AP Success - AP US History: Antebellum Southern Society Insights
"A Northerner’s View of Southern Slavery," Gilder Lehrman, 1821."When we entered Savannah we were astonished at the number of blacks; but now they have become quite familiar to us, We find it no inconvenience at all to be waited upon. I have one and sometimes two to attend me. And can find them sufficient employment. I like their manner of living here, better than at the North they have a greater variety of dishes, and the most of them entirely different from ours. . . . I designed to write you a long letter, but Mrs [S]ansom’s Coach is wa[i]ting for us to ride. I will leave the remainder till I return; perhaps I shall get some new ideas. We ride in state I assure you, with blacks on all sides. One little Negro stands behind the Carriage; With a face shining like a glass bottle. To appearance as happy as if worth thousands."
Question 1
The source 'A Northerner’s View of Southern Slavery' primarily reflects which of the following perspectives?
A Northern visitor's observations and impressions of slavery in the South.
A slave's personal account of life on a Southern plantation.
An abolitionist's critique of the conditions of slaves in the South.
A Southern plantation owner's defense of the institution of slavery.
Question 2
The description of the 'little Negro' in the source suggests that the Northerner perceived slaves as:
Actively resistant to their conditions and seeking freedom.
Economically exploited and in need of immediate emancipation.
Educated and articulate about their plight and suffering.
Seemingly content and well-adjusted to their lives in servitude.
Question 3
The reference to 'blacks on all sides' and being 'waited upon' by slaves in the source can be seen as evidence of:
The Northerner's advocacy for the abolition of slavery based on moral grounds.
The widespread opposition to slavery among Northern visitors to the South.
The successful integration of African Americans into Southern society as equals.
The pervasive presence of slavery in the social and economic life of the South.
Question 4
The Northerner's preference for Southern living as described in the source could be used to illustrate which of the following historical themes?
The role of Northern states in promoting racial equality and civil rights.
The economic hardships faced by Southern planters during the early 19th century.
The impact of the Second Great Awakening on Southern religious practices.
The cultural differences between the Northern and Southern states in the antebellum period.
Question 5
The source 'A Northerner’s View of Southern Slavery' would be most useful to historians analyzing:
The economic data on the profitability of slave labor for Southern plantations.
The strategies used by slaves to resist their conditions and seek freedom.
The specific legal statutes governing the treatment of slaves in the South.
The perceptions and biases of Northern visitors regarding Southern slavery.
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