Living Conditions and Hardships of African-American Slaves
Slavery remains a stain on the history of the United States and many other nations in the world that participated in the slave trade. The Southern United States, in particular, went through the Antebellum Period, during which the use of enslaved people was widely accepted and believed to be the social norm. However, despite enslaved people being vital in supporting the economy of the southern states, the conditions they were forced to endure can be viewed as brutal and inhumane.
Enslaved people in the Antebellum South were treated as mere commodities in the enslavers’ and traders’ path of wealth accumulation. Both men and women were expected to perform physically challenging tasks regardless of their health and well-being. Specifically, they were expected to plant and harvest cotton and other crops, clear land, care for livestock, and construct and repair buildings (PBS).
Women had the additional burden of caring for their children and husbands. Besides the tasks given to them, which often included farm work, housework, weaving, and sewing, they were to cook for their families and look after their children (PBS). Childbirth was not considered an excuse from work, with enslaved women returning to their duties mere days after labor (Chapter 11. The South and Slavery 1800–1860). In addition, their owners subjected young Black women to regular sexual assault (Chapter 11. The South and Slavery 1800–1860). Overall, enslaved people in the Antebellum South were considered property that the owner had complete authority over and could be subject to any labor.
Coping Mechanisms and Survival Strategies
Despite their harsh reality, enslaved African Americans came up with several ways of coping with their situation and resisting their owners. For example, to undermine the plantations they worked on, enslaved people often faked illness, destroyed crops and livestock, broke tools, and engaged in other forms of subtle sabotage (Chapter 11. The South and Slavery 1800–1860). These measures ensured that plantation owners did not financially profit from enslaving people and using slave labor. Thus, despite their precarious position, enslaved African Americans found numerous ways of resistance and sabotage that helped them cope with their circumstances.
Works Cited
Chapter 11. The South and Slavery 1800–1860.
PBS. “Antebellum Slavery.” PBS, 2020. Web.