Harsh Conditions Of Plantation Slavery

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The Harsh Conditions of the Plantation Slave INTRO Before the start of the Civil War, there were around 3.5 million slaves laboring in the American South. The majority of the slaves working in the South were field workers on large plantations. Slaves held jobs in other areas but the working and living conditions on average tended not to be as severe as it was for the plantation slave. Enslaved people on plantations had harsh conditions in their work and home lives as well as being sold, which was always a continuous nagging fear. WORK Slave work on the larger plantations was tough on the healthiest men and women but even the elderly and children were required to work. Yes, children were put to work as young as 10 years old. Slaves would work …show more content…

The slaves could not get all the necessary nutrients from the food supplied. If approved by the master, a small piece of land could be worked by the male slaves to create a garden to help better their diet slightly. If the master gave clothing, it was generally hand-me-downs from the whites. Two sets of outfits, one for summer, and one for winter. Slave women took care of the sewing, weaving, and mending of new and old clothing. New clothing was fashioned from sacks and rags for the family. They prepare the food for the family and care for the children as well. It was strictly forbidden that enslaved people learn to read and write. Slaves could marry if given permission by the master and it was normally in the best interest of the master to permit families. Slaves could no longer be imported into America before the Civil War. The only way to increase or even maintain the slave population was by allowing slaves already in America to marry and have children. Nevertheless, the marriage was not legal so either husband or wife could be sold at the pleasure of the master therefore splitting the family. …show more content…

Family and friends were about all that a slave had in life, so being separated from them caused a lot of emotional suffering. They knew it would be nearly impossible to find each other again once sold. Families could go back generations so grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings may still be living together on the same plantation or a neighboring one. One form of punishment, a master would use often would be to threaten to sale a slave to get them submissive. When he could not break them or to make an example for the other slaves, he would sale them. Enslaved people knew if the master died as well as if the master was under financial stress, they could be sold. Profit was another reason slaves were auctioned. $1000 to $2000 could be attained for a health male slave before the start of the Civil War. Female slaves that were health usually went for a couple hundred dollars less than the male slaves did. CONCLUSION The enslaved people of the South had to overcome many issues just to survive. Harsh conditions at work, home and the fear of being auctioned took its toll on the health and spirits of countless slaves. The only things that gotten the majority through it were their families, religion and the hope of someday being

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