African Americans In The 1800s

As Americans moved westward in the early 19th century, new territories were seen as an opportunity for a fresh start and opportunity for economic success. However, this was not the case for all Americans, especially African Americans. The new northwestern states (Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois) impeded the migration of African Americans, and severely discriminated against those that were able to settle in these states.
Although these were free states, the northwestern states had very small black populations especially in comparison to southern states. In 1830 in particular, the black population in Ohio was 10,000, accounting for only one percent of the total population. Moreover, white northerners believed themselves to be racially superior to African Americans whom in their minds lacked self-reliance, intellectually curiosity, an energetic work ethic, and other “Anglo-Saxon” values. As a results, laws were passed in the Old northwest to limit or ban black immigration and to discriminate against black residents. The Ohio black codes, enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Ohio in 1804, were one such example of this intolerant sentiment.
In order to settle in Ohio, black people had to obtain a certificate from a United States court proving that they were actually free. This law not only prevented southern enslaved blacks from running away into Ohio, it also prevented many northern blacks from settling in the state, as they may not have had the means of obtaining such a document (based on income, discrimination, or otherwise). Even blacks that were already in the state were subject to the same scrutiny; they had to register with a state clerk, prove their freedom, and pay a fee of twelve and a half