Chapter 16
The South and the Slavery Controversy
1793 - 1860
Must Know: Events and People – define/historical significance
 Institution of Slavery

Demands of cultivating Southern cotton

Internal slave trade

Free African Americans

Abolitionist Movement

Anti-black sentiment in popular and political culture

Southern defense of slavery as a positive good
Must Know: Key Concepts from Period 3 (1754-1800); 4 (1800-1848); 5(1844-1877) – Take notes from
the chapter in response to the following questions/statements/prompts – it is also worthwhile to make mention
of/highlight any key terms/events/people that may relate to each of the questions.
Key Concept 3.3
1. As slavery expanded in the lower South and adjacent western lands and gradually disappeared
elsewhere, many distinct regional attitudes towards slavery began to grow. Describe the distinct
attitudes towards slavery in each of the regions and explain why these attitudes existed. (p.340-346)
a. North
b. South
c. West
Key Concept 4.1
2. Describe the white cultural identity that built up in the South. (Think about classes, gender roles, role of
the gov’t, role of slavery, etc.) (p. 343-346; 354; 359)
3. Explain how the US and many state governments continued to restrict African Americans’ citizenship
possibilities. (p. 354-359)
4. Describe the communities and strategies that enslaved and free African Americans created to protect
their dignity and their family structures. (p. 348-351)
5. Describe the abolitionist and reform movements launched by some enslaved and free African Americans
aimed at changing their status. (p.351-354; 356-357; 360)
Key Concept 4.2
6. Explain how the growth in cotton production and trade: (p. 340-346)
a. Promoted the development of national economic ties
b. Shaped the international economy
c. Fueled the internal slave trade
Key Concept 5.2
7. A. Describe the different ideologies about slavery – note what sections of the US these ideologies were
prevalent. (p.351-360)
B. Explain how these ideological debates intensified sectionalism.
8. Describe the different abolitionist campaigns mounted against slavery (Name of group/organization, who
was a part of it, strategies of resistance used, etc.)
9. Explain how states’ rights, nullification, and racist stereotyping provided the foundation for the southern
defense of slavery as a positive good. (p. 355; 359)
a. States’ Rights
b. Nullification
c. Racist stereotyping
Historical Thinking Skills – These questions require a bit more thought and thoroughness and therefore
should be read before you read, but answered after you have finished the chapter. They may also require a bit of
outside research!
1. Contextualization – As you read this chapter, can you explain how the institution of slavery fits into both
the regional story of the history of the South and the national story of the history of the United States?
How if at all, does the regional or national focus alter your understanding of the development of the
institution of slavery from 1793 to 1860?
2. Interpretation – After you have read “Varying Viewpoints: What Was the True Nature of Slavery?
“(p.359-360), which interpretation of American slavery do you think can be best substantiated by the
evidence from the chapter? What specific examples can you provide to support your answer?
3. Patterns of Continuity and Change over Time – In this chapter, the authors assert that “as the
nineteenth century opened, the reinvigoration of southern slavery carried fateful implications for blacks
and whites alike – and threatened the survival of the nation itself.” As you read this chapter, can you
explain the continuities and changes in the institution of slavery and the debates over its existence from
1793 to 1860?