By Williams, Heather Andrea (NHC Fellow, 2007–08)
Slavery not only inhibited family formation but made stable, secure family life difficult if not impossible. A father might have one owner, his “wife” and children another. Family separation through sale was a constant threat. Many owners encouraged marriage to protect their investment in their slaves. Abolitionists attacked slavery by pointing to the harm it inflicted upon families.
Read MoreSubjects
History / Education Studies / Family / Slavery / Enslaved Persons / African American History /