George Washington on Slavery

Summary

The transcript explores George Washington's evolving views on slavery, shaped by both personal and economic factors. Although born in Virginia, where slavery was prevalent, Washington's experiences in the North and the Revolutionary War exposed him to ideals opposing slavery. By 1794, Washington expressed opposition to the slave trade, and he sought gradual abolition. In his will, he made provisions to free his slaves upon his wife's death, though many families were affected by separation. The transcript highlights his internal conflict between his anti-slavery stance and the complex dynamics at Mount Vernon.

Takeaways

• 😀 George Washington spent much of his time in the northern states, where slavery was less common, allowing him to witness an economic system that did not rely on slavery.
• 😀 By the end of the American Revolution, Washington saw African-American troops fighting alongside whites against the British, which influenced his views on slavery.
• 😀 Close friends like Marquis de Lafayette and John Laurens opposed slavery, further shaping Washington's changing perspective on the institution.
• 😀 In 1794, Washington wrote to a friend expressing his opposition to selling enslaved people like cattle and made it clear that he would not own slaves for much longer.
• 😀 Washington’s changing views on slavery were also influenced by practical economic factors, as he questioned the profitability and practicality of slave labor at Mount Vernon.
• 😀 By 1778, Washington instructed his farm manager at Mount Vernon to stop selling slaves, specifically because he opposed breaking up families.
• 😀 In 1786, Washington expressed his desire to see a plan for the gradual abolition of slavery, aiming for its end through slow and steady means.
• 😀 Washington made provisions in his will to free his former manservant, Billy Lee, and other slaves upon the death of his wife, Martha Washington.
• 😀 Martha Washington freed all of George Washington's slaves in 1801, a year before her death, although the release of some slaves caused family separations.
• 😀 Upon Martha Washington’s death in 1802, the Custis estate divided her slaves among her four grandchildren, and some Washington slaves managed to earn money to buy back family members from the estate.

Q & A

What was the significance of George Washington's experiences in the north regarding slavery?

Washington's time in the north exposed him to an economic system that did not depend on slavery. He witnessed firsthand the contrast between the northern economy and that of the southern slave-based system, which made him question the institution of slavery.

How did George Washington's view on slavery change over time?

Washington's views on slavery evolved significantly. Initially involved in the institution as a plantation owner, by the end of the Revolutionary War, he began questioning its moral and economic implications. Over time, he expressed opposition to slavery, advocating for its gradual abolition.

How did the presence of African-American troops in the Revolutionary War influence Washington's views?

The participation of African-American troops fighting alongside white soldiers made Washington recognize the hypocrisy of slavery, as it contradicted the ideals for which they were fighting. This likely played a role in shifting his attitude toward the institution.

What role did friends like Marquis de Lafayette and John Laurens play in shaping Washington's views on slavery?

Close friends such as Marquis de Lafayette and John Laurens were outspoken in their opposition to slavery. Their ideas and influence likely contributed to Washington's changing perspective on the institution.

What was the economic reason behind Washington's changing views on slavery?

Washington, being a practical businessman, began to see the economic unviability of slavery. The costs of maintaining a large enslaved population, particularly at Mount Vernon, made him reconsider the financial benefits of the system.

What steps did George Washington take regarding slavery at Mount Vernon?

In 1778, Washington instructed his farm manager to stop selling slaves, expressing his opposition to the separation of families. He also advocated for the gradual abolition of slavery, both in his personal actions and in his writings.

What did Washington express in his 1786 letter regarding slavery?

In his 1786 letter, Washington stated that he hoped for a plan to be adopted by the legislature for the gradual abolition of slavery. He expressed a desire to no longer acquire slaves by purchase and wished to see the institution of slavery abolished slowly.

How did George Washington handle the freeing of his slaves in his will?

Washington made provisions in his will to free his slaves. He freed his personal manservant, Billy Lee, immediately upon his death. The remainder of his slaves were to be freed upon the death of his wife, Martha Washington.

What happened to Washington's slaves after the death of Martha Washington?

After Martha Washington's death in 1802, she freed all of Washington's slaves on January 1st, 1801. The estate records show that the slaves were impacted by separation, with some being divided among Martha's grandchildren.

How did intermarriage between Washington's slaves and Custis slaves affect the community at Mount Vernon?

The intermarriage between Washington's slaves and Custis slaves created strong family bonds across the enslaved community at Mount Vernon. This made the potential separation of families upon emancipation a difficult and emotional issue for many.