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Some cope by basically shutting down, losing all focus and being. These were the really badly treated slaves with no hope, even if they escaped and went back home they knew they would be treated no better and often treated even worse. They became automatons, just doing a job and no longer thinking about anything. They often didn't last long, dying of despair and carelessness due to accidents. Some would "cope" by taking the ultimate escape, suicide.

Then there were the ones that openly revolted, fighting what had been done, sometimes trying to kill their owners. They were often either killed or eventually beaten into submission, but sometimes escaping. Frequently they "went underground", learning that open revolt wouldn't work but little things could be done. Stealing food and items to make their life easier; doing things to make their owner's lives more miserable.

Some slaves coped by searching out other slaves with either similar backgrounds or interests and then developing social ties. They did their work, but also maintained their previous culture through music, stories and, in some cases, religion. Thus Obeah or Voodoo rose up and gave spiritual comfort in the 1700's.

Many tried adopting the religion of their owners, hoping to better understand what had happened to them and also gain respect.

Dreaming was also a means of coping, dreaming of a better life and better times. Dreamers did exist amongst the slaves, sharing hopes and aspiration with other slaves. Their dreams of freedom were what sustained them.

Some slaves coped by concentrating on their work and getting educated. They were trying to learn valuable skills and doing the best that could be done. They felt that by doing this they would be treated better and eventually obtain their freedom or at least a better life. These were often allowed more freedom and belongings that those that revolted.

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13y ago
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6mo ago

Slaves coped with their harsh lives by forming tight-knit communities for support, practicing their cultural traditions in secret, and finding moments of resistance through acts of defiance or sabotage. Religion and spirituality also played a significant role in providing hope and resilience.

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Q: What are some ways in which slaves coped with their harsh lives?
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How did enslaved Africans deal with the hardships of their lives?

Enslaved Africans coped with the hardships of their lives through various means, including maintaining cultural practices, forming strong community bonds, and preserving a sense of identity and dignity. Many also sought solace in religion, such as Christianity and syncretic faiths, which provided hope and unity within their communities. Additionally, acts of resistance, both passive and active, allowed some enslaved individuals to assert agency and preserve their humanity amidst the dehumanizing conditions of slavery.


What were some ways that African slaves dealt with the hardships of their lives?

African slaves dealt with the hardships of their lives by forming strong community bonds within their enslaved communities, engaging in cultural practices such as music, dance, and storytelling to maintain a sense of identity and resistance, and preserving their traditions and languages as a way to assert their humanity and resilience. Some slaves also escaped or rebelled against their enslavers as acts of resistance.


Why does equiano feel that hardships some of which he cannot even bear to relate are some inseparable from slave trade?

Equiano believes that the brutal and inhumane treatment endured by slaves, including himself, are integral to the slave trade. These hardships, which are so severe that he cannot bring himself to fully describe them, highlight the harsh reality of the system that dehumanizes and exploits individuals for profit. For Equiano, these experiences underscore the cruelty and degradations inherent in the slave trade.


What were some ways that African slaves dealt with hardships of their lives?

They broke their tools, pretended to be sick, and worked slow because it would help them not do as much work.


Where did slaves sleep at night?

Slaves in the United States typically slept in cramped and basic quarters called slave quarters, which were often separate from the main living spaces of the slave owner's residence. These quarters were usually simple structures with minimal furnishings and amenities, and living conditions were very harsh and crowded.

Related questions

How did Most colonial era slaves dealt with repression and violence?

Many colonial-era slaves coped with repression and violence through resistance, rebellion, and maintaining cultural traditions despite harsh conditions. Some sought refuge in spiritual practices and forming close-knit communities to support each other through difficult times. Others engaged in acts of sabotage and passive resistance to challenge their oppressors.


How old do roman slaves usually live to?

Roman slaves typically lived shorter lives than free Romans, often dying in their 20s or 30s due to harsh living and working conditions, poor diet, and lack of access to medical care. However, some slaves did live into their 40s or 50s if they were lucky.


How did slave owners treat their slaves?

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.


Did slaves look for other slaves?

Yes, some slaves did form relationships and communities with other slaves for support and companionship. This was a way for them to cope with the harsh conditions of slavery and find solidarity in their shared experiences.


What laws were passed to control slaves?

Some laws that were passed to control slaves included prohibiting them from learning to read and write, restricting their movement without permission, and implementing harsh punishments for rebellious behavior. Slaves were also subject to the laws of their owners or overseers, who had wide discretion in managing the labor and daily lives of enslaved individuals.


What conditions were made even more harsh for slaves?

All of the above


What did colonial boys and girls do for a living?

Some were slaves and some lived normal lives and went to school. :)


What were some of the challenges that the newcomer slaves faced as they started their new lives?

Newcomer slaves faced challenges such as systemic racism, discrimination, lack of education and economic opportunities, cultural dislocation, and the breakdown of family structures. They also endured harsh working conditions, limited legal rights, and limited access to basic resources like healthcare and housing.


What are some experiences slaves had?

slaves had very tough lives little food lack of sleep long hours working some were tourtered but they had the blues which is music that was created when slaves where working most blues songs are sad


What werestrikes by slaves were sometimes successful in gaining?

Wage increases, improved working conditions, better treatment from overseers, or temporary relief from harsh punishments were some of the gains achieved by slaves through successful strikes.


How did slavery come to the southern colonies?

Some came from the Caribean, but then African slaves were imported from Africa because they could handle the harsh working conditions.


What sort of work were the slaves required to do in ancient Rome?

Most of slaves in Rome and her territories were bought by large landowners and worked in the fields of their estates. A substantial number of slaves worked in the houses of the rich, where they performed as many as 50 different jobs. The miners were slaves because the working conditions there were very harsh. Some slaves were gladiators. Some educated slaves worked for the state as archivists, scribes and the like. A few educated slaves worked as educators for the children of the rich.