Measures used to Control enslaved africans Essay - 659 Words

Measures used to control enslaved Africans Colonial assemblies and individual planters used and instituted many methods that ensured that the slave population was subdued and subservient. Such methods included: Economic Control a) There was severe limitation on free time for the enslaved as free time was equated to loss of production time on the estate. As a result, a structure of economic dependence was created whereby enslaved Africans relied on the planter for their food, shelter and clothing. b) Severe restriction was placed on the ability of the enslaved Africans to carve an economic livelihood, for instance, growing provision crops to be sold in the market. Psychological and Ideological Control a) A concerted attempt was made†¦show more content†¦Slavery had already existed legally in Spain before the Spaniards arrived in the New World. Slavery in Spain was, however, less severe; to the Spanish colonies they were to be regarded as persons and not property. They also had other rights such as they should not be overworked, starved or unlawfully punished by their masters. They also had the right to buy their freedom, to marry, to provision grounds and to appeal to the court against illegal treatment. As well, masters were obliged to provide the basic amenities for his slaves. French Laws French laws that governed how slaves should be treated were called Code Noir (Black Code) and these were drawn up in France. The articles in the code ordered baptism and Christian principles. Enslaved Africans could marry with their masters consent. Planters were to provide food and clothing for slaves and to provide care for the elderly and disabled. Enslaved peoples could appeal to legal offices known as procureur-gà ©nà ©ral (attorney general) to complain against ill-treatment and neglect but, at the same time, the code stated that the slaves could be punished by means of flogging, branding, mutilation and execution for theft, assault and attempts to escape. British Laws The English colonies had no legal English code. Laws were made by masters in their post as members of the legislative of each individual colony. The British Parliament, therefore, had no control over the laws passed in the colonies. Slaves were seenShow MoreRelatedThe, My Eyes Have Seen By Alice Dunbar Nelson Essay1622 Words   |  7 Pagescontributed to the formation of the United States. Ever since slaves arrived in the Chesapeake in the early seventeenth century, slaves resisted their enslavement just as anyone else would, in order to claim some measure of freedom against an institution that defined people as property. 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