Slave Labor
Slaves could expect to work from dawn until dusk and had little time for leisure. Children and women were not exempt from the harsh labor conditions and hours.
Overseers were often employed to make sure the slaves worked as hard as possible. The more efficient a master's slaves worked, the more money he made, so this was usually a favorable option.
Instead of hiring an overseer, a master could appoint a "driver." The key difference between the two is that a driver is a slave himself. He would make sure the other slaves were working to their fullest potential and was often looked at as a sellout by the other slaves.
Overseers were often employed to make sure the slaves worked as hard as possible. The more efficient a master's slaves worked, the more money he made, so this was usually a favorable option.
Instead of hiring an overseer, a master could appoint a "driver." The key difference between the two is that a driver is a slave himself. He would make sure the other slaves were working to their fullest potential and was often looked at as a sellout by the other slaves.
Slave Treatment
Slave codes, passed by different states, outlined the legality regarding treatment of slaves. Essentially, a master could punish his slave in any way he saw fit. A master could even legally kill his slave if it happened as a result of punishing a slave for disobedience.
Severe beatings and sexual abuses were common on plantations and rarely reported. Even if a slave wanted to report an offense, he or she could not testify in court.
The threat of physical abuse kept most potential slave rebels at bay. The fear and hopelessness instilled in slaves made it difficult and rare for them to fight back.
Severe beatings and sexual abuses were common on plantations and rarely reported. Even if a slave wanted to report an offense, he or she could not testify in court.
The threat of physical abuse kept most potential slave rebels at bay. The fear and hopelessness instilled in slaves made it difficult and rare for them to fight back.