The Legacy and Struggles of Slavery
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| Slaves cutting sugar cane |
John C. Calhoun, a leading Southern politician, built much of his reputation on defending slavery. He called it a “necessary institution” and argued that the Constitution protected states’ rights to keep it. While Calhoun’s words left a lasting political legacy, today his defense of slavery is remembered with deep criticism, showing how leaders once justified injustice in the name of law.
Day to Day life of Slaves
The day-to-day life of enslaved people showed the harsh reality behind those defenses. Most slaves began working before sunrise and continued late into the night. Their labor was endless, leaving little time for family or personal rest. Homes were rough, often with dirt floors and leaks. A few slaves received small privileges if they worked in households or as overseers, but for most, life was filled with hardship and exhaustion.
The Antebellum Slave Market
Slave markets in the antebellum South were places of cruelty and heartbreak. Families were torn apart as men, women, and children were sold on platforms to the highest bidder. Personal connections meant nothing to buyers. These separations left lasting scars on communities, but they also revealed the resilience of those who endured.
Escaped Slaves and the Consequences
Despite the dangers, many enslaved people tried to escape. Guided by the stars, they risked everything for freedom. Bounty hunters with dogs tracked them, but some strangers offered food, shelter, and directions. Each attempt showed that hope was stronger than fear, even when the law stood against them.
Slavery in England
Slavery was not unique to America. In Britain, the fight for abolition took hold in the late 1700s. James Somerset’s case in 1772 challenged slavery’s legality, and William Wilberforce pushed Parliament to act. In 1807, the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was passed, a major step toward ending slavery in the empire.
From Calhoun’s defense to the bravery of escapees and the fight in Britain, slavery’s legacy still shapes our history.
*Disclaimer* This Blogger Post was made with the use of AI through Chat Gpt & Microsoft Co-Pilot
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