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Resistance To Slavery In The 19th Century

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Resistance To Slavery In The 19th Century
During the early portion of the 19th century, slavery was deemed to be fundamental for this country economy (Foner 406), claiming it a necessary evil. According to John C. Calhoun, “Many in the South once believed that slavery was a moral and political evil…we see it now in its true light and regard it as the most sage and stable basis for free institution in the world.” Those that were proslavery truly believed this; slaves were fed, sheltered and all they had to do was obey their owners and those superior to them. How easier could life be? Well contrary to popular belief, slaves did not receive the better end of this deal. Many were raped, tortured, beaten and struggle day to day within this institution. This life was not ideal for any human …show more content…
This came in many different forms, from individual acts of defiance to occasional uprisings. Indeed, resistance was a threat to the institution of slavery in the southern part of the United States. One of the most threating to the stability of the slave system were runaway slaves (Foner 424). Many slaves had very little knowledge of geography but knew to follow the North Star because it led to freedom (Foner 425) in hopes of reaching the North and Canada. Some even fled to New Orleans and Charlotte to blend in the large populations of free blacks. Many runaway slaves succeeded in escaping slavery with the help of the Underground Railroad. This was a loose organization of sympathetic abolitionists who hid fugitives in their homes and sent them to the next “station (Foner 425).” According to the Voices of freedom, no one knows how many slaves succeeded in escaping from bondage before the civil war. Joseph Long wrote Letter to express his life as a free man. “I have enjoyed more pleasure within one month here than in all my life in the land bondage… my wife and self are sitting by a good comfortable life (Foner 412).” This statement, alone, shows the dedication slaves longed for escaping slavery and gaining
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