On plantations:
Slaves on large plantations typically labored in agricultural tasks such as picking cotton, cultivating tobacco, or harvesting rice. Their work was physically demanding, and they often toiled long hours in the fields, starting before sunrise and working until well after sunset. Slaves were subjected to harsh discipline, with overseers using whippings, beatings, and torture to maintain control.
Living conditions for slaves on plantations were generally poor. They were often housed in crowded and unsanitary quarters, frequently lacking adequate bedding, clothing, and proper nutrition. Medical care was limited or non-existent, and many slaves suffered from malnutrition, disease, and exposure to harsh elements.
In urban areas:
Some slaves lived and worked in urban areas, where they were employed in various occupations such as domestic servants, artisans, laborers, and craftsmen. While they still faced discrimination and restrictions on their freedom, urban slaves often enjoyed slightly better treatment compared to those on plantations. They may have had more opportunities to interact with people outside the plantation system and gain limited autonomy in their daily lives.
Self-emancipation:
During the Civil War, many enslaved individuals seized opportunities to escape to Union lines or flee to northern states where slavery had been abolished. Some became freedom seekers and actively resisted their enslavers, while others waited for advancing Union armies to provide refuge and protection.
Confiscation and emancipation:
As the war progressed, Union forces began confiscating slaves and freeing them upon capture or as Union-held territories expanded. Some slaves were also emancipated through legislation such as the Confiscation Acts and, ultimately, the Thirteenth Amendment, which officially abolished slavery in the United States in December 1865.
Despite these steps towards freedom, the transition from slavery to freedom was complex and challenging. Many newly emancipated individuals struggled with poverty, discrimination, and limited access to education, housing, and employment. However, the end of the Civil War marked a turning point in American history and set the stage for ongoing struggles for racial equality and civil rights.