UPDATED

THE NATURE OF BLACK SLAVERY INSTITUTION IN THE NEW WORLD.

Introduction:

The institution of slavery pre-dates written records, it is an old institution but it’s practice varied in
time and place

Slavery is the ownership of a person as property especially in regard to their labour. It typically
involves compulsory work . Slaves maybe kept in bondage for life or for a fixed period of time after
which they will be granted freedom. Although slavery is usually involuntary and involves coercion,
there are also cases where people voluntarily enter into slavery to part a debt or earn money due to
poverty.

Prior to the transatlantic slave trade, slavery was largely a domestic practice confined to the given
community. A slave was regarded as a human being but placed in a very low social status.

The nature of black slavery institution in the new worlds can be traced back to the transatlantic slave
trade also known as the triangular trade. The transatlantic slave trade was the capture, forcible
transport and sale of native Africans to work in European farms and plantations. Lasting from the
16th – 19th centuries it is responsible for more than any phenomenon in the history for the creation
of blacks in diaspora and subsequently the institution of black slavery in the new world. It was the
beginning of black immigration, the dispersal of Black people outside their places of origin and
continent.

INSTITUTION OF BLACK SLAVERY IN THE NEW WORLD

The institution of black slavery in the new world is a complex and deeply entrenched system that
had a profound impacts on the lives of millions of enslaved African.

The institution of black slavery in the New World refers to the system where African people were
forcibly brought to the Americas as slaves. They were treated as property and subjected to forced
labour on plantations, mines, and other industries. Slavery was deeply rooted in racism and the
belief that people of African descent were inferior. Enslaved individuals endured unimaginable
hardships, including physical abuse, separation from their families, and the loss of their cultural
identities. Slavery played a significant role in the economic development of the New World,
particularly in the production of cash crops like sugar, tobacco, and cotton. However, it's important
to acknowledge the immense suffering and human rights violations that were inflicted upon
enslaved individuals.

NATURE OF BLACK SLAVERY IN THE NEW WORLD

The nature of black slavery in the New World varied are some key aspects:
1.Origins and Scope :The arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia,
in 1619 marked the beginning of African slavery in the English colonies of North Over
time, the institution of slavery expanded to encompass all of the colonies and became
deeply entrenched in the social, economic, and legal systems of the New World.

Although the twenty Africans brought into Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619 arrived by virtue of
the slave trade, they actually became indentured servants, Thus, they eventually gained
their freedom, and some later actually owned slaves themselves. By the 1640s, however,
the practices of enslaving Africans for life and hereditary servitude (the permanent
enslavement of the children of slaves) had been established in Virginia and, within the
following two decades, had achieved legal recognition. The increased importation of tobacco
by the English, as their appetite for this commodity soared, facilitated the rise of a large
scale tobacco plantation system in Virginia, and by the 1690s most of Virginia’s slaves were
being imported directly from Africa, With the introduction and legalization of slavery in 1750
in Georgia, a system of black bondage became common to all of the thirteen colonies.

2. Regional Difference : Slavery in the northern colonies differed considerably from the institution in
the southern colonies. The southern colonies, particularly those with large-scale plantation
economies, had a more brutal and oppressive form of slavery compared to the milder conditions in
the northern colonies. Because the climate and soil of the South were suitable for the
cultivation of commercial (plantation) crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo, slavery
developed in the southern colonies on a much larger scale than in the northern colonies; the
latter’s labour needs were met primarily through the use of European immigrants, who
usually served indentures of seven years at the most. In fact, throughout the colonial period,
Virginia had the largest slave population, followed by Maryland. In South Carolina (Carolina
was divided in 1663 into the North Carolina region and South Carolina region and into two
colonies in 1701), however, slaves constituted a larger proportion of the total population than
in any other colony-sixty percent of the population in 1765.
In general, the conditions of slavery in the northern colonies, where slaves were engaged
more in non-agricultural pursuits (such as mining, maritime, and domestic work), were less
severe and harsh than in the southern colonies, where most were used on plantations. Also
there could be found in the northern colonies several influential religious groups that had
moral precepts that encouraged them to practice a more benign form of slavery.

3. Racial Basis : One of the distinguishing features of American slavery was its basis on race. Unlike
other forms of slavery throughout history, American slavery was primarily based on the enslavement
of African Slavery became deeply intertwined with the concept of race, with enslaved individuals
being considered property and denied basic human rights.
4. Dehumanization and Exploitation : Enslaved Africans were subjected to extreme dehumanization
and exploitation. They were treated as property, bought and sold, and subjected to harsh physical
labour, often on plantations producing cash crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo Enslaved
individuals were denied basic freedoms, subjected to violence, and lived in constant fear of
punishment. the nature of the black slavery institution in the new world was brutal and
dehumanizing. Slaves were considered property, not people, and were subjected to extreme
violence and cruelty. They were forced to work long hours in horrible conditions, and they were
often separated from their families and subjected to brutal punishments if they tried to escape. It
was truly a horrific system that had a lasting impact on the people who were enslaved.

Living Conditions of Enslaved People

Landowners sought to make their enslaved completely dependent on them through a

system of restrictive codes. They were usually prohibited from learning to read and write, and
their behaviour and movement were restricted.

Many masters raped enslaved women, and rewarded obedient behaviour with favours, while
rebellious enslaved people were brutally punished. A strict hierarchy among the enslaved
(from privileged house workers and skilled artisans down to lowly field hands) helped keep
them divided and less likely to organize against their masters.

Marriages between enslaved men and women had no legal basis, but many did marry and
raise large families. Most owners of enslaved workers encouraged this practice, but
nonetheless did not usually hesitate to divide families by sale or removal.

Administration of the black slavery institution in the new world

The administration of the black slavery institution in the New World was a complex
and brutal system designed to control and exploit enslaved people. It varied across
different European colonies and over time, but some key themes emerge:

Legal Codes: Each colony established specific slave codes outlining slave
ownership, treatment, punishments, and manumission (the process of gaining
freedom). These codes, often based on the principle of chattel slavery (treating
slaves as property), enshrined racial inequality and provided legal justifications for
violence and control.

Slave Patrols: Armed patrols, often composed of white citizens, were tasked with
capturing runaway slaves, preventing slave rebellions, and enforcing slave codes.
These patrols operated with impunity, creating a climate of fear and oppression.
Slave markets: Enslaved people were bought and sold like any other commodity in
dedicated slave markets. This dehumanizing practice reinforced their status as
property and fueled the transatlantic slave trade.

Plantation Management: Large plantations relied on various methods to control and

maximize enslaved labour. These included:

• Task systems: Slaves were assigned specific quotas of work to complete each
day, with harsh punishments for failing to meet them.
• Overseers: White overseers supervised slaves, using violence and intimidation to
ensure compliance.
• Division of labour: Tasks were often divided based on gender and perceived
abilities, with heavier manual labour assigned to men and domestic work to women.
• Breeding programs: In some cases, enslaved people were forced to breed to create
a larger enslaved workforce, further commodifying their bodies and experiences.

Religious justifications: Churches and religious leaders often played a role in

justifying slavery, interpreting scriptures to support racial hierarchies and slave
ownership. This provided a moral facade for the institution.

IMPACTS OF THE SLAVE INSTITUTION

The slave institution had a number of impacts on the African continents which are still felt
today, these impacts can be divided into Economic, Social and political.

ECONOMIC IMPACTS:

The economic impacts of the black slavery institution on Africans were devastating and far-
reaching, spanning centuries and leaving lasting scares on Africans development.

1. Loss of human capital and stagnation: Millions of Africans, primarily young and
healthy individuals, were forcibly removed from their communities, depriving them of
their labour, skills, and potential contributions to development.
2. Disruption of traditional economies: Focus shifted from internal production and trade
to supplying slaves for foreign markets, weakening existing economic structures and
hindering diversification.
3. Disruption of peace and development :where there is no peace, there is no
development, the same was applicable to the African society. It disrupted the peace
of the African societies due to the constant raiding and kidnapping, resources and
labour were diverted towards capturing and selling slaves, neglecting agriculture,
manufacturing, and technological advancements.
4. Reduction in man-power : The decrease in able bodied people as a result of the
slave trade limited many societies ability to cultivate lands and develop, as the slave
trade was majorly centred around the youths. It left African continent undeveloped,
demographically unbalanced and vulnerable.
 SOCIAL IMPACTS:

The black slavery institution had a devastating impact on African societies. It resulted in
the loss of millions of lives, the destruction of cultures, and the destabilization of economies.
The long-term effects of slavery are still felt today, in the form of poverty, inequality, and
conflict.

1. Loss of lives: One of the most significant social impacts of slavery was the loss of life.
It is estimated that between 15 and 20 million Africans were enslaved and
transported to the Americas between the 16th and 19th centuries. This massive loss
of population had a profound impact on African societies, both in terms of numbers
and skills.

2. Dehumanizing and violent : Enslaved people were dehumanized and subjected to

extreme violence. They were seen as property, not people, and were treated
accordingly. They were whipped, branded, and sexually assaulted with impunity. The
violence was not only physical, but also psychological. Enslaved people were
constantly reminded of their inferiority and their lack of rights.

3. Family and community disruption: The slave trade tore apart families and
communities. Millions of Africans were forcibly removed from their homes and
shipped to the New World, never to see their loved ones again. This created a deep
sense of loss and trauma that was passed down through generations.

4. It increased inter-tribal wars and clashes: Slaves were captured through kidnappings,
raids, and warfare. As demand was pushing for man-power in the New world, the
pattern of acquiring slaves changed, leading to inter-tribal wars and clashes, As it
was not permitted in Africa to enslave a member of your own tribe or community,
slave traders had no option than to acquire these slave from other communities and
tribes leading to conflicts and unrest.

5. Cultural destruction :Enslaved people were forced to abandon their cultures and
languages. They were forbidden to practice their religions or speak their languages.
This cultural destruction was a deliberate attempt to erase their identities and make
them more compliant.

POLITICAL IMPACT:

Slave trade in Africa has also caused disruption of political systems. To elaborate on
the disruption of political systems caused by slavery in Africa, the capture and sale of
millions of Africans to the Americas and elsewhere resulted in the loss of many
skilled and talented individuals who played important roles in African societies.
Without these people, African societies were destabilized, and their political systems
became weaker. This led to instability and civil conflicts, with some societies
collapsing altogether.

The impact of the slave trade on African political systems was far-reaching and
enduring. Today, many African countries continue to face political instability and
weak governance.

CONCLUSION

The institution of black slavery in the New World was a deeply entrenched and brutal system that
had a profound impact on the lives of enslaved Africans and their descendants. It was characterized
by the dehumanization, exploitation, and racial basis of enslavement. It completely devastated
African societies through raids and constant conflicts. The slave trade varied across different regions
and time periods, with the southern colonies having a more oppressive form of slavery compared to
the milder conditions in the northern colonies. Despite the immense challenges, enslaved individuals
demonstrated resilience and resistance, leaving a lasting legacy of struggle and perseverance.
Understanding the nature of black slavery in the New World is crucial for comprehending the
historical and ongoing impacts of this institution on societies today.

Reference:

Algan, Y and P Cahuc (2010), “Inherited Trust and

Growth,” American Economic Review 100 : 2060-2092.
Bertocchi, G and A Dimico (2015), The Long-Term Determinants of
Female HIV Infection in Africa: The Slave Trade, Polygyny, and
Sexual Behavior, IZA DP No. 9102
Dalton, J T and T C Leung (2014), “Why is Polygyny More Prevalent
in Western Africa? An African Slave Trade Perspective”, Economic
Development and Cultural Change, 63 599-632.
Edlund, L and H Ku (2011), The African Slave Trade and the
Curious Case of General Polygyny, MPRA Paper NO. 52735
Fenske, J and N Kala (2015), “Climate and the Slave Trade”, Journal
of Development Economics, 112: 19-32.
Fenske, J and N Kala (2016), 1807: Economic Shocks, Conflict and
the Slave Trade, Working paper.
Green, E (2013), “Explaining African Ethnic
Diversity”, International Political Science Review, 34: 235-253.
Heywood, L (2009), “Slavery and its Transformation in the
Kingdom of Kongo: 1491–1800”, Journal of African History, 50: 1-22.
Inikori, J E (2000), “Africa and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade,”
in Africa Volume I: African History before 1885, Toyin Falola, (ed.),
Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press.
Inikori, J E (2003), “The Struggle against the Trans-Atlantic Slave
Trade,” in Fighting the Slave Trade: West African Strategies, A. Diouf,
(ed.), Athens, OH: Ohio University Press.
Manning, P (1990), Slavery and African Life, Cambridge, UK:
Cambridge University Press.
Nunn, N (2008), “The Long-Term Effects of Africa’s Slave
Trades”, Quarterly Journal of Economics, 123: 139-176.
Nunn, N 2010), “Shackled to the Past: The Causes and
Consequences of Africa’s Slave Trades”, in J Diamond and J
A Robinson (eds.), Natural Experiments of History, pp. 142-184.
Harvard University Press.
Nunn, N and D Puga (2012), “Ruggedness: The Blessing of Bad
Geography in Africa”, Review of Economics and Statistics, 94: 20-36.
Nunn, N and L Wantchekon (2011), “The Slave Trade and the
Origins of Mistrust in Africa”, American Economic Review, 101:
3221-3252.
Teso, E (2016), The Long-Term Effect of Demographic Shocks on
the Evolution of Gender Roles: Evidence from the Transatlantic
Slave Trade, Working Paper, Harvard University.