Philly Cheesesteaks and Freedom Fries: Why Slavery Fizzled Out in the City of Brotherly Love (After 1750, Obviously)
Ah, Philadelphia. City of cheesesteaks, Rocky montages, and, believe it or not, a gradual but fascinating decline in slavery after 1750. Buckle up, history buffs (and hungry folks), because we're about to unravel this tale that's more interesting than Ben Franklin flying a kite in a thunderstorm (although, that was pretty epic too).
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| What Led To Slavery Decreasing In Philadelphia After 1750 |
Quakers with a Conscience: The Seed of Doubt is Sown
Let's start with the Quakers, a religious group known for their peace-loving ways and, well, their funny hats. Turns out, they weren't too keen on the whole enslaving-people thing. As early as 1688, they were like, "Hey, this slavery business? Not cool with it." This early dissent planted a seed of doubt in Philly's society, slowly chipping away at the idea that slavery was okay.
The Great Escape: Bye-Bye British Tariffs, Hello Free Labor!
Now, economics always plays a role in history, and this ain't no exception. Britain, being the not-so-chill older sibling to the colonies, decided to whack them with some high tariffs. This made importing enslaved people super expensive. Meanwhile, indentured servants (people who agreed to work for a set time in exchange for passage to America) were becoming a more attractive option.** Basically, Britain's tax plan backfired, leading to a shift towards free labor in Philly.**
"We Hold These Truths to be Self-evident..." (Even Before the Revolution!)
The idea of liberty was brewing in the colonies, and Philadelphia wasn't immune. The American Revolution might have been the main course, but the fight against slavery was a delicious side dish. The ideals of freedom for all were gaining momentum, and guess what? Enslavement didn't exactly fit that menu.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
The Gradual Abolition Act: Freedom Wasn't Served Overnight
In 1780, Pennsylvania passed the Gradual Abolition Act, the first law of its kind in the new United States. Now, this wasn't exactly an instant "poof, you're free" situation. Children born to enslaved mothers were indentured until adulthood, but hey, it was a start! This act slowly chipped away at the institution of slavery, paving the way for its eventual demise.
So, Why Should You Care About This Dusty History Lesson?
Well, for starters, it's a reminder that change can happen, even when things seem bleak. It also shows how different forces – religious beliefs, economics, and the fight for liberty – can all work together to dismantle a terrible system. Plus, hey, knowing this little bit of history might impress your friends at the next cheesesteak joint.
FAQ: Free Your Inner Historian (and Maybe Free Up Some Time for Cheesesteaks)
How to learn more about slavery in Philadelphia?
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is a great place to start!
How did enslaved people resist their circumstances?
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Enslaved people fought for their freedom in many ways, including running away, filing lawsuits, and organizing rebellions.
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
How did the free black community in Philadelphia grow?
With manumission (the act of freeing enslaved people) and the Gradual Abolition Act, the free black community thrived, contributing significantly to Philadelphia's economy and culture.
How long did slavery last in Pennsylvania?
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
By 1847, slavery was officially abolished in Pennsylvania.
How can I get involved in the fight for social justice today?
There are many organizations working to promote equality. Researching and supporting these groups is a great way to make a difference!
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