slavery in the United States

Slavery in the United States was a system where millions of African people were forcibly taken from their homes and made to work without pay, primarily on plantations in the South, from the early 17th century until 1865. Enslaved individuals were considered property, denied basic rights, and subjected to harsh treatment. The institution of slavery was deeply intertwined with the economy and society, leading to significant moral, cultural, and political conflicts. The Civil War (1861-1865) ultimately resulted in the abolition of slavery through the 13th Amendment, but its legacy continues to impact American society today.