TCI Lesson 13 - African Americans in the Mid-1800's

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Abolitionist Movements

Efforts aimed at ending slavery and promoting freedom for enslaved people.

Frederick Douglass

An influential African American leader and abolitionist known for his oratory and writings.

Harriet Tubman

An African American abolitionist who escaped slavery and led other enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

Discrimination

Unjust treatment of different categories of people, often based on race or ethnicity.

Segregation

The enforced separation of different racial groups in a country, community, or establishment.

Enslaved People

Individuals who are owned by others and denied rights and freedoms.

Free African Americans

Individuals of African descent who were not enslaved, though still subjected to discrimination and limited rights.

Cotton Gin

A machine invented by Eli Whitney in 1793 that significantly sped up the processing of cotton and increased the demand for slave labor.

Slave Overseers

Individuals hired by enslavers to supervise slave labor and maximize production.

Day-to-Day Resistance

Everyday acts of defiance by enslaved people, which included small acts of sabotage and passive resistance.

Harsh Punishments

Severe penalties imposed on enslaved individuals to maintain control, often leading to resentment and rebellion.

Living Conditions of Enslaved People

The often poor environments in which enslaved individuals were forced to live, including inadequate shelter and food.

Techniques to Maintain Control

Methods used by enslavers to ensure obedience and suppress rebellion among enslaved people.

Open Defiance

Acts of resistance by enslaved people that openly challenge the authority of their enslavers.

Self-Help Organizations

Groups formed by free or enslaved African Americans aimed at providing support and resources to their communities.