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On the Plantation: Life as Slave

To start, listen to the story of the runaway slave, then click around the scene to learn more about life on a Southern plantation, read “Growing Up in Slavery” to meet Fannie Moore and after you’ve explored these resources ,answer these questions.

1. What did it mean to be a slave? What were some of the basic rights that slaves did not have?

Slave means the condition of a slave, bondage. Slaves Didnt Barley have food , water

2. Why did people own slaves in the United States in the 1800s?

Slaves were vital to the U.S. economy. Slaves produced the export crops that supported the f the colonies and later the United States.

3. When did slavery begin in the Unit States? Where did the first slaves come from?

Slavery existed in the original Thirteen Colonies before the creation of the United States in 1776.

4. Describe the life of a slave on a Southern plantation. Where did slaves live? What kinds of work did they do? How were they punished?

Most of the slaves lived in Southern Plantations,The Plantation slaves usually worked in their masters cotton field, harvesting the cotton. They would work long hours of the day. And would have to endure the same routine day after day. other slaves would be put to work in the kitchen to make the whole family a meal or if they didnt they would be badly hurt like whipped or pick crops.

5. What do you think were some of the hardest things about being a slave?

How they get beating and have to do all the work and dont get paid. 

Escape! The Underground Railroad

Listen to the story of the runaway slave, then click around the scene to learn more about how slaves made their escapes and found their way. After you’ve explored these resources, answer these questions.

1. Why did some enslaved African Americans try to escape from their owners? Why was this such a dangerous act?

They escape from there ownser because they didnt want to be slaves and they wanted to be free, it was dangerous because when they try to run away they get killed.

2. How did most slaves travel when they escaped?

Most of the slaves escaped to the North. In the early-mid 1800's, Slavery was ok South of a line that was created due to the Compromise. However, slavery was banned North of the line.

3. What were some of the worst dangers and challenges that runaway slaves faced?

4. How did runaways try to avoid getting caught? What happened if they were caught?

Runaways try not to get caught because if they didnt want to get hurt, If they get caught they was going to have to get there heaqd and feet cut off.

5. What was the Underground Railroad? Who were the “passengers” and the “conductors”?

A railroad running through a continuous tunnel, as under city streets ,

6. Why did the Underground Railroad have to be so secretive? What are some ways that people on the Underground Railroad kept their work – and runaway slaves – hidden?

Reaching Safety: Heroes for the Cause

To start, listen to the story of the runaway slave, then click around the scene to learn how some abolitionists helped fugitives reach freedom. Try the “Harriet Tubman Web Quest,” to learn about the life of this brave woman who risked her life to guide hundreds of enslaved African Americans to freedom.

1. Were runaway slaves free once they reached the Northern states? Explain your answer.

2. Who were the abolitionists? How did they spread their message?

3. What are some ways that abolitionists helped runaways on the Underground Railroad?

4. Did all abolitionists support the Underground Railroad? Why or why not?

5. Why was it so dangerous for people to help runaway slaves?

6. Who was Harriet Tubman? How do you think she and the Northern abolitionists helped each other’s cause?

Almost Free: Life in the North

Have you explored all the resources in “Almost Free: Life in the North”? To start, listen to the

story of the runaway slave, then click around the scene to discover what life was like for fugitives in the North.  See “Compare Two Worlds: The North vs. South,” for interactive maps that identify important differences between the North and South before the Civil War. After you’ve explored these resources, answer these questions.

1. What are some of the different places that slaves settled in the North? Why did many runaways go to Canada?

2. What were some of the challenges the newcomers faced as they started their new lives?

3. What were three major differences between the North and the South before the Civil War?

4. What was the Emancipation Proclamation? What impact did it have?

5. Why did so many African Americans fight in the Civil War on the side of the Union?

6. What was one important outcome of the Civil Wrights?