The Not-So-Secret Shame of New England: Counting Skeletons in the Closet (But Hopefully Not Literally)
Ah, New England. Land of pilgrims, quaint harbors, and...slavery? That's right, folks! Turns out even the land of chowder and cozy sweaters had a dark side. But before you start picturing cotton fields and sprawling plantations, let's dispel some myths.
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| How Many Slaves Were In The New England Colonies |
New England Slave Trade: Not Exactly "Bulk Barn"
While the South gets most of the flack for chattel slavery, New England wasn't exactly innocent. They definitely dabbled in the whole human-property thing, just on a smaller scale. Think of it as the "starter pack" of slavery. No vast plantations, but plenty of folks using enslaved people for domestic work, shipbuilding, and skilled trades.
So, How Many Folks Were We Talking About?
Here's the tricky part. Census records back then weren't exactly Tinder bios, filled with details about your favorite things and how many enslaved people you owned. However, historians estimate that by the mid-1700s, New England might have had one enslaved person for every four white families. That's a surprising number, considering the stereotype of the region.
Why the Smaller Scale?
New England's economy was built on fishing, shipbuilding, and trade, not back-breaking labor on giant farms. So, while they did have slaves, the need just wasn't as massive as in the South. Doesn't make it right, mind you, but it explains the difference in scale.
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New England and the Triangular Trade: Not So Innocent Bystanders
Now, here's where things get interesting. New England played a key role in the Triangular Trade. They'd ship rum down to Africa, trade it for enslaved people, then transport those people to the Caribbean or the Americas to be sold. Then, they'd use the profits to buy sugar and molasses, which they'd bring back to New England to distill more rum. It's a cycle that would make your head spin (and maybe your stomach churn).
So, while New England wasn't a giant slaveholding society, they were definitely enmeshed in the whole nasty business.
FAQ: You Asked, We (Hopefully) Answered!
How to learn more about slavery in New England?
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
Great question! There are tons of resources available online and in libraries. Museums often have exhibits on the topic as well.
How did slavery compare in the North vs. the South?
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The South relied heavily on slave labor for large-scale agriculture, leading to a much bigger enslaved population. The North's economy was different, so slavery wasn't as widespread.
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How did the Triangular Trade work?
Imagine a three-sided route: New England to Africa (with rum), Africa to the Americas (with enslaved people), and the Americas back to New England (with sugar and molasses).
How did slavery end in New England?
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the 18th and early 19th centuries, leading to gradual abolition of slavery in most northern states.
How can I be an anti-racist ally today?
Education is key! Keep learning about slavery and its legacy. Speak out against racism and discrimination whenever you see it.
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