the cotton gin
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Slaves became more valuable due to the increased demand for labor in industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Additionally, the expansion of European powers into new territories and the growth of the transatlantic slave trade contributed to this increase in value.
George Tucker believed that progress in human affairs, especially in education and economic opportunities, would lead to slaves becoming more aware of their own oppression and yearning for freedom. As slaves gained knowledge and economic independence, they would seek to break free from their masters and the system of slavery. This would inevitably lead to greater disconnection between slaves and their owners.
Slaves who gained skills, education, or relationships that made them more valuable to their owners were able to increase their personal support. Additionally, slaves who had special talents or abilities that could be monetized, such as being a skilled artisan or musician, were likely to have increased personal support from their owners.
Skilled slaves were often given more privileges and autonomy by their owners due to their specialized abilities, which could result in better living conditions and treatment. They might also be allowed to earn their own income by selling their services, leading to a degree of financial independence. However, their skills also made them potentially more valuable to their owners, leading to potential exploitation or being tasked with more demanding work.
Angelina Grimké was raised on a plantation with slaves before becoming an abolitionist, while Catharine Beecher came from a family with abolitionist beliefs but did not have firsthand experience with slavery. Grimké's experiences led her to actively fight against slavery, while Beecher focused more on providing educational opportunities for women as a way to indirectly address social issues.
Rural slaves typically worked on plantations and farms in more isolated areas, while urban slaves were more likely to work in cities and towns in various trades and domestic roles. Urban slaves often had more opportunities for social interaction and potential avenues for escape or freedom.