Impact of the transatlantic slave trade on slaves Flashcards
Where were the plantations
Virginia, Louisiana, Georgia and South and North Carolina
What was it like to be a slave and what types of slaves were there
There were different types of slaves they were cooks, house cleaners, babysitters, washer woman and carriage drivers, they work inside away from harsh weather. the “missa” / mistress and “massa” / master had personal slaves. Many slaves worked from sunrise - sunset 6 days a weak, they were watch by strict overseers that usually had whips. they had no rights nor possessions. Slave owners gave slaves names and branded them. They could only be Christians. weren’t allowed to play drums in case they sent messages to others slaves to start a rebellion. slave owners encouraged woman to have children so they could be slaves too. Some places said if they produced 15 children they set free. If slaves talked back to masters, fought or didn’t work hard, they were punished: whipped, chained, put in small cage with bread and water for few days of forced to wear metal collar and other inhuman punishments. Slaves weren’t kill by owners because they cost money.
How and why did slave start to sing songs and what were they called
Christian missionaries preach to the slaves in plantations on hard benches. The preachers taught them about obedience and hard work. In resistance they organised secret services where they sang their own songs about freedom, danced and preached to God about helping them overcome the hardship in their lives. They also sang songs known as “Negro Spirituals” to get away from the boredom of repetitive work. The were expressions of religious faith and the struggle for slaves to survive.
what were the slave songs often about
African animals that reflected their values, hopes and fears. the animals would often overcome their hardship through supernatural powers or magic. Adults used these stories to teach their children the difference between right and wrong.
What 2 bible stories did the slaves love
David and Goliath and Daniel escapes from the lion’s den.
how did slaves resist slavery
resisted in groups or alone
- sluggishness - did everything slowly
- passivity - accepted pain and humiliation
- indifference - didn’t care about anything
- shirking - avoided duties
- alcoholism - drink too much alcohol to escape troubles
- flight - ran away, couldn’t bear the pain of slavery
- suicide - took their own lives, life became unbearable
- arson - slave set fire to owners’ buildings
- murder - some slaves killed their owners
It was important for slaves to feel that they were putting up some resistance to slavery
what were some of the effects of slavery
The slaves were exposed to abuse, violence, racism and torture which left a deep psychological effect. African children grew up feeling inferior to Europeans.
who was Nat Turner and describe his revolt
He was a slave who could read and write. He had religious visions and preached against slavery. IN 1831 he led rebellion against slavery in Virginia, with 70 followers , some on horses. Went from house - house killed 60 white people, freed slaves. Rebels used axes, knives and blunt instruments to make no noise. Capture by army of 3000 armed soldiers in few days. Nat Turner hid for 2 months until caught and hanged with 56 followers. After this, first major slave uprising in south, rumours said slaves planning uprising on Washington DC. People became alarmed, fearful and hysterical. Mobs of armed men went and killed 100 - 200 innocent slaves. Laws made it that slaves can’t meet without white minister present, and cannot learn to read or write. Widespread illiteracy among slaves for many years after.
Meaning - vision, rebellion and illiteracy
vision - spiritual dream / daydream
rebellion - going against people in charge
illiteracy - can’t read or write
