The Slave System Slaves and Work Slaves who
- Slides: 8
The Slave System • Slaves and Work – Slaves who lived on small farms did a variety of jobs. On large plantations most slaves were given specific jobs and most worked in the fields. – Supervisors known as drivers, who were sometimes slaves themselves made sure that slaves followed orders and punishments
Working on the Fields • The gang-labor system, all field hands worked on the same task at the same time. • Worked from sunup to sun down • No breaks and lunch was eaten while you worked • Started working around the age of 10
Working in the Planter’s House • These slaves worked as butlers, cooks, and nurses • They had better food, clothing and shelter • But they often worked longer hours because they served the Planter’s family 24/7
Working Skilled Jobs • On larger plantations, some slaves worked at skilled jobs such as blacksmithing or carpentry. • Sometimes planters let these skilled slaves sell their services to others. The planter would keep some of the profits and the slaves would keep the rest. • This system let slaves buy themselves to freedom by working hard and saving money
Life under slavery • Shareholders viewed slaves as property not as people. • Slaves were bought and sold at auctions. Sometimes families would be separated. • Sometimes, free slaves were kidnapped and sold back into slavery
Punishment and Slaves Codes • Some Planters offered more food or better living conditions for better effort • However, most planters used punishment. Some would punish the slave in front of the other slaves to serve as a warning • To further control the slaves actions, many states passed strict laws called Slave Codes
Slave Codes • Prohibited slaves from traveling too far from home • Literacy Laws in most southern states prohibited the education of slaves
Assessment Questions • • Page 419, Questions 1 a, 2 b, 3 a, 3 b Page 423, Questions 1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 2 b, Page 429, Questions 1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 3 b, 4 a Page 431, Questions 1 -5, 6 a, 6 b, 7 a, 8 a, Page 433, Questions 2 -5 Questions and answers Exam on Wednesday April 29 th for “A” Day (8 TH PERIOD) • Exam on Thursday April 30 th for “B” Day
