Slavery in America

Slavery in America began in the early 1600s, when enslaved Africans were brought to work on plantations, primarily in the southern states. Enslaved people were considered property, forced to labor without pay, and denied basic rights. This system supported the economy, particularly in cotton and tobacco production, but caused immense suffering. The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the 19th century, leading to the Civil War. The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the 13th Amendment in 1865 abolished slavery, but its legacy continues to impact American society, culture, and race relations today.