Topic 8 Free Blacks Who were Free Blacks
Topic 8 Free Blacks
Who were Free Blacks and how did their population grow?
Majors reasons for the dramatic growth of the Free Black population: 1) Impact of revolution and prevailing ideology of equality 2) Increased manumission (because of some exceptional deed or through wills) 3) Slaves allowed to work might accumulate enough capital to buy their own freedom (problems were, technically, masters could not be trusted and it was illegal for slaves to own property) 4) Excess of births over deaths
What was the lives of the Free Blacks like?
Free Blacks faced restrictions on freedom of movement
Required pass to travel out of county jurisdiction in Maryland
Common restrictions on Free Blacks: 1) Freedom of movement 2) Right to assembly 3) Church services without licensed and respected white minister 4) Methods of earning a living 5) Firearms and alcohol 6) Loitering (note: frequently abused as excuse to force work) 7) Right to vote (note: although some older northern states did allow franchise)
Boston poster warning Free Blacks of being kidnapped as a slave
Most Free Blacks remained poor agricultural workers
Education for Free Blacks was difficult, often instruction by liberal whites or religious groups such as Quakers
To what extent did any Free Blacks achieve wealth?
A few free Blacks were able to acquire considerable wealth despite racist restrictions
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