key term - No slavery policy

Definition

The no slavery policy was a fundamental aspect of the early governance of Georgia, established by the Trustees to promote a unique social and economic structure in the colony. This policy was intended to differentiate Georgia from other colonies by fostering a society based on small farms worked by free labor rather than a plantation economy reliant on enslaved labor. This decision reflected the Trustees' vision of creating a morally upright community while also addressing concerns about the potential for unrest associated with slavery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The no slavery policy was enacted in 1735 and reflected the Trustees' desire to create a society based on free white laborers instead of enslaved individuals.
2. This policy aimed to attract settlers who would cultivate land and contribute to the colony's growth without relying on enslaved labor.
3. The no slavery policy faced criticism and resistance from settlers who believed that allowing slavery would enhance their economic opportunities.
4. In 1750, after years of debate, the no slavery policy was repealed, leading to the introduction of enslaved Africans into Georgia's economy.
5. The initial decision to prohibit slavery significantly influenced Georgia's early social structure and development, setting it apart from other Southern colonies.

Review Questions

• How did the no slavery policy influence the social and economic development of early Georgia?
  • The no slavery policy significantly shaped early Georgia's social and economic framework by promoting small-scale farming and free labor. This approach attracted settlers who were looking for opportunities without the reliance on enslaved workers, fostering a community-oriented environment. However, this policy also limited the colony's economic growth compared to neighboring colonies that embraced slave labor for larger agricultural enterprises.
• Evaluate the reasons behind the establishment of the no slavery policy by the Trustees and its implications for settlement patterns in Georgia.
  • The Trustees established the no slavery policy as part of their vision for creating a morally upright society that contrasted sharply with other Southern colonies. They believed that a society without slavery would prevent social unrest and promote a sense of equality among settlers. This led to settlement patterns characterized by small farms rather than large plantations, impacting demographics and economic opportunities in the region.
• Assess the impact of the repeal of the no slavery policy in 1750 on Georgia's transition into an agricultural economy similar to its Southern neighbors.
  • The repeal of the no slavery policy in 1750 marked a pivotal moment in Georgia's transition towards an agricultural economy akin to its Southern neighbors. This change allowed for the introduction of enslaved Africans, which transformed land use practices and economic structures. The shift led to increased production capacities and greater wealth accumulation for plantation owners, aligning Georgia more closely with the prevailing economic models seen in other slave-dependent colonies.

Related terms

Trustee system: A governance model where a group of Trustees was responsible for overseeing the establishment and development of the Georgia colony, including its laws and regulations.

Indentured servitude: A labor system where individuals worked for a certain number of years in exchange for passage to America, usually viewed as a temporary arrangement unlike the permanent nature of slavery.

Agricultural economy: An economic system primarily based on farming and the cultivation of crops, which was a major focus of Georgia's development under the Trustee system.