Slavery

a.      When and how did slavery begin in the Southern States?

Slavery in the southern state first began in 1619. The Southern States traded rum and mollasses with Africa in exchange for slaves it was called the triangle trade.

b.      Which country were the slaves brought from?

Most of the slaves came from Africa although a small number were Europeans, mostly English but also Scottish and Germans, who were brought over in as indentured servants.

c.       Who traditionally bought and owned the slaves?

Slaves were traditionally owned by plantation owners who needed labour. The land in the south was richer and better for plantations, thus slavery was found mainly in the south.

d.      Were there laws/rules that the slaves had to abide by? If yes, what were they?

Slaves had to abide by certain slave codes. Slaves were allowed to be punished by the plantation owner or master, his wife, children (white males), and most often by the overseer or driver. Punishments include whipping, being placed in chains and shackles, or in various contraptions such as metal collars, being hanged, or being forced to walk a treadmill. Slaves could be punished for a variety of reasons, most of the time it was for working too slow, breaking a law such as running away, leaving the plantation without permission, or not following orders given to them.

e.      How does the notions of slavery relate to the novel? Does the study help you understand the novel better?

Understanding slavery in the Southern States allows me to understand the racial discrimination between the Whites and the African-Americans which is the main theme of ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’.