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Slavery Dbq Essay

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Between 1775 and 1830, in many places African Americans gained their freedom from slavery and in others, the institution of slavery expanded. Eventually, slavery became abundant in places where it was most necessary and died out in the places where it was of little use. In response, most free African Americans and enslaved African Americans took action against their maltreatment by petitions and willingness to fight. The first trend of declining slavery was visible from the first declared emancipation of slaves by Lord Dunmore in November of 1775. By granting freedom to all slaves who would raise arms against the American rebels, Lord Dunmore hoped to bring more troops into his ranks in Virginia. This movement continued following the …show more content…

In addition, however, slave labor was needed to do the backbreaking work in the hot Southern sun and thus became more valuable than ever before. The map shows that in 1790, slaves consist of less than 10 percent of the population in most areas of the country, and as much as 50 percent in small sections on the Southern coast. However, by 1830 most of the Northern states were areas either without any slaves or less than 10 percent. In contrast, the majority of Southern states had a slave population between 10 and 50 percent. This slave-populous area extended along the Southern coasts as well as deep into Kentucky and Tennessee. The changes in slave density between 1790 and 1830 directly relate to areas were slave labor was an economic necessity. African Americans in separate situations often shared similar opinions concerning slavery and freedom. Although many blacks, both freed and enslaved, were willing to speak out against slavery and petition their rights, they did so in varying degrees. In one instance, a slave politely requested that his owner grant him the right to purchase his freedom. Another slave, Gabriel Prosser, took a more extreme approach to gaining his freedom. In fact, he led a rebellion against the white slaveholders in 1800. Even freed African Americans were maltreated. Both Prince Hall and Hosea Easton, Boston residents, protested the daily insults and abuse they

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