Civil+War+Documentary+Project

The start of slavery was in 1619. Wealthy white men became slave owners, and bought slaves from Africa. The slaves were brought by ships. By 1860, 88% of slave owners in America owned at least twenty slaves. A slaves life was very difficult. On a daily basis, slaves were to start working at dawn, and work until midnight or even later. They worked in fields, chopped cotton, took care of vegetable gardens, did domestic work, took care of the wealthy children, served the wealthy families, took care of livestock, chopped wood, carried water, and butchered animals. The slaves that worked in the house had life better than the slaves that had to work out in the fields. The house slaves sometimes had access to better food and would occasionally receive hand-me downs from the family whom they were working for. They barely got food, and when they did it was usually leftovers the owners did not want. Slaves were given a certain amount of food a week, which included 8 Ibs of meat. The slaves lived in "houses" - which were wooden or brick shacks with dirt floors. The beds were bunks with grass, and each slave was given one blanket. Usually 12 slaves were put into each shack. Slaves were encouraged to not only marry, but have children as well. Owners figured that if men were to be married, they would be less likely to run away - but some men did not want to marry a slave woman under the same owner, because they did not want to see her whipped or beaten. Having children was only a plus to the owners, because they would have more slaves. When a slave child was only a year old, their mother could be sold. Around the age of five, they were used to run errands for owners, and carry water. Over 32% of marriages were canceled due to masters selling one to separate them. A husband could be parted from his wife, or mother to her children. Slaves could also be killed for murder, burglary, arson, and assault upon a white. Getting whipped was a very common punishment.