Aside from being property, having most aspects of their lives controlled, and very few examples of physical abuse, American slaves in the south generally had standards of living higher than 80% of whites in the same areas.
Keep in mind that slaves were a necessary component for life, industry, and agriculture in the southern states. To purchase one was comparable to buying a new car or house today. For the most part, slave owners were farmers. As it would not be conducive to good business practice today to abuse or mistreat working livestock, or to damage farm machinery, it is ridiculous to consider that slaves were mistreated. This is largely a myth that has bee perpetrated from a small number of sources, largely in an attempt to end the practice of slavery; it represents Propaganda.
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Slaves' lives were extremely difficult and miserable. They were forced to work long hours with little rest, endured harsh physical punishments, lived in poor living conditions, and were stripped of basic human rights and dignity. The psychological and emotional trauma of being treated as property and subjected to oppression and dehumanization further compounded their suffering.
After losing her job and breaking up with her boyfriend, she felt miserable and alone.
Former slaves improved their lives by seeking education and job opportunities, forming communities and support networks, and advocating for civil rights and equality. Many also acquired property and started businesses to achieve economic independence and social advancement.
Plantation slaves typically lived and worked in rural areas, subject to harsher conditions and more limited freedoms compared to city slaves who often had more opportunities for autonomy and financial independence. Free blacks still faced discrimination and limited rights, but had more control over their own lives compared to slaves.
Slaves wanted to leave because they were seeking freedom from the oppression, exploitation, and inhumane conditions under which they were forced to work. They desired to have control over their own lives and make choices for themselves.
Slaves' lives were hard because they were treated as property, denied basic human rights, forced to work long hours in harsh conditions, and faced violence and abuse from their owners. They had no control over their own lives and were often subjected to inhumane treatment without any recourse or support.