The impact of Christianity

Education and slavery

Southern slaveholders generally opposed slave literacy (concerned
that literate slaves could revolt).
In 1740 South Carolina formed laws that prohibits teaching a slave to
read or write.
More laws in mid eighteen century to strictly forbid slave learning
read and write.
Slave Code of South Carolina, May 1740
And whereas, the having of slaves taught to write, or suffering them
to be employed in writing, may be attended with great
inconveniences; Be it therefore enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That all and every person and persons whatsoever, who shall
hereinafter teach or cause any slave or slaves to be taught, to write,
or shall use or employ any slave as a scribe in any manner of writing
whatsoever, hereafter taught to write, every such person and
persons, shall, for every such offense, forfeit the sum of one hundred
pounds current money.
Path of learning
Slaveholders were enable Bible-reading among slaves and even
established informal plantation schools on occasion in part because
of slaveholders' practical need for literate slaves to perform tasks such
as record-keeping.
In 1743, Anglican ministers established a school for slaves in South
Carolina that offered instruction in Christian religion and education
under the guidance of a slave schoolmaster.
The impact of religious/the Bible
Despite the white people emphasize the need of obedience from the
slaves, the slaves interpreted the Bible in a form of messages of
freedom and equality.
They referred to biblical figures like Moses, who led his people to
freedom.
Christian influences traditional African rites and beliefs. They mixed
African rhythms, singing, and beliefs with evangelical Christianity.
Their traditional spirituals, Christianity and freedom desire merged
together.
Increase fear of slave-owners about rebellions
Primary source
In 1790 a good field hand was
worth about $300. In 1869 they
were worth $2000. Guards rode
the roads in the South each night
looking for runaway slaves.
Rebellions
Baptist Prophet of Rebellion in 1831. Over 100 blacks and 60 whites
were killed in the rebellion. Turner hid for six weeks after the uprising.
He was eventually tracked down by dogs. Turner was tried and found
guilty. He was then hanged.
The Methodist Conspirator in 1822. Denmark Vesey planned a major
slave rebellion near Charleston, South Carolina. This plan was
discovered and the slave owners stopped the rebellion.
Black Churches
The first independent black denomination, the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, was established in 1816.
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1821.
Churches also served as schools, training centers, and centers of
community organization.
Free blacks and antislavery advocacy
Abolitionism