Slavery Beyond the United States: A Comparative Analysis

It is often believed that slavery only existed in the United States, but this is far from the truth. Slavery has a long and dark history spanning various parts of the world, including the United States. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of slavery's existence outside the United States, with a focus on its historical context, impact, and legacy.

The Misconception of American Slavery

Many people mistakenly believe that slavery was unique to the United States, with the associated civil war being the key factor in its abolition. However, such views are based on a narrow understanding of global history. Slavery existed in many forms around the world, including within the United States, where it took on the most egregious and brutal forms at the time. This fact is often overlooked, particularly when discussing the historical complexities and legacy of the U.S. slavery.

The Global Perspective on Slavery

Slavery was not limited to the United States. For instance, the Native Americans were also used as slaves before the introduction of African slaves. When the Native American slave trade failed, other groups were targeted for enslavement. This shows a global continuity in the practice of slavery, with the United States being just one part of a much larger historical context.

Slavery in the American Colonies

Black people were the primary group of slaves in the American colonies and later, the United States. There are notable historical figures, such as Anthony Johnson, who played a significant role in the early days of slavery. Johnson, a former indentured servant, became the first slave owner in America by taking a former indentured servant, who was black, away from two white farmers who claimed he had completed his indenture. This case, brought to court, led to a ruling that the black servant was the property of Johnson, thus paving the way for the widespread practice of slavery in the colonies.

Abolition and Legal Struggles

Thomas Jefferson, a prominent figure in American history, had a complex relationship with slavery. While he was a vocal opponent of slavery and wrote a law that was intended to ban it in Virginia, the law was ultimately denied royal approval. Jefferson's stance on slavery was further complicated by the famous controversy surrounding Sally Hemings, with the DNA evidence only supporting the theory that he did not father any of her children. Additionally, Jefferson paid fair market wages to his slaves and encouraged them to have their own businesses, which suggests a more nuanced view of his role in slavery.

Slavery and Free Blacks

By the late 1850s, there were approximately 250,000 slaves in the southern United States, alongside another 250,000 free blacks who were accepted and participated in southern society. It is also important to note that there were over 4,000 black slave owners, with the largest being a woman in Louisiana who owned over 100 slaves. This demonstrates the complexity of the racial dynamics in 19th century America.

Slavery Beyond the Civil War

During the Civil War, a number of free blacks enlisted in the Southern army to fight against the North. However, those who were captured were shot at the prison gates, highlighting the brutal nature of the conflict. These free blacks were fighting for their homes, families, and country, and many were middle-class individuals, including business people and farmers. The South was also well-integrated by the start of the war, with significant coexistence among different racial groups.

The Legacy of Slavery

After the Civil War, the U.S. government attempted to get the Indian tribes to give up slavery, but they refused, citing their independence and the autonomy to decide on their own fate. It took about a decade for these Indian tribes to eventually free their slaves. This highlights the enduring legacy of slavery and how it continued to affect different groups long after the end of the Civil War.

Conclusion

The history of slavery in the United States is deeply intertwined with global history. While it is essential to recognize the unique brutality of American slavery, it is equally important to understand its broader context and impact. This article aims to provide a more comprehensive view of the complex and often overlooked aspects of slavery beyond the United States.

References

Anthony Johnson,
Thomas Jefferson,
Slavery in the United States, Library of Congress