The History of the United States, 2nd Edition Season 1 Episode 6 An Economy of Slaves

The History of the United States, 2nd Edition season 1 episode 6, titled An Economy of Slaves, delves into the use of slavery as a key driver of the American economy. Beginning with a discussion of the transatlantic slave trade, the episode explores how slaves were captured and branded, and the abhorrent conditions they faced on their journey across the ocean.

Moving on to the role of slavery in the southern United States, the episode examines the ways in which the institution underpinned the region's agricultural economy. Through interviews with historians and expert analysis of primary sources, viewers are offered a glimpse into the lives of slaves and the daily realities of their labor.

The episode also explores the economic and political systems that developed to support slavery, including the so-called "peculiar institution" of law that allowed slave owners to treat human beings as property. This included the Fugitive Slave Act, which compelled free states to return escaped slaves to their owners.

The episode then turns to the antebellum period, when the issue of slavery became increasingly contentious. Viewers will see how the fight over whether new states should be allowed to practice slavery or not was a major factor in the build-up to the American Civil War. The episode analyzes the various events and crises that led to secession and war, including the Dred Scott decision and the raid on Harpers Ferry.

Throughout, the episode highlights the struggles of enslaved people to resist their captivity, whether through rebellion, escape, or everyday acts of resistance. Viewers will see how these forms of resistance contributed to the eventual downfall of slavery in the United States.

Overall, An Economy of Slaves offers viewers a rich and comprehensive portrait of the ways in which slavery shaped American history and culture. With its mix of expert analysis, archival footage, and interviews with historians, the episode is a compelling and informative exploration of a dark chapter in American history.