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Summary and Objective
After reading primary documents showing that slaves were bought and sold by northerners, students will understand that slavery was practiced throughout the United States and not just in the South as many mistakenly believe. This understanding will lead to discussion of slavery as an economic force and not a matter of the northerners being morally superior to the southerners. This discussion will take place in a future lesson.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Students will read "Negro Slavery in Old Deerfield". They will share whether or not they were aware that slavery had such a presence in Massachusetts. The students will also recognize that at one point in history, slavery was illegal in Georgia. (Younger students will need teacher assistance in reading the documents included in this lesson.)
Step 2.
Students will view the article "Increase in the Slave Population in the United States" noting that the title refers to the United States and not just the South. Again, students will emphasize through discussion that slavery was an institution of the entire Union and not just the South.
Step 3.
The three bills of sale will be read one at a time by the students. They will be asked specific questions about the slaves sold. Questions will include: What was the age of the slave? What was the gender of the slave? What information is given about who the new slave owner is or where that owner lived? What information is given regarding the duties of the slave?
Step 4.
Students will read "Slave Talks in Northfield" to recognize that slavery existed in the northern states. They will also note that this article discusses a beginning to the antislavery movement.
Step 5.
Students will orally discuss their reactions to these proofs that slavery was a part of the North. Discussion prompts will include: Were you surprised about any of the information in these sources? If so, what surprised you the most? Did you think that the numbers of slaves was so high? What is it about the Massachusetts Bay Colony that made it an ideal spot for the slave trade?
Step 6.
Students will write a brief journal entry describing their thoughts about the slave trade existing throughout the United States. They will be directed to note whether or not they were aware that slavery was as part of the Northern citizens' lives as it was the Southerners'. Students will also reflect on why they might have thought that slavery was a Southern institution and not one that was practiced in the North. This prompt can be a way to help them understand that it is important to gather all facts before making conclusions about history.
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