Introduction

During this period between 1783 and 1860, not all black Americans were slaves in America. Some had arrived in the 17^th century where they were working on ships as sailors. During the early colonial times, some Africans entered America as indentured servants who after years they were set free by their masters (Welch, 2015). These servants became free once they completed the indenture term.  Other free people included children who were born to colour free women, freed slaves, slaves who escaped, and mixed-race children especially those who were born to free Indian women. This paper will focus on the experiences of the black Americans during this period which will include the type of work they did, their gains and the challenges they went through.

Work Occupation Done By the Free Black Americans

Most of the freed black Americans were employed between 1783 and 1860. However, most of the blacks were either house servants or farm workers(Welch, 2015). Other areas where blacks were employed included, rice and indigo plantations of South Carolina, export-oriented tobacco plantations of Maryland and Virginia.

Gains of Black Americans

Although black Americans were affected by the discriminatory laws, most of them had some several gains. For instance, some of them were given the opportunity to join the army, and in this case, they fought the American Revolution and war 1812.  Another gain is that others were permitted to own land, businesses, and pay taxes like any other American(Welch, 2015). Some of the black property owners were given rights to vote although it was geographically restricted such that only cities allowed the voting of black people. Lastly, some of the free black Americans were gained the opportunity to own slave-holding plantations in Virginia, South Carolina, and Louisiana.

Challenges Faced by the Free Blacks

During the antebellum period, the condition of the blacks worsened due to the rise of many problems and issues. In many instances, they faced economic discrimination, and most of them lost their jobs. The main reason why they lost their jobs was merely that they were replaced by the white immigrants who were arriving in the region in significant numbers(Welch, 2015). The completion for jobs was mainly observed between the Irish and blacks since they had the same level of skills. Other problems they faced were discriminations in education, suffrage rights, and public accommodation.  Also, between 1830 and 1850 anti-Black riotous behaviour became infamous targeting the public accommodation where most of the free blacks stayed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, black American faced through both negative and positive experiences during the period of the antebellum era. That is some were lucky even to own property and have voting rights like it was the same case to the whites. However, despite all these gains, still, there was a form of discrimination in some instances such that all people did not fully accept a free black American. For example, in the army, most of the black men were given responsibilities that were not “significant” in the war.

References

Welch, K. (2015). Black litigiousness and white accountability: free blacks and the rhetoric of reputation in the antebellum Natchez district. Journal of the Civil War Era, 5(3), 372-398.

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