Introduction
Slavery was embodied in our history and became one of the most bitter and irreparable dark periods. Starting from the principle of dividing people into citizens and “non-citizens”, slavery lasted until the end of the fifteenth century. America has suffered greatly from this history and tragedy. Slavery had consequences for the process of America’s formation, impacting living conditions, and was finally abolished due to the passing of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1865.
History of Slavery in America
Slavery is an ancient and unfair form of depriving a person of freedom and vulnerability. It was well-known in various civilizations and historical eras. Slavery in America ended when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and 1865, after the dissolution of the Confederacy, signed the so-called Thirteenth Amendment, which legally abolished slavery in the United States (Burnard and Riello).
Americans have taken various forms of slavery, including illegal slave trading, working for wages, and forced unpaid labor. Slavery multiplied Americans’ wealth and power, sustaining long-term economic and political inequality (Burnard and Riello). It had been a long time of voluntary and involuntary servitude, and after its abolition, slaves were freed and recognized as citizens of the United States (Suryanarayan and White). The end of slavery had a significant impact on the lives of the American people.
Thanks to the work of activists protesting against slavery, freed slaves were given the right to vote after the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment. They were also allowed to earn their means of subsistence and to exercise freedom of choice in terms of housing, work, and lifestyle. In this way, they were allowed to live a truly free life, regardless of the color of their skin.
Furthermore, slavery was abolished in America, so there were many opportunities for white people to help the freed slaves build new lives and provide them with good living conditions (Suryanarayan and White). For example, President Abraham Lincoln signed an article that gave freed slaves land and voting rights. These programs helped many freed slaves build new lives.
The end of slavery in America brought tremendous benefits to the American people (Burnard and Riello). It gave the freed slaves the right to vote and land to build new lives and gain better living conditions, allowing the white population of America to participate in programs to support the freed slaves. The impact of slavery on the living conditions of citizens in America was far-reaching and devastating. Slavery was a major part of the American economy for centuries, and the effects of this system have had a lasting impact on the lives of many.
The Impact of the Slavery on America
Slavery had a major impact on the economy, providing a large source of cheap labor and allowing businesses to produce goods at lower costs. This made it difficult for those who were not enslaved to compete in the labor market (Burnard and Riello). This economic advantage allowed wealthy landowners to accumulate more wealth while depriving enslaved people of the opportunity to pursue their own economic aspirations. The living conditions of those who were enslaved were often extremely poor. Slaves were often subject to overcrowding, malnutrition, and inadequate medical care.
In addition, slaves were often subjected to extreme physical labor, with long hours and no days off. This led to a great deal of physical and mental suffering, as slaves were constantly under the threat of punishment if they did not comply with their masters’ demands. The institution of slavery also had a major impact on the social fabric of the United States (Burnard and Riello). Slavery created a racial hierarchy that was difficult to break down, even after the abolition of slavery. This left many African Americans with limited opportunities for education and employment, making it difficult for them to improve their economic and social standing.
With the aid of slaves, Americans generated enormous profits throughout the era of slavery, and this profit had a big impact on the development of America. Everything from growing wheat to constructing aqueducts and roadways was done with the help of slaves. Additionally, slavery gave Americans the opportunity to amass riches and power and to maintain political inequality.
Finally, this legacy of slavery is still present today. Although slavery gave Americans economic and political benefits, it had bitter consequences for slaves (Burnard and Riello). They were not allowed to carry weapons, travel without permission, or make decisions about their property and children. Unbridled coercion and slave rebellions led to complications in their lives.
Conclusion
Slavery significantly impacted the formation of America economically, politically, and socially. It impacted the living conditions, well-being, and rights of African Americans, as well as the rights and fate of other minorities in America. Slavery ended after American President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, ratified by a Constitutional Amendment in 1865. This led to equal rights for slaves and a favorable prospect for the development of America in the future. However, slavery continues to lead to consequences and the practice of division and inequality in America to this day.
Works Cited
Burnard, Trevor, and Giorgio Riello. “Slavery and the New History of Capitalism.” Journal of Global History, vol. 15, no. 2, Cambridge UP, 2020, pp. 225–44. Web.
Suryanarayan, Pavithra, and Steven R. White. “Slavery, Reconstruction, and Bureaucratic Capacity in the American South.” American Political Science Review, vol. 115, no. 2, Cambridge UP, 2021, pp. 568–84. Web.