Southern Slavery Analysis

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Slavery in the south has two main interpretations, the economic interpretation and the paternalistic interpretation. While both were rooted in the concept of keeping slaves for economic gain, there were differences in the ways the slaves were treated and viewed. But the economic interpretation is far more likely considering, the african american slaves that were geological transferred for possible profits into the booming cotton empire and that were put in conditions that were completely subjective to the slave owners wishes, but regardless there were instances where slaves resisted and coped with their conditions. To begin with, it is important to solidify a definition of each interpretation of southern slavery. The economic interpretation …show more content…
There are many examples that back the fact that slaves both resented and resisted their enslavement, and that others simply accepted the harsh treatments and learned to cope with it. One such instance of rebellion is Nat Turner’s Rebellion, taking place at Southampton County, Virginia in 1831. On August 2nd of 1831, Nat Turner led approximately 70 armed slaves on a mission to kill the whites who has enslaved them. He and his band of rebels managed to slaughter 55 to 60 whites before he was apprehended and hung six days later. While some slaves, like Nat Turner, resorted to rebellion, others resisted by breaking tools or just refusing to work (class notes). Additionally, slaves would also feign illness, runaway, pretend to be thickheaded and mistreat animals. When both of these approaches inevitably failed, slaves instead coped with the reality of their situation. Since slaves lived a suitable distance from the plantation house, they had a degree of privacy. Out of eyesight and earshot of the plantation house, slaves drew together and built lives of their own “they created families, worshiped God, and developed an African American community and culture” (Roark 329). From morning to night slaves had to work, but at night and on their days off , slaves were left to themselves. Unfortunately, against paternalistic values, slaves had to frequently deal with separation when slaves were sold at public auctions. Despite the efforts of non paternalistic slave owners, The black family survived slavery. Religion also provided a window for slaves to escape their bounds, Although not literally, “ Then they pass from one another, shaking hands, and bidding each farwell, promising, should they meet no more on earth, to strive and meet in heaven, where all is joy happiness and liberty” (The Slaves Assemble In The
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