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The Role Of Slaves In The Antebellum South

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The Role Of Slaves In The Antebellum South
Slaves in the Antebellum South had many restrictions placed on them, including on their marriage. According to Tera W. Hunter, New York Times author, “Back in 1860, marriage was a civil right and a legal contract, available only to free people. Male slaves had no paternal rights and female slaves were recognized as mothers only to the extent that their status doomed their children’s fate to servitude in perpetuity” (Hunter). Slaves were forced to live under the terms of their master that controlled their relationship. Despite this, many slave families held high family values and often worked hard as a result of their master allowing them to have a family.
Not only could slaves not legally marry, but after “marriage” they could be separated
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