Slavery In The 1800s Research Paper

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Slavery in the 1800s is a chapter in human history marked by forced ownership of people. It has taken many different forms across different cultures. It is brutal control of freedom of individuals, usually based on race or ethnicity. The impacts of slavery are extreme and have left damage on the lives of many people. Before slavery existed, Africa was characterized by diverse cultures, rich traditions, and flourishing civilizations. Africa showed off kingdoms and city-states with unique languages and ways of life. In West Africa, empires like the Mali and Sonhai were powerful monarchs that led intricate political structures that governed thousands of people. Africans were very skilled in mathematics, medicine, and astronomy. Art, technology, and learning thrive in Africa. Eventually, …show more content…
An overseer was paid to get the most work out of the slaves. Overseers often resorted to whatever seemed necessary, which means they were usually cruel. Out of desperation, slaves would run the overseers off of the plantation and complain about unfair treatment. Sometimes drivers are used instead of overseers. The difference between the two is that drivers are slaves. A driver can be convinced by a master to manage other slaves for better treatment and privileges. Drivers were hated by other slaves. Thousands of slaves that were set free during the Civil War died from disease and starvation. Freed slaves were often neglected by union soldiers and suffered from uncontrolled diseases such as, small pox or cholera. Many starved to death. Some slaves ended up at “contraband camps,” that were near union army bases. The conditions were very unsanitary and food supply was low or limited. Some of these camps were actually former slave pens. Health problems for slaves were an issue, and many faced racial discrimination. In conclusion, slavery was an extremely harrowing experience for all that was