Southern Cotton
Prior to the cotton gin, why was cotton not a profitable crop?
It took too long for seeds to be removed by hand
What were slave codes?
Strict laws that controlled the actions and movements of slaves
Explain the gang labor system
Slaves focused on the same task at the same time
What was the most violent uprising in the US?
Nat Turner's Rebellion
What was the goal of the anti-slavery society?
To free slaves immediately and obtain racial equality
Why is cotton a bad cash crop?
It drains the nutrients from the soil quickly
How did wealthy white southerners justify the institution of slavery?
God created some people to rule over others and slaves couldn't take care of themselves
How did enslaved parents pass their culture down to their children?
Told folktales with customary characters and morals
What event prompted many states to strengthen their slave codes?
Nat Turner's Rebellion
How did Harriet Tubman contribute to the anti-slavery movement?
She was a conductor on the Underground Railroad who led many slaves to freedom
Why did value of slaves drop in South before the cotton gin?
Prices for cash crops were low so farmers decreased production and demand for slaves declined
Why was there a high rate of illiteracy among slaves?
Many states had literacy laws as a part of the slave codes prohibiting teaching slaves to read
How did some planters encourage slave obedience?
Offering rewards for better food, clothing and shelter
Why did Nat Turner carry out the rebellion?
He believed he was on a mission from God to free the slaves
What did Frederick Douglas and Sojourner Truth have in common?
They were both former slaves who contributed to the abolitionist movement
How did dependency on cash crops hurt the South's economy?
It took capitalists (investors) attention away from southern industry and manufacturing
What are 3 ways a slave may become free?
Run away, freed by owner or purchased freedom from the owner
Name 3 effects of laws that limited rights of free slaves in the South
They could not vote, travel freely. hold certain jobs, live in some states or represent themselves in court
What was the long term effect of Nat Turner's Rebellion?
Many states strengthened their slave codes
What did the federal government do to block the abolitionists movement between 1836 and 1844?
Issued a gag rule preventing Congress from discussing or even accepting anti-slavery petitions
What effect did the cotton gin have on the Southern economy?
Wanting to make as much money as possible, Southern planters focused almost entirely on cotton production
Why did many southern cities & states pass laws to limit the rights of free former slaves?
White southerners feared former slaves would try to encourage slave rebellions?
How did Southern slaves suffer more after the North began abolishing slavery?
The fear that free slaves would inspire rebellion caused masters to use harsher punishments
What happened to Nat Turner after the rebellion was over?
He was captured, sentenced to death, hanged and skinned
What factor was responsible for making emancipation almost impossible in the south in the early 1800's?
The south's economic dependency on slavery