I.

Introduction
● Brief explanation of what slavery is
● Historical context of slavery, including when and where it occurred
● Importance of discussing slavery and its impact on society today
II. Origins of Slavery
● Historical roots of slavery
● Role of European colonization and the transatlantic slave trade
● The Middle Passage and its effects on enslaved Africans
III. Life as an Enslaved Person
● Working conditions of enslaved people, including types of labor and hours worked
● Treatment of enslaved people, including punishments and restrictions on freedoms
● Impact of slavery on family structure and relationships
IV. Two Important figures of Slavery
● Harriet Tubman
● Frederick Douglass

1) introduction
● Good day, everyone. Today, I will be discussing the topic of slavery, a tragic chapter
in human history that has left an indelible mark on our society.
what is slavery?
● Slavery refers to the practice of forcibly owning and controlling human beings,
treating them as property, and forcing them to work without pay. It has been practiced
throughout history, from ancient civilizations to modern times. In the Americas,
slavery began in the 16th century when Europeans forcibly transported millions of
Africans to work in the New World. Slavery was legal in the United States until the
Civil War in 1865 when the 13th Amendment abolished it.
Importance of discussing slavery
● By discussing slavery, we can better understand how it came to be and the ways it
has affected our society. We can also gain a deeper appreciation for the struggles
and sacrifices of those who fought against slavery and worked towards its abolition.
Additionally, we can recognize the ways in which slavery continues to impact our
world today, particularly in the form of systemic racism, inequality, and discrimination.

2) origins of slavery
● Slavery has a long history that dates back thousands of years, with examples found
in many different cultures and civilizations around the world. However, the type of slavery
that is most commonly associated with the transatlantic slave trade and its legacy in the
United States has its origins in Europe's colonization of the Americas.
● During the 15th and 16th centuries, European powers such as Portugal, Spain,
England, France, and the Netherlands began establishing colonies in the Americas. These
colonies required a significant labor force to work the land and extract resources such as
gold, silver, and sugar cane. At first, European colonizers used Native American populations
as forced labor, but diseases and mistreatment led to their rapid decline.As a result,
European traders began forcibly transporting Africans to the Americas to serve as enslaved
laborers. This was the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade, which lasted for more than
300 years and saw the forced migration of over 12 million enslaved Africans across the
Atlantic Ocean.
● The Middle Passage was the route taken by slave ships from West Africa to the
Americas. Enslaved Africans were packed into the cargo holds of ships in horrific
conditions, with little room to move, poor sanitation, and scarce food and water. Many
did not survive the journey due to disease, starvation, and violence from the crew.
The Middle Passage had a profound impact on enslaved Africans. It stripped them of their
identities, culture, and connections to their homelands. Many were separated from their
families and communities, and the trauma of the journey and the conditions they endured
stayed with them for the rest of their lives.
Overall, the origins of slavery are rooted in the history of European colonization and the
transatlantic slave trade. The Middle Passage was a particularly horrific aspect of this
history, which had lasting effects on the lives and cultures of enslaved Africans.

3)
● Life as an enslaved person was characterized by a lack of freedom, dignity, and
basic human rights. Enslaved people were considered property and were subject to the
whims of their owners. They were forced to work long hours under harsh conditions and
were often punished for disobedience or perceived wrongdoing.
● The types of labor that enslaved people were forced to perform varied depending on
the region and the specific plantation or industry. Some worked on large agricultural
plantations, while others were involved in industries such as mining, fishing, and
shipbuilding. Enslaved people were often forced to work from sunrise to sunset, and
sometimes even longer.
● Enslaved people were subject to brutal treatment by their owners, overseers, and
others in positions of power. Punishments for disobedience or perceived wrongdoing could
include beatings, whipping, branding, and even death. Enslaved people were also subject to
restrictions on their freedom of movement and speech, and were often denied access to
education or other opportunities to better their lives.
● One of the most devastating impacts of slavery was its effect on family structure and
relationships. Enslaved people were often separated from their families and loved ones,
either through sale or through the practice of breeding enslaved people for profit. This led to
a sense of loss and dislocation that lasted for generations.
Despite the inhumane conditions and treatment they endured, enslaved people were
resilient and resourceful. They formed close-knit communities and developed strategies to
resist their oppression, such as through escape, rebellion, and the preservation of their
cultural heritage.

4)
Harriet Tubman:
● Harriet Tubman was born around 1820 on a plantation in Dorchester County
Maryland. She was therefore enslaved from birth. On september 17, 1849, she
escaped with her husband with the help of the Underground Railroad ( a network of
roads, routes, and safe havens used by enslaved African-Americans fleeing to
freedom) to Pennsylvania. She became after a conductor ( a former slave who
helped others to escape). and saved 70 slaves to escape.
 ● She is the most famous figure of slavery, calling her the black moses and building a
statue for her honor. She is also the main character of a movie that came out in 2019,
a movie about her history.

Frederick Douglass

● Frederick Douglass was a formerly enslaved man who became a prominent activist,
author and public speaker. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement, which
sought to end slavery, before and during the Civil War. After that conflict and the
Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, he continued to push for equality and human
rights until his death in 1895.

conclusion)
In conclusion, slavery was a dark period in human history that had a lasting impact on
American society and culture. It was a system of oppression that denied millions of people
their basic human rights and dignity, and its legacy continues to be felt today.
● Throughout this presentation, we have discussed the origins of slavery, the life of
enslaved people and two important figures of slavery.
● As we continue to confront the legacy of slavery and work towards a more just and
an equitable society, it is important to recognize that this is an ongoing struggle. We must
take action to address the continuing effects of slavery, including economic disparities, social
injustice, and systemic racism. We must promote policies and practices that promote
diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of society.
● Learning about the history of slavery and its impact on American society is an
important step towards promoting social justice and racial equity. By understanding the
legacy of slavery, we can work to address its ongoing effects and create a more just and
equitable society for all.

sources:
1. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery
2. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/19/magazine/history-slavery-smithsonia
n.html
3. https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/teacher-resources/historical-context-
facts-about-slave-trade-and-slavery
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_slavery
5. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/aug/15/400-years-since-slavery-timeline
6. https://www.britannica.com/topic/slavery-sociology