key term - Second Middle Passage

Definition

The Second Middle Passage refers to the massive internal slave trade that occurred within the United States during the 19th century, particularly from the Upper South to the Deep South. This forced migration of enslaved people was driven by the expansion of cotton plantations in the South, which created a high demand for labor. This movement not only reshaped the demographic landscape of the nation but also had profound economic implications, reinforcing the institution of slavery and its pivotal role in American agriculture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Middle Passage involved the forced relocation of nearly one million enslaved individuals from states like Virginia and Maryland to states like Alabama and Mississippi between 1820 and 1860.
2. This internal slave trade was crucial for meeting the labor demands created by the cotton boom, significantly contributing to the economy of the Deep South.
3. Enslaved people were often transported in inhumane conditions, enduring long journeys under brutal treatment, which resulted in high mortality rates during transit.
4. The Second Middle Passage solidified the racial hierarchy in America, as it was accompanied by laws that restricted the rights of enslaved individuals and reinforced their status as property.
5. The economic impact of this migration was profound, as it not only enriched plantation owners but also laid the groundwork for the political tensions that would lead to the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Middle Passage influence social and economic structures in the southern United States?
  • The Second Middle Passage significantly influenced both social and economic structures in the South by solidifying a labor system dependent on enslaved people. As cotton became a major cash crop, more enslaved individuals were forcibly moved to cotton-producing regions, leading to increased plantation economies. This created a society structured around racial hierarchies and dependence on slavery, shaping social relations and economic interactions throughout the region.
• Discuss how slave codes were affected by the Second Middle Passage and what implications this had for enslaved individuals.
  • The Second Middle Passage led to more stringent slave codes as states sought to control and manage an increasing population of enslaved individuals. These laws restricted movement, prohibited literacy, and enforced harsh punishments for disobedience. The implications for enslaved individuals were dire, as they faced increased surveillance and legal restrictions that made escape or rebellion nearly impossible, further entrenching their status as property within society.
• Evaluate how the economic impact of the Second Middle Passage contributed to regional tensions leading up to the Civil War.
  • The economic impact of the Second Middle Passage heightened regional tensions by deepening divisions between free states and slave states. As southern economies thrived on slave labor from cotton production, northern states began opposing slavery on moral grounds while also fearing economic competition. This divergence contributed to rising sectionalism and political conflict over slavery’s expansion into new territories, ultimately playing a significant role in leading to the outbreak of the Civil War.

Related terms

Cotton Kingdom: A term used to describe the southern U.S. states where cotton cultivation became the dominant agricultural activity, fueling the economy and increasing reliance on enslaved labor.

Slave Codes:

Laws enacted in Southern states that defined the status of enslaved people and the rights of their owners, creating a legal framework for maintaining slavery.

Plantation System:

An agricultural system based on large-scale land ownership and the cultivation of cash crops, primarily using enslaved labor in the Southern United States.