How Did Slavery Change American Culture

In North America, from the arrival of Europeans to the 1760s, slavery evolved culturally and socially. Men, women, and children being enslaved changed throughout the course of history in this time, shaping the way these humans were treated and viewed by European men and families. The New World, changing socially and culturally lent a helping hand in why and when slavery evolved. The structure and nature of slavery slowly changed as well, from these enslaved men being terrified, to re-instating a culture within themselves and supporting each other in the hopes of freedom for them and their families one day. Wealthy Europeans subtly became concerned in the growing slave populations’ anger towards their treatment and tendencies to run away or
Often times, contracted laws were broken between indentured servants and owners, causing the wealthy white men more hassle in the long run. Word that Portugal began trading African war prisoners from either the African region or Africans residing in the Caribbean area spread, sparking the wealthy white men’s interest. Shortly after, indentured servants were replaced with what white Europeans thought of as a cheaper investment. Europeans residing in North America thought of these Africans as savages who were incapable of understanding the concept of being human, which at first made for the perfect relationship between owner and slave. These slaves would have families or make families, handing down their slavery by generation. Although slavery did not begin this way, it evolved into this, causing the enslaved population to helped create dramatic spikes within a colonies population. Maryland in the late 1600s to early 1700s, an increase of population growth, hitting roughly a 146% increase (The Evidence 60). Likewise, in Virginia in the corresponding years, we see the black population grow as a whole, at one point hitting a 239% increase (The Evidence 60). In the following years from 1675 to 1676, colonist won the fight in Metacom’s War, forcing all of Metacom’s followers, including his son, to be sold
In the 1640s, few blacks had freedom, and in the later years of the 17th century, almost all blacks living in colonies were slaves (The Evidence 71). Slaving raids would occur, thus spreading violence and disease throughout the colony/colonies causing more people to become slaves (Schaller 118). Having to adapt to new lifestyles surrounding them, two virtues remained in the enslaved Africans: one would take time out of their day to pray and worship, and proper funerals were conducted for deceased slaves so their soul could leave. Many colonies enslaving Africans, including Virginia, worried that slaves would converse amongst themselves and foreign enemies to try and revolt. When running away in hopes of freedom, slaves would be caught going further South in North America and would be sent back, often by the people who were afraid of being enslaved themselves. Strict rules were set on slaves, including anyone enslaved and out running an errand for their master/owner would need to have a ticket stating what their purpose of being out in town was for that