Slavery in the British Colonies
Grace Lewis
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers the origins of slavery in the colonies, including the shift from indentured servitude to racialized chattel slavery and the impact of Bacon's Rebellion. It examines the Triangular Trade, the Middle Passage, and its effects. It then compares slavery in the Northern and Southern colonies, highlighting key crops and the influence of the cotton gin. Finally, it explores slave resistance (both overt and covert), slave laws (like the Barbados Code), and offers practice questions and exam tips.
#AP US History: Slavery in the Colonies - The Night Before Review
Hey! Let's get you totally prepped for the exam. We're going to break down everything you need to know about slavery in the colonies, making sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it. Let's dive in!
#1. Origins of Slavery in the Colonies
#Early Labor Systems
- 1619: The first documented arrival of Africans in Virginia. Initially, many were treated as indentured servants.
Indentured servants (both white Europeans and a small number of Native Americans) were the primary labor force in the early 17th century.
The shift from indentured servitude to chattel slavery was a gradual process, driven by economic and social factors.
#The Shift to Racialized Slavery
- Bacon's Rebellion (1676): A turning point. This revolt by poor white farmers created fear among the wealthy elite, who then sought a more controllable labor force.
Remember Bacon's Rebellion as the event that made the wealthy planters say, "We need a new workforce!"
#The Middle Passage
- The horrific journey from West Africa to the Americas, lasting about 6 weeks.
About 20% of enslaved Africans died during the Middle Passage due to disease, starvation, or suicide.
Caption: "Stowage of the British slave ship Brookes under the regulated slave trade act of 1788,” showing the inhumane conditions of the Middle Passage. Even with regulations, the conditions were horrific.
#2. The Triangular Trade
- A system of trade connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Think of the Triangular Trade as a three-way exchange: Europe provides goods, Africa provides slaves, and the Americas provide raw materials.
#The...
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