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Slaves faced harsh working conditions, physical abuse, separation from their families, lack of basic rights and freedoms, and constant surveillance and control by their owners. They also endured the psychological trauma of being dehumanized and treated as property.
No, not all landowners in the South owned slaves. In fact, the majority of white families in the Southern states did not own any slaves. Slavery was more prevalent among large plantation owners, who made up a smaller percentage of the population.
Some yeoman farmers did own slaves, but not all. The number of slaves owned by yeoman farmers varied depending on factors such as location, wealth, and social customs. Generally, yeoman farmers who owned slaves had smaller holdings compared to large plantation owners.
Landowners might prefer slaves over indentured servants because slaves are considered property and can be owned for life, providing a more stable and permanent labor force. Slaves also have fewer legal protections and rights than indentured servants, giving landowners more control over their work and minimizing the risk of servants completing their terms and leaving. Additionally, the transatlantic slave trade made slaves more readily available and often cheaper to acquire than indentured servants.
Both slaves and indentured servants were considered property and had little to no freedom. They were required to work for their owners for a set period of time. Both groups suffered mistreatment and had limited legal rights.
A common type of leather whip used to whip slaves was typically made from cowhide or animal hide. These whips were designed to be painful and inflict harm on the individuals being whipped.