Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 1: British settlement in North America, 1713–41 - 2 Slavery in…
Full specification wording
Option P2: Key topic 1: British settlement in North America, 1713–41 - 2 Slavery in North America: The impact of slavery on colonial society; the position of enslaved people within society and the treatment of fugitives within the colonies.
Slavery profoundly shaped colonial society, creating a rigid racial hierarchy where white colonists held absolute power and enslaved Africans were legally classified as property.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Slavery profoundly shaped colonial society, creating a rigid racial hierarchy where white colonists held absolute power and enslaved Africans were legally classified as property. The position of enslaved people was defined by brutal exploitation, lack of legal rights, and severe restrictions on movement, enforced through strict slave codes. This system fostered a culture of fear among white colonists, who were terrified of uprisings. Consequently, the treatment of fugitives was exceptionally harsh. Colonial laws mandated the capture and return of runaways, employing slave patrols and offering bounties. Captured fugitives faced severe physical punishments, such as whipping or branding, designed to deter others from attempting escape.
What earns the marks
- Describe the legal status of enslaved people as chattel (property) and their position at the absolute bottom of the colonial social hierarchy.
- Explain how slave codes were used to control the enslaved population, restricting their movement, education, and ability to assemble.
- Analyse the impact of slavery on white colonial society, including the development of a racialized class system and a pervasive fear of slave rebellions.
- Detail the methods used to capture fugitives, such as slave patrols and bounties, and the severe physical punishments inflicted upon them as a deterrent.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming enslaved people had some basic legal rights.
Put it right by emphasising that they were legally considered property with no rights under colonial law.
Stating that only plantation owners were impacted by slavery.
Put it right by explaining that the entire colonial social structure and economy were intertwined with the institution of slavery.
Believing fugitives were treated leniently if caught for the first time.
Put it right by detailing the immediate and brutal physical punishments mandated by slave codes for any escape attempt.
Exam tips
- Use the term 'chattel slavery' to demonstrate a clear understanding of the legal status of enslaved people in the colonies.
- Link the harsh treatment of fugitives directly to the white colonists' underlying fear of rebellion and the need to maintain absolute control.
- When discussing the impact on society, ensure you address both the position of the enslaved and the resulting social dynamics among the white population.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option P2: Key topic 1: British settlement in North America, 1713–41 - 2 Slavery in North America: The impact of slavery on colonial society; the position of enslaved people within society and the treatment of fugitives within the colonies. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What legal framework was widely adopted by colonial assemblies in the early 18th century to define the position of enslaved people and restrict their movements?
Listen
Slavery profoundly shaped colonial society, creating a rigid racial hierarchy where white colonists held absolute power and enslaved Africans were legally classified as property. The position of enslaved people was defined by brutal exploitation, lack of legal rights, and severe restrictions on movement, enforced through strict slave codes. This system fostered a culture of fear among white colonists, who were terrified of uprisings. Consequently, the treatment of fugitives was exceptionally harsh. Colonial laws mandated the capture and return of runaways, employing slave patrols and offering bounties. Captured fugitives faced severe physical punishments, such as whipping or branding, designed to deter others from attempting escape. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Describe the legal status of enslaved people as chattel (property) and their position at the absolute bottom of the colonial social hierarchy. Explain how slave codes were used to control the enslaved population, restricting their movement, education, and ability to assemble. Analyse the impact of slavery on white colonial society, including the development of a racialized class system and a pervasive fear of slave rebellions. Detail the methods used to capture fugitives, such as slave patrols and bounties, and the severe physical punishments inflicted upon them as a deterrent. A common slip: Assuming enslaved people had some basic legal rights. Instead, emphasising that they were legally considered property with no rights under colonial law. Exam tip: Use the term 'chattel slavery' to demonstrate a clear understanding of the legal status of enslaved people in the colonies.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Social hierarchy
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Slave codes
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Fugitives
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Chattel
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See every definition
- Social hierarchy
- A rigid racial hierarchy in which white colonists held absolute power and enslaved Africans were placed at the absolute bottom of colonial society.
- Slave codes
- Strict laws used to control the enslaved population by restricting their movement, education and ability to assemble.
- Fugitives
- Runaways who were captured and returned under colonial laws, using slave patrols and bounties, and faced severe physical punishments such as whipping or branding.
- Chattel
- The legal status of enslaved people as property, with no rights under colonial law.
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