That depends on the slave owners. A majority of slave owners treated slaves as property because that was how they were viewed as. Some would treat them nicely, some would be cruel and harsh.
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Slave owners treated their slaves as property rather than as human beings, subjecting them to harsh living conditions, physical abuse, and forced labor. They had complete control over all aspects of their slaves' lives and often used violence and fear to maintain power and control. Slave owners sought to dehumanize their slaves in order to justify their exploitation and mistreatment.
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Slave owners gave their slaves their last name to assert ownership over them and to reinforce the slaves' status as property rather than individuals. This practice also helped slave owners keep track of their slaves and maintain control over their lives.
The Constitution's Fugitive Slave Clause required runaway slaves to be returned to their owners, regardless of where they were in the country. This clause was later reinforced by the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, making it illegal to assist runaway slaves and facilitating their capture and return.
Slave rebellions and escape attempts were two things that slave owners feared, as they posed a threat to their control over their slaves and their way of life. They also feared the loss of property if slaves were to successfully escape or rebel.
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 required people in all states to help slave owners catch their runaway slaves. This law allowed slave owners to reclaim escaped slaves and required citizens to assist in their capture or face legal consequences.
Slave owners offered rewards for runaway slaves to incentivize others to help capture and return them, as well as to deter other slaves from attempting to escape. It was also a way for slave owners to exert control and maintain power over their enslaved population.