What were some reasons why slaves weren't allowed to learn how to read or write? thx?

Question

i know punishment was really harsh, like cutting off their hands and i know the reasons had to do with revolt or something?

Answer 1

The more you know, the more power you have. If slaves learned to read, they would be able to think for themselves and be an educated human being. How would you enslave someone who had that kind of power? They wouldn't stay enslaved for long! This is what happened to Frederick Douglass. He secretly was taught to read and write, wanted more out of life, and ran away and made something of himself. They wanted them to stay in darkness and ignorant about the world.

Yes, they were very scared of revolts.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Good question. A couple good answers above have noted the connection to the Nat Turner revolt of August 22, 1831 in southern Virginia. I think that's the key to your question. It was this event which frightened the South and slave owners the most since Turner was an educated person who had gained a following with his intelligence. In one bloody night over 50 white men, women, and children were slaughtered with quiet cold steel - knives, axes, clubs - rather than gunfire. That mode of killing always seems more frightening than shooting. Although not always enforced (as stated above), laws did come about after that dreadful night. Whites who lived in areas where slaves outnumbered masters did live in fear of uprisings. For their own self protection they would legislate whatever measure they could to keep a lid on the situation. One would think that might have clued people in to how bad the practice of slavery really was, but it was like having a wolf by the jaws. Slave owners were frightened holding on but even more afraid to let 'em loose.

Answer 4

I have a Ph.D. in history and covered slavery in a number of books, such as by Kenneth Stampp, Eugene Genovese, U.B. Philipps, Stanley Elkins, and others.

It is true that the law said that slaves were not to be tought to read. But the law was actually not rigidly enforced. The premise behind the law was that slave revolts would be easier if slaves could read, and they would be harder to control. For example, if a slave was given a note that he was to report to the sheriff, who would give him 40 lashes, then the slave might desert. Southerners were afraid of slaves reading Abolitionist literature, which would encourage rebellion and opposition to their lowly status that they might have just accepted as the way things were.

After a lot of study on slavery it is clear the revolt was the real item that caused harsh reactions and fears from owners, such as the Nat Turner revolt.

Otherwise the overseer was there to discipline and control the slave. In reality, it the working of a planatation or farm the slaves did many times learn to read, especially for church services. Many slave owners felt Christianity was helpful in controlling slaves.

Answer 5

Because a stupid (lack of knowledge) slave won't know any better and continue to think that obeying orders is the correct thing to do. An educated person is a powerful person, hence the saying, "the pen is mightier than the sword". Meaning that real power comes from education. When you can educate the slaves(or anyone), you empower them with knowledge to escape the bondage that has been placed upon them. Now they can stand up for what is right & just.

Answer 6

According to this first link, North Carolina banned teaching slaves to read and write in 1831, the same year as Nat Turner's Rebellion in Virginia. The wikipedia link does trace this to the rebellion, which is what I thought.

Answer 7

despite if, scientific learn have shown direct correlations between literacy and IQ, a good answer on your question lies in "Narrative of the existence of Frederick Douglass." in this autobiographical paintings, Douglass (a former slaves) explains how his proprietor is livid while he learns that Douglass is being taught a thank you to envision and write. His proprietor feels that a literate slave could be almost ineffective. to no longer break the paintings in case you haven't any longer examine it, yet Douglass shows that gaining expertise of to envision helps him to appreciate his social prestige from a lots wider perspective. in short, Douglass turns into knowledgeable. And, what good is an informed slave? The previous cliches of "lack of expertise is bliss" and "expertise is means" carry actual; consequently, Douglass attributes literacy with giving him a burning desire to be unfastened. Douglass achieves psychological freedom from lack of expertise first, then he achieves actual freedom by using escaping from bondage.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Yes, to keep all the slaves under their control. Back in the days, only priviledged families were literate, and if slaves could read and write, they could find better employment elsewhere.

Answer 10

Keep them dumb and they wont revolt so quickly or trade messages