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The life of a slave was strenuous and full of hardship. The African slaves were commonly separated from their families, robbed of their freedom, and forced to labor in the fields. Not surprisingly, many slaves ran away from the plantation in hopes of becoming freemen. During colonial times, there were a few instances of slave rebellion, although the Abolitionist Movement did not hit full swing until the early 1800s. 81: p. 3. 3 March 17 a Packet. Pennsylvani
Many hopeful abolitionists believed that slavery would disappear when the American colonies declared their independence. That didn’t happen. In fact, the United States became more dependent than ever on slavery. Notices like these (from 1781) were commonplace in the decade after the American Revolution began.
As the 18th century rolled on, it became difficult for any man—even if he owned slaves—to argue that slavery wasn’t a cruel and unpleasant practice. Unfortunately, a longstanding tradition and an economic dependence kept the institution alive. It was a true moral dilemma. The letter to the left was written by Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Banneker in 1791. Banneker was a successful African American in the 18th century. He is best known for surveying Washington, DC, before it became the nation’s official capital. In the letter, Jefferson admits that he believes that African Americans are equally as talented as whites. Though shared by many, this belief still wasn’t enough to end the forced-labor institution that had existed since ancient times. ***all spelling left as it originally appeared
…nature has given to our black brethren, talents equal to those of the other colours of men, & that the appearance of a want of them is owing merely to the degraded condition of their existence both in Africa & America. I can add with truth that no body wishes more ardently to see a good system commenced for raising the condition both of their body & mind to what it ought to be, as fast as the imbecillity of their present existence, and other circumstance which cannot be neglected, will admit.
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Many hopeful abolitionists believed that slavery would disappear when the American colonies declared their independence. That didn’t happen. In fact, the United States became more dependent than ever on slavery. Notices like these (from 1781) were commonplace in the decade after the American Revolution began.
As the 18th century rolled on, it became difficult for any man—even if he owned slaves—to argue that slavery wasn’t a cruel and unpleasant practice. Unfortunately, a longstanding tradition and an economic dependence kept the institution alive. It was a true moral dilemma. The letter to the left was written by Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Banneker in 1791. Banneker was a successful African American in the 18th century. He is best known for surveying Washington, DC, before it became the nation’s official capital. In the letter, Jefferson admits that he believes that African Americans are equally as talented as whites. Though shared by many, this belief still wasn’t enough to end the forced-labor institution that had existed since ancient times. ***all spelling left as it originally appeared
…nature has given to our black brethren, talents equal to those of the other colours of men, & that the appearance of a want of them is owing merely to the degraded condition of their existence both in Africa & America. I can add with truth that no body wishes more ardently to see a good system commenced for raising the condition both of their body & mind to what it ought to be, as fast as the imbecillity of their present existence, and other circumstance which cannot be neglected, will admit.
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