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African Americans in the Early Republic [APUSH Review Unit 4 Topic 12] Period 4: 1800-1848
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African Americans in the Early Republic [APUSH Review Unit 4 Topic 12] Period 4: 1800-1848

Understanding the Lives and Resistance of African Americans in the Early Republic

The Dehumanization and Cultural Identity of Enslaved People

  • Enslaved black population faced severe dehumanization, but they also created a rich culture amidst their suffering.
  • Despite being given English names by plantation owners, many enslaved individuals continued to use their African names to preserve cultural memory.
  • They maintained West African and Caribbean languages among themselves, along with folk tales, music, and dance that were distinct from their masters' influences.
  • Interaction between enslaved people from different plantations helped spread their unique culture throughout the South during events like cotton markets or secret marriages.
  • Some enslaved Africans practiced Islam while others embraced Christianity, often blending elements of both into their religious practices.

Forms of Resistance Against Slavery

  • Enslaved people resisted dehumanization through subtle cultural expressions rather than solely through overt rebellion.
  • Slave rebellions were a significant fear for slaveholders; the Haitian Revolution (1804) heightened these fears as it resulted in a successful uprising against white populations.
  • Nat Turner’s Rebellion in 1831 was a notable organized revolt where Turner led followers to kill 57 white individuals before being suppressed by the Virginia militia.
  • Following Turner's Rebellion, Virginia planters retaliated violently against an estimated 200 enslaved workers, resulting in numerous beatings and killings.
  • The Amistad mutiny (1839) involved enslaved Africans rebelling on a ship; they successfully fought for freedom after a Supreme Court case ruled in their favor.

Increasing Control Over Enslaved Populations

  • In response to uprisings and fears of rebellion, Southern legislatures enacted stricter laws between 1820 and 1840 that made it illegal to free slaves or teach them literacy skills.
  • Additional restrictions included outlawing marriages among enslaved people and denying them access to legal courts, further entrenching their subjugation.
  • Many slaveholders viewed enslaved individuals not as human beings but as property akin to farm animals, justifying harsh treatment under this belief system.
Playlists: APUSH Unit 4
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GET FOLLOW-ALONG NOTEGUIDES for this video: https://bit.ly/3NUwwmj AP HEIMLER REVIEW GUIDE (formerly known as the Ultimate Review Packet): +APUSH Heimler Review Guide: https://bit.ly/44p4pRL +AP Essay CRAM Course (DBQ, LEQ, SAQ Help): https://bit.ly/3XuwaWN +Bundle Heimler Review Guide and Essay CRAM Course: https://bit.ly/46tjbZo HEIMLER’S HISTORY MERCH! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_bOoi0e3L3SJ1xx5TZWHPw/store Instagram: @heimlers_history For more videos on APUSH Unit 4, check out the playlist: https://bit.ly/36YwqoQ In this video Heimler takes you through Unit 4 Topic 12 of the AP U.S. History curriculum which is set in period 4 (1800-1848). In the early republic of the United States, especially in the South, the experience of the black population was dominated by the dehumanization of slavery. However, it is extremely important to realize that slavery did not define black folks in the early 1800s. In fact, they engaged in many forms of resistance to the institution. They resisted in small ways like slowing down work and maintaining their cultural heritage in names and songs and dance. They also resisted in more violent ways. Nat Turner's Rebellion and the mutiny on the Amistad challenged the prevailing narrative that many slaveholder's believed, namely, that their enslaved workers benefitted from their enslavement. If you have any questions, leave them below and Heimler shall answer forthwithly. This video is aligned with the AP U.S. History Curriculum and Exam Description for Unit 4 Topic 12, and all the key concepts thereunto appertaining.