Chapter 20.1-7 African Americans At Mid-century

In the 1800s, the South relied heavily on cotton as a cash crop. Cotton was in high demand due to the rise of the textile industry, both domestically and internationally. The warm climate and fertile soil of the southern states made it an ideal region for cotton production. The profitability of cotton led to the expansion of plantation agriculture and the widespread use of slave labor, contributing to the growth of the southern economy and the institution of slavery.

Slaves who didn't work in the fields had various roles and occupations. Some were seamstresses, responsible for sewing and making clothes. Others were carpenters, skilled in woodworking and construction. There were also slaves who worked as blacksmiths, specializing in metalwork and forging. Additionally, some slaves were assigned as cooks, preparing meals for their owners and fellow slaves. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above," as slaves who didn't work in the fields could be engaged in any of these occupations.

Slavemasters viewed their slaves as property. Slaves were considered as possessions that could be bought, sold, and owned by the slavemasters. They were seen as a means of labor and economic value rather than as individuals with their own rights and humanity. Slavemasters had complete control over their slaves, treating them as objects to be used and exploited for their own benefit. This dehumanizing perspective allowed slavemasters to justify the cruel treatment and harsh conditions that slaves endured.

Slaveholders used various methods to keep slaves under their control. One of these methods was physical abuse, which included beating and whipping the slaves. Additionally, slaveholders would often brand their slaves as a means of marking them as their property and ensuring their ownership. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as slaveholders utilized all of these tactics to maintain control over their slaves.

The correct answer is "Whites were racist towards the blacks." This answer is supported by historical evidence and accounts of the treatment of African-Americans by whites during various periods of history, particularly during times of slavery, segregation, and discrimination. African-Americans faced systemic racism, oppression, and violence at the hands of whites, which included denying them basic rights, segregating them, and perpetuating harmful stereotypes and discrimination.

The correct answer is "No, he had to keep working." This is because the question asks if the slave's workday was over after "supper," implying that there was still work to be done even after eating. The answer choice "Yes, he could sleep then" is incorrect as it contradicts the notion that the slave had to continue working.

Masters fed their slaves cornmeal, bacon, and molasses. This was a common diet for slaves during the time of slavery. Cornmeal was a staple food and provided sustenance, while bacon and molasses provided additional flavor and nutrients. Slaves were typically given meager rations, and this diet was a reflection of the limited resources and poor living conditions they endured.

The answer "Negro cloth" suggests that slaves wore a specific type of clothing known as "Negro cloth." This implies that slaves were provided with some form of clothing, which was likely made specifically for them. The term "Negro cloth" may refer to a type of fabric or garment commonly worn by slaves during that time period.

After the invention of the cotton gin, the price of slaves went up. This is because the cotton gin made the process of separating cotton fibers from the seeds much faster and more efficient. As a result, the demand for cotton increased significantly, leading to a higher demand for slave labor to cultivate and harvest cotton. The increased demand for slaves caused their prices to rise as well.

The answer "No" suggests that there was no limit to what slave owners could do to slaves. This implies that slave owners had complete control and authority over their slaves, and there were no legal or societal restrictions on their treatment or actions towards slaves. This answer aligns with the historical reality of slavery, where slaves were considered property and subjected to various forms of abuse, exploitation, and mistreatment by their owners.

Overseers were hired to supervise and monitor the activities of the slaves. They were responsible for ensuring that the slaves were working efficiently and following the orders of their owners. The overseers acted as a form of control and authority, maintaining discipline and enforcing punishment if necessary. They played a crucial role in maintaining the system of slavery by overseeing the labor and productivity of the enslaved individuals.

The cotton gin made slavery necessary because it significantly increased the efficiency of cotton production. This led to a higher demand for cotton and, in turn, a greater need for slave labor to cultivate and harvest the crop. The South, heavily reliant on cotton as a key economic driver, therefore remained loyal to slavery as it was essential for their economic prosperity and maintaining their way of life.

Slavebreakers did not escort slaves to and from plantations, treat slaves with respect, or lead orientation meetings. Slavebreakers were individuals who were hired to capture and return escaped slaves to their owners, often using force or coercion. They were responsible for tracking down and apprehending runaway slaves, enforcing the institution of slavery. Therefore, the correct answer is "None of the above."

Most rebellions took place through quiet acts of rebellion rather than open defiance. This suggests that people were more likely to resist authority or express their dissent in subtle and covert ways rather than openly challenging those in power. This could be due to fear of reprisal or a desire to avoid direct confrontation. Quiet acts of rebellion may include passive resistance, subversive actions, or covert forms of protest that allow individuals to resist without drawing too much attention or risking severe consequences.

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The examples of quiet acts of rebellion include pulling down fences, pretending to be blind, and pretending to be insane. These actions can be seen as acts of defiance against societal norms or expectations. Pulling down fences symbolizes breaking free from restrictions and boundaries. Pretending to be blind or insane challenges the perception of normalcy and conformity. These acts may not be loud or overt, but they still carry a rebellious undertone.

The examples given in the answer all involve acts of open defiance. Lighting the plantation on fire, rejecting orders, and beating up the masters are all actions that directly challenge authority and demonstrate a refusal to comply with rules or commands. These acts go beyond peaceful protest and involve more aggressive and confrontational behavior.

By mid-century, there were approximately 500,000 free blacks.

The population of the United States had grown by 23,000,000 by 1850.

Slave owners had complete control over their slaves and could treat them as property. They could buy and sell slaves, treating them as commodities. They could also leave their slaves as inheritance to their heirs, passing down ownership from one generation to another. Additionally, slave owners had the power to give away their slaves as a form of settlement for bets or other obligations. However, setting slaves free was not a common practice among slave owners, as it went against the economic interests and social norms of the time.

Segregation refers to the act of separating people based on certain characteristics or qualities. In this case, the correct answer is both options 2 and 4, as segregation can involve separating people based on their interests in music as well as their race.