Slavery
Explore the early African American slave experience.
The Slave Trade
In stark contrast to the treatment of pre-modern slaves, slaves in the Americas were not treated as servants, were enslaved based on race, suffered the deadly passage to the Americas, were not given educational opportunities, and endured harsh working conditions and inhumane treatment.
In stark contrast to the treatment of pre-modern slaves, slaves in the Americas were not treated as servants, were enslaved based on race, suffered the deadly passage to the Americas, were not given educational opportunities, and endured harsh working conditions and inhumane treatment.
The Middle Passage
During the journey to the Americas, African slaves had to endure grueling conditions as they traveled to an unknown fate. They slept below the deck on un-sanded plank floors that had only 18 inches of headroom and no fresh air or light.
During the journey to the Americas, African slaves had to endure grueling conditions as they traveled to an unknown fate. They slept below the deck on un-sanded plank floors that had only 18 inches of headroom and no fresh air or light.
Slavery in Colonial Times
During the colonial times, the treatment of slaves was often different depending upon which colony they lived in. Slaves in southern colonies typically worked under harsh labor conditions, while slaves in the middle and New England colonies were fewer, had more freedom, and were often treated more humanely.
During the colonial times, the treatment of slaves was often different depending upon which colony they lived in. Slaves in southern colonies typically worked under harsh labor conditions, while slaves in the middle and New England colonies were fewer, had more freedom, and were often treated more humanely.
Black Election Day in New England
Despite their enslavement, 18th century New England slaves took pride in electing their own governors and kings. Find out about this unique slave tradition.
Despite their enslavement, 18th century New England slaves took pride in electing their own governors and kings. Find out about this unique slave tradition.
Slavery Timeline
This slavery timeline covers the important events that occurred during slavery.
This slavery timeline covers the important events that occurred during slavery.
Slavery Photographs and Images
This collection of slavery images provides a glimpse at slave life. The compilation includes photos, illustrations, and images of newspaper clippings.
This collection of slavery images provides a glimpse at slave life. The compilation includes photos, illustrations, and images of newspaper clippings.
Harriet Jacobs
In an effort to escape from slavery, for seven years, Harriet Jacobs, a slave in North Carolina, lived in a small crawl space above the storage room in her grandmother's house. Find out what led her to confine herself to this tiny crawl space.
In an effort to escape from slavery, for seven years, Harriet Jacobs, a slave in North Carolina, lived in a small crawl space above the storage room in her grandmother's house. Find out what led her to confine herself to this tiny crawl space.
Jefferson on Slavery
Read Thomas Jefferson's thoughts on slavery.
Read Thomas Jefferson's thoughts on slavery.
Copy of a letter from Benjamin Banneker
This is a fascinating letter written by the scientist, Benjamin Banneker to Thomas Jefferson. In it, he discusses the evils of slavery and Jefferson's viewpoints. Also included is Jefferson's response.
This is a fascinating letter written by the scientist, Benjamin Banneker to Thomas Jefferson. In it, he discusses the evils of slavery and Jefferson's viewpoints. Also included is Jefferson's response.
Lincoln on the Dred Scott Decision
Find out what Lincoln thought about the Dred Scott decision.
Find out what Lincoln thought about the Dred Scott decision.
Estevanico the Moor: Slave & Explorer
Read about Estevanico, a slave from Morocco who became a scout for the Spanish expeditions. Gerald Erichsen, your About Guide to the Spanish Language, explores his travels.
Read about Estevanico, a slave from Morocco who became a scout for the Spanish expeditions. Gerald Erichsen, your About Guide to the Spanish Language, explores his travels.
Slaves and Christmas Celebration
The Christmas holiday for slaves was a welcome break from all the usual toil of their lives. As Christmas approached, many slaves could feel the lightness of the holiday atmosphere. For others, Christmas was not filled with the excitement of the holiday atmosphere, and instead only signified a break from the daily hard work that they had endured throughout the year.
The Christmas holiday for slaves was a welcome break from all the usual toil of their lives. As Christmas approached, many slaves could feel the lightness of the holiday atmosphere. For others, Christmas was not filled with the excitement of the holiday atmosphere, and instead only signified a break from the daily hard work that they had endured throughout the year.
Fugitive Slave Law of 1850
Read the text of the Fugitive Slave Law.
Read the text of the Fugitive Slave Law.
Slave Insurance Policies Uncovered
Aetna has apologized for issuing slave insurance policies in the 1850s. California passed a law to look into these charges along with another one to investigate the economics of slavery. Find out more about this and the growing reparations movement.
Aetna has apologized for issuing slave insurance policies in the 1850s. California passed a law to look into these charges along with another one to investigate the economics of slavery. Find out more about this and the growing reparations movement.
Virginia and Race
Race Relations Guide Susan Pizarro-Eckert traces Virginia's role in slavery and racial policy.
Race Relations Guide Susan Pizarro-Eckert traces Virginia's role in slavery and racial policy.
La Amistad
Race Relations Guide Susan Pizarro-Eckert provides a short article about the La Amistad case.
Race Relations Guide Susan Pizarro-Eckert provides a short article about the La Amistad case.
Africans in America
This is a great resource that covers slavery from 1450 to 1865.
This is a great resource that covers slavery from 1450 to 1865.
Africans in America: List & Inventory
View a record that lists the monetary value of slaves.
View a record that lists the monetary value of slaves.
Dred Scott's Fight for Freedom
Read how Dred Scott used the court system in his fight to obtain his freedom. Also included is a link to the full text of the Supreme Court decision.
Read how Dred Scott used the court system in his fight to obtain his freedom. Also included is a link to the full text of the Supreme Court decision.
Compromise of 1850 & the Fugitive Slave Act
For those who fought to abolish slavery, the Fugitive Slave Act was a disappointing barrier to their fight. Learn more about the Fugitive Slave Act and how it was part of the Compromise of 1850.
For those who fought to abolish slavery, the Fugitive Slave Act was a disappointing barrier to their fight. Learn more about the Fugitive Slave Act and how it was part of the Compromise of 1850.