History of Slavery

Since to origin of man, individuals have continually been enslaved for the benefit of another. Although culture and custom can often alter a word’s definition, even in primitive periods slaves were considered the most undignified social institution, existing merely as property, bound to its owner through involuntary servitude. Since slaves have invariably been legally regarded as objects, they were commonly bought, sold, given as a gift, or warranted as payment for debt. This exchange of slaves ensured and fueled slavery’s prosperity and existence.

In practice, slavery has subsisted since prehistoric ages. However, it was probably first regulated and distinctly established in ancient periods, when agricultural advances promoted the desire for facilitated manual labor and the conceived necessity for slavery. Multiple ancient civilizations began slavery as an accepted, often vital aspect to their economy and society. Slaves were often obtained as prisoners of war through raids, issued to owners as compensation for debt payment, or were enslaved as penalization for an infraction. The children born to a slave were also commonly bound to an unwritten social contract, and deemed a slave.

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However, debt slavery was abolished in Egypt in the Late Dynastic Period. These slaves frequently sold themselves into enslavement to avoid debt for poverty. There was an ancient Greek saying that “the day of enslavement deprives a man of half of his manhood” (Toynbee, 127). With the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, slavery was abolished throughout the U. Although Portugal monopolized African market, soon Spanish and Arabian traders created markets in central Africa. Christian practices and ideologies improved the conditions of slavery, but did not eliminate the entire practice.

Slavery is an amazing concept in itself. Continuing with the struggle French slaves were completely emancipated in 1848 and many South American republics soon ensued.

Abolition of slavery soon became a renowned topic. While the number of slaves imported to North America was originally small, soon Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Virginia officially recognized the practice of enslavement. Fierce treatment, “such as mutilation, branding, chaining, and murder were regulated by law, but instances of cruelty were common” (Encarta). The Helots were popularly used as soldiers in battle. Subsequently, England entered the slave trade, followed by France, Holland, Denmark, and the American colonies.

Approximate Word count = 1096
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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