From indentured servitude to involuntary race-based servitude, slavery has taken many forms in American history. Class members examine three manumission petitions that reveal how the rights of African Americans and African American slaves became more restrictive from 1675 to 1863.

Concepts

slavery, the united states civil war, civil war, the antebellum south, antebellum america, freedom, indentured servitude, racism

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have class members create and post a timeline of major events in US history from 1670 through 1865 

Classroom Considerations

• The PDF version (the last IM) has multiple files within it that may not appear the same for everyone when it first opens; however, it contains important documents for the lesson (pdf of the lesson, worksheet, or rubric, etc)
• Requires multiple copies of multiple handouts
• Although designed for Virginia schools, the plan is appropriate for any study of slavery in America
• Establish a protocol for the safe, respectful discussion of sensitive issues
• The first in a series of six related resources

Pros

• Each petition includes an introduction that provides background information on the petitioner and on the political climate of the times

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2