Slavery before the Civil War in 1865

Question 1

Positive view on slavery

Answer 1

Most slaves were content with their conditions and there was a reasonable relationship between owners and salves.

Question 2

Evidence draw for the positive view on slavery

Answer 2

1) Given the standards of the day, slaves were quite well fed, clothed and housed
2) Some slaves were granted or made enough money to be able to buy their freedom

Question 3

Facts of slave escaping for the positive view on slavery

Answer 3

There were no major revolt before 1830, and only a few hundred slaves a year attempted to escape to freedom in the North or Canada

Question 4

Example of slaves being treated badly

Answer 4

Slaves could be sold, punished by branding or flogging, sexually exploited and even killed by their owners.

Question 5

Argument for not escaping

Answer 5

Most slaves hated slavery and did not attempt to escape because it was too difficult to organise and, if caught, would lead to severe punishment.