Slave Codes
Define slave codes
Laws that controlled the lives of enslaved people and denied them basic rights
Identify one way in which enslaved people resisted slavery (it could be a small act of resistance or a more significant act of resistance).
Any of the following would be considered acts of resistance (not limited to the following):
- Running away/escaping slavery
- Organizing and carrying out a rebellion
- Learning to read (in secret)
- Destruction of property (breaking tools, burning buildings)
- Standing up against an enslaver
- Singing spirituals which continued coded messages
What was the Haitian Revolution?
A revolution that began amongst enslaved people in 1791 and ended in 1804. It was the only successful rebellion in which enslaved people fought back against a colonial, oppressive government (the French).
Define partus sequitur ventrem
A 17th century law that defined a child's legal status based on the status of the mother. If the mother was enslaved, her child would also be enslaved even if the father was a free person.
Identify one way in which religion inspired resistance to slavery.
There were two main ways in which religion inspired resistance to slavery:
- rebellions, such as Nat Turner and Denmark Vesey
- activism of abolitionists, such as Maria W. Stewart
What was the Stono Rebellion?
A uprising/rebellion of enslaved people in 1739 in South Carolina that led to a severe tightening of the Slave Code in 1740
Read the following excerpt from the South Carolina Slave Code of 1740. How did this law deny an enslaved person their basic human rights?
" If any slave who shall be out of the house or plantation where such slave shall live or shall be usually employed, or without some white person in company with such slave, shall refuse to submit or to undergo the examination of any white person, it shall be lawful for any such white person to pursue, apprehend and moderately correct such slave. And if such slave shall assault and strike such white person, such slave may be lawfully killed..."
Answers may include any of the following:
- It is a basic human right that a person should be able to defend themselves against assault
- It is a basic human right that a person should not be illegally searched
- The punishment does not fit the crime - assault should not be punished with execution
Explain the difference between the task system and the gang system.
The task system of labor was the preferred method of labor organization on rice plantations in South Carolina and Georgia, in which enslaved received specific tasks to complete during the day and experienced little oversight after their work was completed; whereas the gang system of labor organized enslaved people into working teams and they were directly supervised for the entire work day.
How did the Haitian Revolution inspire the German Coast Uprising/Louisiana Revolt of 1811?
It inspired Charles Deslondes to organize a rebellion amongst enslaved people. He came in contact with refugees from Haiti, some of which were still enslaved.
Define code noir
French for "Black codes," these were what slave codes were called in French colonies such as New Orleans
How did religious services and churches play a role in the resistance against slavery/abolitionist movement?
They were a place for the community to gather and share information (sometimes related to running away). In the North, churches were places in which political organizing could take place.
Why did the enslaved people involved in the Stono Rebellion march towards Fort Mose?
Fort Mose was a military fortress/refugee camp established by the Spanish. The Spanish offered to free enslaved people who came to Fort Mose in exchange for military service to fight against the English and converting to Catholicism.
When did the United States outlaw the international slave trade/Transatlantic Slave Trade?
1808
Who was Maria W. Stewart and how did she help the abolitionist movement?
Maria W. Stewart was the first African American woman to speak publicly in front of both men and women. She brought attention to the abolitionist cause by giving speeches and publishing pamphlets/essays. She tried to persuade both Black and white men and women that Black women were equal to everyone, even though they experienced both racism and sexism
Identify one significant effect of the Haitian Revolution (in the United States or elsewhere).
Any of the following would be correct:
- France sold the Louisiana Territory to the U.S. to cover the cost of fighting
- Haiti was France’s wealthiest colony = loss of tax revenue, disrupted France’s economy
- Increase in sugar production in U.S., Cuba, and Brazil because Haiti no longer produced large amounts of sugar
- Large migration of white enslavers and Black refugees to U.S. cities
- Haiti’s growth and development was hindered by the requirement to make “indemnity payments” to France in exchange for France’s recognition of Haiti as its own country
- Haiti’s independence and abolition of slavery inspired uprisings in Louisiana and Brazil
- The legacy of the Haitian Revolution had an enduring impact on Black political thought, serving as a symbol of Black freedom and sovereignty