13 Slavery

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and facts discussed in the Crash Course lecture on slavery, including historical dates, economic impacts, forms of resistance, key figures, and legislative aspects.

What years did slavery exist in the United States?

1619 to 1865.

What was the primary crop that significantly contributed to the Southern economy?

Cotton, often referred to as 'King Cotton.'

By 1860, what percentage of the Southern population were slaves?

One third.

What percentage of the nation’s manufactured goods did the South produce?

Only 10%.

Who was a well-known advocate of the idea that slavery was a 'positive good'?

John C. Calhoun.

What did Louisiana law require from slaves towards their masters?

Respect without bounds and absolute obedience.

What was the primary type of labor performed by slaves on plantations?

Agricultural work, usually under coercion.

What system allowed slaves in South Carolina rice plantations some time for other tasks once their daily work was done?

The task system.

What were two forms of resistance that slaves might engage in?

Work slowdowns and sabotaging equipment.

Who was a famous conductor of the Underground Railroad?

Harriet Tubman.

What significant event did Nat Turner's rebellion in 1831 lead to in Virginia?

The implementation of harsher laws against slaves.

What was a common way for slave families to form, and what impact did it have?

Marriage; it served as a refuge and a source of dignity.

What did many Southern slaveholders argue about slavery and its benefits?

They argued that slaves benefited from slavery due to being provided for by their masters.

What significant legal concept did the term 'chattel slavery' imply?

That slaves were considered property and not human.

What was a significant impact of the slave-based economy on Southern urban development?

Most urbanisation occurred further from large cotton plantations, resulting in little industrial development.

How did slaveholders justify their actions regarding slaves?

Through Biblical references and a worldview rooted in racism.

What was a cultural aspect of resistance among slaves, particularly in relation to religion?

Focus on stories from the Bible that emphasized liberation, such as Exodus.