- Both the North and the South practiced slavery, although the institution was more widespread and economically important in the South.
- In both regions, slaves were considered property and were denied basic rights and freedoms.
- Slaves in both the North and the South faced harsh treatment, including physical and sexual abuse, overwork, and inadequate food and shelter.
Differences:
- The number of slaves was much higher in the South. In 1860, there were approximately 4 million slaves in the United States, and of these, nearly 3.5 million lived in the South.
- The economy of the South was much more dependent on slavery. In the South, slaves were used in a variety of industries, including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. In contrast, slavery was less important to the economy of the North, where many businesses relied on free labor.
- The legal status of slaves was different in the North and the South. In the North, slaves were considered property, but they had some legal rights and protections. For example, they could sue for their freedom and could not be sold without their consent. In the South, slaves were considered property with no legal rights.
- The social treatment of slaves was different in the North and the South. In the North, slaves were often treated more harshly than in the South. They were often denied access to education, could not own property, and were not allowed to vote. In contrast, slaves in the South were often given more responsibilities and were sometimes allowed to own property and vote.