Not all slaves were treated harshly. There were different degrees of slavery. The Gullah of the South East Coastal Areas were left on their own except at harvest time. Many of the slaves of Mississippi received extremely harsh treatment.
The harsh treatment meant their work suffered, they worked at a much slower rate than the slaves along the east coast. They were much sicker. When freedom came, the slaves went due north. Those from the east coast were smarter than those from areas where slaves had been abused.
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Harsh treatment of slaves can lead to physical and psychological harm, perpetuate cycles of trauma and abuse, and damage the relationships within the community. It can also result in reduced productivity, increased likelihood of resistance or rebellion, and long-lasting intergenerational effects on the descendants of slaves.
Slaves tried to escape from their owners to seek freedom, improve their living conditions, reunite with family, and avoid the harsh treatment and abuse often experienced under slavery. By escaping, they hoped to establish a better life for themselves.
Slave codes regulated the behavior and treatment of enslaved individuals, severely limiting their rights and freedoms. These laws enforced harsh punishments for disobedience, restricted movement, and prohibited literacy, thus perpetuating the oppression and exploitation of slaves within society.
Slaves were treated differently because they were viewed as property or objects to be owned and exploited for labor. This dehumanizing perspective allowed owners to subject slaves to harsh and inhumane treatment without legal repercussions. The economic interests of slave owners also played a significant role in perpetuating the unequal treatment of slaves.
Slaves faced harsh conditions due to factors such as inhumane treatment, physical abuse, lack of basic necessities like decent living conditions and proper nutrition, and being forced to work long hours in harsh environments. Additionally, they were often subjected to punishment, separation from their families, and had no personal autonomy or rights.
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.