Introduction

 

     In this lesson we will examine a prominent slave auction that took place in Savannah, Georgia, 1859, by reading excerpts from an article written shortly after the event entitled, “What Became of the Slaves on a Georgia Plantation”.  We will look at how the auction was promoted and how many people attended.  We will also try to understand the emotional pain and indignities suffered by the slaves being sold from this Georgia plantation.  We will also examine the way slaves resisted, daily life, living conditions, and type of work expected of slaves.

 

Time: 50 minutes

 

Objectives:

 

• Students will examine the atmosphere surrounding the slave auction.
• Students will recognize and explain the emotional strife of a slave being sold.
• Students will write about the human cost of the slave auction.
• Students will gain a better understanding of the inhuman way slaves were viewed and treated.
• Students will discuss different ways that slaves were able to cope with their situation.

 

 

National history Standards: Era 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)

 

• Understands how slavery influenced economic and social elements of Southern society.

 

 

Materials:

• Computer with Internet
• Paper
• Pencil

 

 

Application and Procedure

 

Engagement

 

     Explain how a slave auction in the 1850’s would be promoted and carried out.  Explain how you would feel if you were separated from your loved ones for the rest of your life.  Based on your general knowledge of slavery how did most white people regard African-American slaves?

 

Exploration

 

     Click here to view excerpts from “What Became of the Slaves on a Georgia Plantation”.  As you read from the article try to put yourself in the shoes of the slaves being sold that day.  Try to understand how being a slave would affect your outlook on life and the future.  Look for examples of how the slaves dealt with the indignities that were being thrust upon them.

 

Explanation

 

     Together we will discuss how it was possible for whites to view the slaves as non-humans.  We will examine how public and matter-of-fact this auction was.  I will challenge the students to pretend they were the ones being separated and sold away from home and family.  Finally, we will discuss some ways that slaves resisted and dealt with their incredible plight.

 

Elaboration

 

     Click here to read chosen excerpts from “Conditions of antebellum slavery
1830 – 1860”, taken from PBS.org.  We will discuss the hardships and unfair situation slaves found themselves in.  We will focus on the lack of protection by the law, the different ways that slaves resisted their life of servitude, and how slaves found comfort on the plantation.

 

 

 

Evaluation

 

Students will respond in writing to the following questions.

1. Explain how people knew about this slave auction and how many people you think attended the event?

 

2. How do you think the slaves felt about being sold off to different owners?

 

3. What do you think would be the worst thing about being a slave in this auction?

 

4. What would it be like to be separated from your loved ones and never hear from them again?

 

5. How did the law work against the slaves?

 

6. What are some ways that slaves resisted their life of servitude?

 

7. How did the slaves find comfort in the plantation setting?