African Americans: The majority of enslaved individuals in the United States were people of African descent who had been forcibly brought to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade. They faced harsh conditions and were subjected to physical, emotional, and psychological abuse during their enslavement.
Native Americans: Indigenous populations, particularly in the southeastern and southwestern regions, were also subjected to enslavement by European colonists and later by the United States government. Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole nations were forced into labor, displacement, and cultural destruction.
Irish Americans: During the 17th and 18th centuries, a significant number of Irish people were transported as indentured servants to the American colonies. Some of these individuals faced conditions similar to slavery and were forced into harsh labor.
Chinese Americans: Chinese immigrants were brought to the United States in large numbers during the mid-19th century to work in various industries such as agriculture, mining, and construction. Many Chinese workers faced poor working conditions and discrimination, with some being subjected to conditions that closely resembled slavery.
In conclusion, before emancipation in the United States, individuals who were enslaved included African Americans, Native Americans, Irish Americans, and Chinese Americans, among others. Their experiences varied based on their ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as the specific historical contexts in which they lived.