Hardships of Slavery in the 1800s - Essay Example

Hardships of Slavery in the 1800s Introduction Slavery is a system where people are used as commodities for sale and forced to provide labor under severe condition. Slavery was a historic cultural practice for many societies all over the world. The discovery of America and industrialisation in Europe resulted in high demand for cheap labor. During the colonial era, the slaves were bought from Africa and Asia to work in American plantations and in European industries. Historically, African slaves were used as soldiers in the colonial armies or domestic workers. The duties preformed by the slaves was apportioned on gender considerations, for instance, women performed agricultural activities, domestic chores and were also used for sexual pleasure by their masters. The Slaves were treated as animals and therefore not entitled to freedom On the other hand; men farmed, herded animals and served in the colonial armies. Slaves were treated as animals and therefore not entitled to freedom. In most parts on the world, slavery was perceived as a means of accumulating wealth and social status. Hardships of slavery The slaves went through severe challenges and harsh treatment by their masters. In fact, they were forced to work under the scorching sun and severely whipped. The slaves were worked to death regardless of their health condition. They slaves succumbed to severe ailments such as small pox, tuberculosis, typhoid among others. Enslaved women were sexually harassed by their masters (Kempadoo 6). Despite the many hardships, African slaves were in the highest demand to work in the plantations. This was fueled by the perception that African slaves were immune to severe tropical diseases than slaves from other continents. It was believed that Africans were more experienced in the agricultural field than people other continents. Additionally, African slaves were considered to be muscular and could tolerate adverse climate and hard labor unlike slaves from other races. African slaves were captured through various ways, for instance, the Europeans enticed them with gifts and false promises. The slaves were as well auctioned in an open market just like common commodities (Orlando 149). Some Africans who failed to meet their debts were sold to pay the debt. Additionally, the Europeans initiated wars between African communities to weaken them and attacked them once they become defenseless. Causes of slavery There are numerous factors attributed to the sprouting of slavery. Among the various factors is poverty. Low living standards and the harsh economy in the 1800s fuelled the emergency of slavery as people struggled to survive. Poor people, especially from Africa and Asia, were pressured by poverty to work for rich people under unfavorable condition to get food. They also accepted or were compelled to accept low payment. Industrial revolution in Europe and discovery of new land (America) brought a need for more work forces. The industries required raw materials and labor force in the production process. A lot of people were required to work in the plantation. The only way to acquire cheap labor was through slavery (Harris 12). Therefore, the west took African slaves to acquire cheap labor force. The slaves were take unwillingly and forced to work. The issue of overpopulation triggered slavery as well. The overpopulated communities sold some of their people to work in the plantations. Consequently, overpopulation is associated with depletion of resources and excess labor. As a result people from the overpopulated areas, for instance, western Africa were left with no option other than working as slaves to earn a living. Ignorance and lack of education is yet another vector for slavery. In the 1800s education was not very popular in Africa and Asia. Therefore, nationals from these continents had little or no knowledge of their freedom and rights as human beings. In fact, in the 1800s there were limited association to fight for human rights and freedom. The lack of education for Africans and Asians limited their chances of acquiring skilled labor to work in executive post. Therefore, they were to work as slaves. Effects of slavery Slavery had both negative and positive impact on social, political and economical fields. For instance, slavery resulted in separation of families. Strong men were taken to work in the plantations leaving behind their family (Dunaway 63). Additionally, children were separated from their parents and this brought misery and social suffering. Additionally, Slavery led to emergence of social classes. The plantation owners emerged to be very rich and were perceived to be of high status. Consequently they became of the upper social class. Those who worked in the plantation and had less money become of the lower social class. Slavery led to hatred, rivalry and insecurity between societies. For instance, in western Africa the Europeans supplied the African with firearms to facilitate raiding of the slaves. This created insecurity and poor relations among the African nations. The raids for slaves caused insecurity in the region. Slavery boosted the construction of the world economy. For instance, sugar remained the backbone of Cuba’s economy even after the abolition of slave trade in 1886. In essence, slavery facilitated the development of sugar plantations in Cuba by providing abundant cheap labor from the slaves. Additionally, slavery boosted agriculture in American since there was abundant labor supply, for instance, America become the chief producer of such commodities like tobacco and cotton which were exported to other parts of the world and earned the country foreign exchange. Struggle change and end of slavery In 1807 Britain passed the Abolition of Slave Trade Act and outlawed slavery. Consequently, the slaves formed revolution groups in the late 1800s.slaves subsequently resisted by doing work incorrectly (Buell 32). Industrial revolution and mechanization of agriculture in the 18th century reduced the high demand for slave labor. The cost of human labor reduced after mechanization of agriculture making transportation of slaves expensive. Industrial revolution in Europe increased output and this called for larger market for the new product. Therefore the slaves were to be returned home to produced more raw materials and provide market for the surplus industrial produce. Consequently, technological innovation such as invention of cotton gin machine reduced demand for physical labor and as a result a fall in the demand of slaves. The introduction of Christianity in Africa gave a big blow to slavery. Christianity brought enlightenment and education to all. According to the Christianity teachings, all human beings were to be treated equally. This laid foundation for Africans and other weak nation to start their fight for freedom (Andrews 55). Additionally, anti-slavery activists pressed their governments to outlaw slavery and slave trade. During the last quarter of 1800 slavery was outlawed and made illegal worldwide. Conclusion Though slavery was brought to an end, it is still practiced today but secretively. The human rights activist must put much pressure on the fight against violation of human rights. Slavery is a backward practice which must be fought by all means. All human beings should be treated equally. Works cited: Andrews, George. Afro-Latin America, 1800-2000. New York: Oxford University Press. 2004. Print. Buell, Tonya. Slavery in America: a primary source history of the intolerable practice of slavery. New York: Rosen Central Primary Source. 2004. Print. Dunaway, Wilma. The African-American family in slavery and emancipation. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press. 2003. Pint. Harris, Leslie. In the shadow of slavery: African Americans in New York City, 1626- 1863.Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 2003. Print. Kempadoo, Kamala. Sun, sex, and gold: tourism and sex work in the Caribbean. Lanham [u.a.]: Rowman & Littlefield. 1999. Print. Orlando, Patterson. Slavery & social death: a comparative study. [S.l.]: Harvard Univ Press, 1985.Print. Read More