[PeaRidge]

The institution of slavery was brought to the shores of the Colonies by Europeans; it was first legalized in the New England states; it was supported by the US Congress; the Southern states engaged in only a minor role of participation in the slave trade; in large part because of favorable living conditions-food and work, and freedom from disease-the population of Negroes in the South grew more rapidly than in other areas.

By 1860, one quarter of the population of slaves in the South had risen to skilled-professional positions, and most were prospering. Slavery did limit opportunities for jobs, education, and travel, but it was not the system of total injustice, hangings, and frequent beatings depicted by some.

In direct opposition to his modern reputation, at the time President Lincoln took office in 1861, he endorsed legalized slavery.

[Fury]

Slavery did limit opportunities for jobs, education, and travel…

Quite an understatement.

It’s okay to say chattel slavery treated people like… property. And ultimately made their individual liberty dependent on the whims of their owner.