Chapter 9
The Antebellum Era 1820-1860
Slavery and the Nation

 By 1860 there were 4 million slaves in the US. Most
northern states had abolished slavery- not b/c they
disagreed with it per se, but b/c it wasn’t
economically practical. Before 1793 southern econ
was weak, and many southerners (Like Jefferson)
believed there was no need to “deal” with slavery, it
would die out on its own.
 Mason Dixon line: boundary between Maryland and
Pennsylvania (which had been in dispute) was the
border between slave and free states
Cotton and Slavery

 Cotton gin and industrialization of textiles expanded
demand for cotton and therefore need for slaves
 Geographic advantages made south main source
worldwide of cotton (supplied 80% of British
manufacturing, 100% of American) with ever
increasing farming (like tobacco, cotton wears out
the land) in the west (by 1860 1/3 of cotton farmed
west of Mississippi)
 North and South were engrained in their economic
choices, so the West (which got influxes from both
areas) became a source of sectional tension
The Slave Economy

 Even though the slaves were in the south- the entire
national economy was impacted by slavery.
Transportation, banking, and factories all were
involved in cotton trade- this made it harder for
abolitionists to fight slavery.
 Slavery discouraged immigrants from going to the
south (made south most anglo-saxon section of
country)
 Southern cities stayed small (only New Orleans
really large) transportation in short lines rather than
long distance.
The Three Souths: Border South

 Generalization- the further north, therefore cooler
the climate, fewer slaves in area.
 Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri (did not
secede in 1860)
 Plantations scarcer- very little cotton, tobacco still the
main crop.
 Slaves = 17%, 22% of population owns slaves – only
1% owns more than 20 slaves
 Largest amount of industry in the South
Middle South

 Virginia, N. Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas.
 Each of these states had sections that functioned like
the Border South, and like the Lower South.Largest
numbers of plantations in eastern VA and western
TN
 Waffled in 1860- but ended up seceding (they were
the last to go- most not until AFTER fighting started)
 Slaves= 30% of population. 36% of population owns
slaves, 14% of that owns more than 20
Lower (Deep) South

 S Carolina, Florida, Georgia,
Alabama, Mississippi,
Louisiana, Texas
 This is plantation world, the
“cotton belt”- grew 95% of
the south’s cotton.
 This is where secession
happened (SC led the way)
 Slaves = 47% of the
population, 42% of
population owns slaves, 62%
of those own more than 20
Slavery and Southern Society

 In no part of the south do the majority of whites own
slaves. Less than 2000 families own more than 100
slaves each, but they are the dominant force in
society.
 Represent some of greatest wealth, felt strong
obligation for public service (presidents, senators,
judges etc..)
 Considered business to be an inferior way to make
$$- and not a lot of respect for “poor” whites
Paternalism

 The idea that slaves were mentally inferior, and that
a kind owner treated his slaves as children, not really
capable of thinking for themselves, in need of
constant supervision.
 Southern men thought of their wives in the same
way- but southern women often had more
responsibilities than men. She had to supervise the
house and staff, he would have an overseer for field
work. Plantation women had very little contact with
social equals
The Peculiar Institution

 The southern name for slavery.
 Plantation owners were the apex
of society (which made south the least democratic part
of the country)- but their econ success depended on
their slaves, and it was a one crop economy.
 Very resentful of the north, saw themselves as put
upon by industry, felt north made profit from their
labor (except they weren’t the ones working)
Non Slave owning Whites

 Interestingly were some of the strongest defenders of
slavery, especially to those from outside the south.
 Dreamed of upward mobility- thought they might
have slaves of their own one day. Often the most
racist, if their life was very hard, at least they could
feel superior to someone….
Slave Life

 Very few legal rights- it was “technically” illegal to kill a
slave, (except in self defense) but they were propertybought, sold, and cared for at will.
 Slaves were expensive, and therefore valuable (up to
$1800)- only a fool destroys his own wealth, but there
were no guarantees.
 Work long hours, live in small cabins on plantation. Little
personal property. Overseer, or “slave driver” set pace of
work. Conditions varied widely
 Some plantations (esp rice) set Task Labor, when you had
done your assigned tasks, you were done for the day
House v. Field

 Majority of slaves field hands, but the prized jobs
were for “house slaves” who were essentially
domestic servants (get better food, clothing, less
strenuous work, get to know white family bettertherefore better treatment) Stereotype of Black
“mammy” or “Uncle Tom” who cares for the family.
 Children generally give more chores (carrying wood,
sweeping, bring water) than full work
Slave Culture- family life

 US developed a unique slave culture- where growth
came from natural increase. Family life was more
possible (though not legally recognized)
 Kinship ties were strong, and where possible, slaves
culture depended on extended families or “fictive
families” (members of community treated as family
though share no blood). Threat of sale often used for
discipline
 Men and women had very equal relationships (no
“cult of domesticity”). Female slaves had to worry
about forced relations with whites
Oral Tradition

 Valuable in maintaining African heritage
Literacy generally forbidden, this keeps
history alive.
 Groups would gather in evenings, older slaves (who
did lighter work and prepared meals for field slaves)
would tell stories (Br’er rabbit popular figurative
hero)- often told in a combination of languages.
(Gullah- a hybridization of African and Eng common
in lowcountry south)
Religion

 A very important part of
slave culture. Slaves
“required” to become
Christian- and many did,
but often blended
Christian beliefs with
African traditions: music,
movement, emotion, call
and response, or paid
attention to particular
aspects of theology.
(Exodus: Moses leading
out of bondage, the effects
of the holy spirit)
 Rhythm very important in
African music- esp drums
and other forms of
percussion (claps etc..)
Drums sometimes forbidden
b/c masters feared they
were used to send messages
 The Banjo was an adaptation
of an African instrument,
and slaves came to love the
“fiddle” (variation on violin)
 Blended traditions of
African music incorporated
into slave culture became
important in development of
“American” musical styles
of blues, jazz and rock.

Music
Resistance, Runaways, Slave Revolts

 Because there was huge disparity in treatment of slaves,
the slaves themselves had many attitudes towards their
bondage. Yet for the vast majority, there was no hope of
changing their conditions- and that made many angry, or
desperate
 Most common forms of “resistance” was slowing work,
breaking tools, faking illness
 For those who tried to escape- their limited knowledge of
geography hurt them (as did low wilderness skills)
Border states (Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky) had best
chance for escape. No one knows how many actually did
Denmark Vesey

 Stono Rebellion in 1739 and
early threat.
 1822 Denmark Vesey (a
mulatto “house slave” in
Charleston) began planning
a massive revolt- never
materialized b/c another
slave informed on the
group.
 Vesey and 30 others
publically hanged. (Slave
punishments- whippings
etc… generally very public
so they were threats to full
population)
Nat Turner

 Slave revolts were a HUGE concern- slave vastly
outnumbered whites on the plantation, and
plantations were isolated. Restrictions on slaves
designed to prevent opportunities to resist.
 1831 Nat Turner (fairly educated, had taught himself
to read) led a revolt in Virginia- called for slaves to
rise with him, and killed 60 whites. He was caught
and killed, as were over 200 slaves from all
plantations were there had been any contact (most
had nothing to do with rebellion)
Free Blacks

 There were approx 250,000 free blacks living in the South in
1860 (Generally border south)
 Most often mulattos freed by their master/father
 Some manages to get enough paid work (after hours) to buy
their freedom- rare to have a “skill” however
 New Orleans had largest, most prosperous free black
(primarily mulatto) community
 Also about 250,000 free blacks in north
 Still faced severe discrimination and restricted legal rights
 Irony: South racist towards Blacks as a group, more likely to
have a close relationship with an African American. North
liberal towards blacks as a group, more individually racist
(often b/c never knew or interacted with African Americans)
Reform Movements

 During the prosperous 1820s-40s there was an
increasing concern in society as a whole for the need
to reform- to make America as great as we felt it
could be.
 The optimism of this time period shaped a number
on movements regarding the desire for reform in
social class issues, women’s rights/political
inequality , religion and racism.
 Most reformers were middle class- generally from
Northeast and Midwest. Women vitally importantguardians of virtue etc…
International Abolitionism

 Enlightenment/Age of Revolution called into question the idea of
slavery- how can we keep saying all men are born free, and then
keep huge numbers in chains?
 Europe itself didn’t use slavery- so easy for them to preach reform
(though they had had no trouble making $$ from slavery for 200+
years)
 Most former Spanish colonies abolished slavery during their fight
for independence (though those countries didn’t have tons of
slaves) but the largest #s were in areas NOT freed- Caribbean and
Brazil.
 England abolished slavery in their colonies AND the international
slave TRADE in 1834- which cut the numbers coming- but did
nothing for the millions here. Essentially slavery holds on as long
as it is profitable….
 Puerto Rico 1873, Cuba 1886, Brazil 1888
Abolitionism in US

 Abolitionist societies have been around since colonial age
(Quakers) A consistent issue for reform (big notion in 2nd great
awakening)
 Many abolitionists favored gradual emancipation and
Colonization (return to Africa- favored by Henry Clay, John
Marshall, Daniel Webster, J Q Adams, Andrew Jackson and
Abraham Lincoln) American Colonization society founded 1816established Liberia on West Coast of Africa.
 Assumption was that Blacks/Whites couldn’t live together on
equal terms
 Approx 15,000 blacks go to Liberia (capital Monrovia) from
1820-1860, but since our slave trade outlawed 1808- most slaves
are native born- not “African”.
Militant Abolitionism

 More aggressive wing of the abolitionist movementbecame strong beginning in 1830s.
 Founded on writings of David Walker (An Appeal to the
Colored Citizens) which was all about hypocrisy of liberty
v. slavery
 Demanded immediate, complete, uncompensated
emancipation. All about exposing the evils of slaveryoften “in your face” screaming and demanding justice.
 Occasional suggestions that the “virtuous” north should
secede from the “decadent” South. Popularity of
movement made it clear this issue was not going to be
solved quickly or easily.
Famous
Abolitionists

 Former Slaves: Frederick Douglas escaped as a young man, self
educated. Wrote Narrative on the life of Frederick Douglas, and
published his own newspaper The North Star. Sojourner Truth
 Journalists: William Lloyd Garrison- publisher of The Liberator
(“I will not excuse, I will not retreat a single inch, I will be
heard” Elijah Lovejoy- his printing press destoyed 4 times,
eventually murdered by pro slavery faction in Illinois.
 Religious Leaders: Theodore Weld- founder of American AntiSlavery society, wrote American Slavery as it is. Wendell
Phillips- great orator, known for sermons during 2nd awakening
 Philanthropists: Arthur and Lewis Tappan- funded the
Liberator. Grimke Sisters- only well known southern female
abolitionists (but their main focus was women’s rights)
Underground Railroad

 Part of the movement was to actively assist slaves
trying to escape. “Railroad” was a network of
abolitionists who would hide slaves, and help them
get from “station to station”.
 Fugitive Slave Law (1st passed 1793, tightened
several times in antebellum period) meant that for
slaves to be guaranteed freedom, they had to get all
the way to Canada.
 Best known “Conductor” Harriet Tubman
Prigg v. PA 1842

 1826 Pennsylvania passed a state law which essentially said
that their state was not going to participate in the Fugitive slave
law (saying that people who tried to take blacks from PA
would be prosecuted)
 In 1837 Margaret Morgan (who had been informally freed by
her master in 1832) living in PA was captured by Edward Prigg
(At direction of master’s heirs) for return to slavery in
Maryland
 The decision held the PA law unconstitutional b/c it violated a
national law (supremacy) BUT- did not condemn action of PA,
and left door open for rewording of state law. Northern states
began to pass “personal liberty laws” to make catching former
slaves harder.
 Helped convince South that federal gov’t isn’t going to be
helpful.
Defense of the Slave Economy

 Racism was a major element, but southerners (and in
fact, most Americans of the time) genuinely believed
that whites were mentally superior to Blacks, and
that Blacks could not prosper in civilized society on
their own.
 Often referred to bible passages, and the fact that
most great ancient civilizations used it.
 Often the most convincing argument was the
economic one- without a labor supply the southern
cotton econ crashes…. without cotton the northern
textile industry crashes….
Gag Resolution

 After Missouri Compromise the issue of slavery
never seemed to get fully resolved- and growing
sectional tensions threatened all legislation passing
through congress.
 To try to sweep the issue under the rug, in 1836
Congress adopted a “Gag resolution” saying no
abolitionist bills would be debated/voted on.
Repealed 1844
Women’s Rights

 Another assumption is that men are
superior to women- and as women are
very important in the abolitionist movement their own
legal limitations became another area for reform
 Market revolution had given women new roles. Disparity
of Republican Motherhood and Cult of Domesticity v
Economic roles . Women are seen as mentally/physically
week (despite their work) but morally and artistically
strong
 Feminism: movement to redefine gender roles and
promote women’s rights as equal citizens
Early Feminists

 Lucretia Mott: ardent abolitionist- along with Elizabeth Cady
Stanton, turned away from international anti-slavery
convention in London- which led them into feminism. Fought
to end coverture.
 Grimke Sisters: criticized for giving speeches to mixed gender
crowds on abolitionism led them to feminism.
 Lucy Stone: kept her own name after she married.
 Amelia Bloomer: advocated “turkish trousers” rather than
skirts for women….seen as indecent.
 Margaret Fuller: transcendentalist, said women needed
education to decide their lives for themselves
 Susan B. Anthony: demanded laws that gave custody rights to
mothers, the right to collect their own wages, and inherit
property.
Seneca Falls Convention 1848

 Organized by L. Mott and E. C Stanton- 70 women and 30
men in upstate NY. 1st discussion of Women’s suffrage, as
well as property rights, need for education and increased
econ opportunities.
 Declaration of Sentiments: modeled
on Dec of Independence, “All men and
women are created equal” protested
“injuries and usurpations to the rights
of women”
 Mainstream press and churches dismissive- said this
“nonsense” would hurt women’s more important reform
work. But- women gained greater access to education (esp
college) and property rights before the Civil War
nd
2
Great Awakening

 Antebellum reform movements had strong moral
flavor, and though ¾ of Americans called themselves
Christians” in 1850, religion had lost it’s strong hold
over citizens.
 Around 1800 a religious revival began in New
England. Charles Grandison Finney: became an
evangelical celebrity in upstate NY. Democratizing
Christianity- get people participating.
 100,000s become “Born Again” Christians. Churches
reorganized and new sects created. Important part of
reform movement
Camp revivals

 People would gather for days of preaching and
singing by traveling ministers. Attracted more
women than men
 Methodists and Baptists huge participators- saw big
jumps in membership. Burned Over District- western
New England and upstate NY, known for “hellfire”
sermons.
 Emphasized class divisions, lower classes tended to
go in for the emotionalism, upper classes not so
much.
Impact of
nd
2
Awakening

 Created New Sects:
 Adventists: Decided world would end Oct 22, 1844.
Gave away all property, prepared themselves….
 Mormons: Joseph Smith had conversion experience
with some new ideas. (Polygamy) Brigham Young
eventually led Mormons west.
 Continued the fun theme of sectional tensionsouthern slave owners didn’t like
reform/abolitionist tone of meetings
Temperance

 Evangelicals called drinking a sin- and alcohol abuse was
a serious problem in 19th c America. Drunkenness
decreased ability to work, and increased abuse of families
 Temperance Movement promoted by churches to get men
to slow or stop drinking voluntarily. Called for heavier
taxes on liquor.
 American Temperance Society founded 1826
 TS Arthur’s “10 Nights in a Barroom and what I saw there” 2nd
best seller of 1850s.
 Temperance Fairly successful in reducing consumption,
but many started to look for Prohibition of Alcohol
entirely. (Maine 1st state to do so in 1851) Least sectional
of all reform movements
Utopian Communities

 If improvement is the goal- one way to achieve is by
grouping together with like minded individuals to
achieve your purpose. (whatever that may be) Often
disillusioned by materialism and industrialism,
wanted to create a simpler, more harmonious
lifestyle
 Generally collective- all property owned by the
group (essentially forerunners of socialism and
communism)
The Shakers 

 1st American communal movement. Founded by “Mother
Ann” Stanley in England, came to US in 1787. Name
comes from religious ceremonies where they were
supposed to be experiencing the holy spirit.
 Had 20 communities in NY and OH with about 6000
(your book says 3000) members at peak.
 Believed in equality of sexes - opposed to marriage (and
sex) made it hard for numbers to grow. (adopted
orphans)
 Prosperous- known for quality furniture making
(simplicity) Long lasting- survived until 1940s
New Harmony/Oneida

 New Harmony IN: Founded by British factory owner
Robert Owen in 1825 with about 1000 people to
negate effects of industrialization. Wanted to stop
pursuit of wealth in favor of a “new moral world” of
communal living. Failed within a decade
 Oneida NY: Founded 1848 by John Humphrey
Noyes based on new religious morality that sought
free love, corporate marriage, and selection of
parents for better offspring. (sort of the anti-shaker)
but Noyes was very controlling, almost dictatorial.
Prosperous due to metalwork (traps and silverware)
Brook Farm and
Transcendentalism

 Founded 1841, Brook Farm was another Utopian Communitybut based on the principles of Transcendentalism- the belief
that the spiritual world is more real, and more important than
the physical one. Truth therefore “transcends” the limitations of
what we can experience.
 Inspired by European Romanticism, a reaction to
industrialization that stressed passion and emotion- esp in the
arts. Emphasized individualism, and self reliance. Hostile to
“conventional” institutions.
 Brook farm was meant to show that intellect and physical labor
are not mutually exclusive. Attracted writers and artists,
nonconformists and reformers- but not farmers. Community
collapsed in 1846 after a fire.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

 A leading writer and spokesman for Transcendentalism.
(along with Thoreau) Believed in Self reliance- but not the
“self made man” personified by Jackson. For Emersonyour success or failure is internal- based on your own
goals and reflections, which the outside world may never
know. (or accept) Concept of the “Oversoul” every person
has an inner light through which they communicate
directly with divine power.
 American Lyceum- lecture circuit which spread
Transcendental ideas- many of which were published
(Self Reliance is most famous)
Henry David Thoreau

 The other major transcendentalist. Most famous for
testing the idea of relying on inner self and
simplicity through isolation at Walden Pond
(Walden: Or Life in the Woods published 1854) True
freedom, he said, came from living for yourself in
your own way.
 Also well known for his essay on Civil Disobedience.
In 1840s, during Mex/Amer war, he was jailed for
refusing to pay taxes (he was a pacifist) 1st person to
talk about non violent noncooperation. (big
inspiration for Gandhi and MLK)