishing from indentured servitude or serfdom.
- What was the primary labor system in the Chesapeake colonies?
- Indentured servitude followed by slavery. Labor evolved from temporary contracts to permanent bondage.
- What was the average life expectancy of a slave in the Caribbean?
- Less than 10 years after arrival. Extremely high mortality due to disease and brutal conditions.
- Identify the term for a network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
- Underground Railroad. Secret network of routes and safe houses to freedom.
- What was the role of overseers on plantations?
- To supervise and manage enslaved laborers. Enforced discipline and maximized productivity through harsh methods.
- Which religious group was known for its early opposition to slavery?
- Quakers. Religious beliefs about human equality opposed slavery practices.
- Identify the purpose of the Fugitive Slave Act.
- To mandate the return of escaped slaves to their owners. Federal law requiring assistance in capturing runaway slaves.
- What was the main destination for enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade?
- The Americas. Primary destination for millions transported from Africa.
- Identify the term for slave ships designed to maximize human cargo.
- Slavers. Ships designed to transport maximum human cargo profitably.
- What was manumission?
- The act of a slave owner freeing their slaves. Legal process allowing owners to grant freedom to enslaved people.
- Which crop was central to the economy of the Caribbean colonies?
- Sugar. Labor-intensive crop that dominated Caribbean plantation agriculture.
- Which invention increased the demand for slave labor in the 1790s?
- The cotton gin. Made cotton production profitable, expanding slavery westward.
- What was the primary cash crop in the southern colonies reliant on slave labor?
- Tobacco. Required intensive labor that drove demand for enslaved workers.