Johnson, "Between the prices"

What city was the center of the slave trade in the 19th century?

New Orleans.

How does Johnson begin the chapter “Between the Prices”?

With John White’s ledger of slave transactions.

What does the ledger represent?

The business and commercialization of slavery.

Who was the oldest enslaved person mentioned?

McGwine Wilson.

Who was the youngest enslaved person mentioned?

Matilda Shelby.

At what age were enslaved people given a price?

From birth/newborn age.

Why were enslaved babies given prices at birth?

They were considered property, net worth, and collateral for loans.

Was John White considered a successful slave trader?

Yes, from a business and profit perspective.

Why did people become slave traders?

Money, social status, control, limited job options, and racism.

Why was slavery hard to avoid economically?

Many industries and businesses depended on slavery.

What industries were connected to slavery?

Agriculture, banks, loans, insurance, transportation, steel, cotton, courts, entertainment, and the federal government.

Who made chains used in slavery?

Blacksmiths.

Where did slave traders stay while traveling?

Hotels, boarding houses, bars, and restaurants.

Why would people attend slave auctions without buying enslaved people?

Entertainment, normalization of slavery, and public spectacle.

What experiences did enslaved people face during trading?

Family separation, loss of identity, renaming, and dehumanization.

How were Black women exploited under slavery?

Through forced reproduction and sexual violence.

How does Johnson humanize slave traders?

By showing harsh travel, financial struggles, and economic pressures.

What is Johnson’s larger argument about slavery?

Slavery involved broad participation across American society and economy.

Why was it nearly impossible to avoid contributing to slavery?

Slavery supported the U.S. economy and connected many industries and people.

What does the phrase “Between the Prices” emphasize?

That enslaved people were treated as commodities with monetary value.

What role did banks play in slavery?

Loans and financial systems relied on enslaved people as collateral.

What moral contradiction appears in the chapter?

People profited from slavery even while recognizing its cruelty.

How did slavery affect enslaved people personally?

They lost freedom, family connections, and personal identity.

What does Johnson suggest about ordinary Americans and slavery?

Many participated directly or indirectly in sustaining the system.