Milton Notes

December 17th - February 3rd

The US enacts the first fugitive slave laws, mandating all states, even those that prohibited slavery, to return escaped enslaved people to their owners. Some Northern states enacted measures preventing officials from aiding in capturing runaways.

Cotton Gin and Eli Whitney

Eli Whitney, born December 8, 1765, in Massachusetts, invented the cotton gin in 1794 after studying cotton production in the South. The cotton gin improved efficiency, strengthening slavery by increasing profits and the number of slaves owned by cotton farmers.

Haitian Revolution (1791-1804)

The Haitian Revolution was the largest slave rebellion in the Western Hemisphere, occurring in France’s wealthiest colony, Saint Domingue. Five interest groups participated, including white planters and Petitblancs.

Louisiana Purchase and Exploration

The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 doubled the size of the US. Lewis and Clark explored the newly acquired territory.

Andrew Jackson’s Era

Post-war of 1812, the North industrialized, improving transportation, while political parties evolved and voting qualifications expanded. John Quincy Adams became president in 1825 due to a lack of electoral majority. Jackson favored states' rights and slavery, leading to the formation of the Whig Party in opposition.

Racial Attitudes in the North

Northerners viewed America as a "white man's country," leading to segregation and exclusion of Blacks from public events unless serving.

Black Families and Communities in the North

Black families formed all-Black communities, valuing education and religion.

1811 Louisiana Slave Revolt

The largest slave uprising in US history was led by Charles Deslondes in Louisiana from January 8-10, 1811, resulting in 100 deaths.

Gabreil Prosser’s Conspiracy

Gabriel Prosser attempted a Virginia slave revolt, but it failed due to being informed upon. The aftermath heightened fears of free Blacks as dangerous.

Denmark Vesey’s Revolt

Denmark Vesey, a literate freeman, planned a revolt but was betrayed. The revolt's fallout included the burning of AME churches and stricter regulations on Black education.

The Antebellum Period

This era, before the Civil War, saw the rise of abolitionism and economic shifts, with the North embracing manufacturing and the South focusing on a cotton economy.

Manifest Destiny

A belief in America's moral superiority and obligation to expand its institutions.

Cotton Economy and Slavery

Profitable cotton plantations thrived post-Indian Removal Act, increasing the demand for slave labor and prices.

Early Industrialization

The industrial revolution, led by Samuel Slater’s textile mill in 1793, accelerated urban migration. Slaves resisted bondage through passive and open rebellions.

The Second Great Awakening

This religious revival from 1790 to 1840 led many to view slavery as a sin, with Quakers forming the first abolitionist group.

Colonization Movement

The American Colonization Society aimed to return free Blacks to Africa, establishing Liberia, but faced opposition from many Black Americans.

Prominent Abolitionists

William Lloyd Garrison sought immediate emancipation without relocation.David Walker, never enslaved, wrote "Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World," advocating for militant resistance.Nat Turner led a rebellion in 1831 based on divine visions, resulting in 55 white deaths and harsh retaliatory laws against enslaved people.