Slavery in the United States

In this episode, we examine the history of slavery in the United States, from its colonial origins to its abolition in 1865, focusing on how chattel slavery shaped the nation’s economy, politics, and social order. The episode explores the forced labor system that powered Southern agriculture, especially cotton production, and the growing political conflicts that helped lead to the Civil War. It also confronts the violence and dehumanization endured by enslaved people, including physical abuse, family separation, denial of education, and the sexual exploitation of enslaved women. Alongside these injustices, we highlight acts of resistance and abolitionist efforts, from freedom suits and the Underground Railroad to the service of Black soldiers in the fight for emancipation. The episode concludes by considering slavery’s lasting legacy, including white supremacy, segregation, and economic inequality after emancipation.