Black People In The Slave South1850 (1971)

The film discusses the historical context of slavery in Mississippi, beginning with the introduction of Eli Whitney’s cotton gin in 1795, which revolutionized cotton production and increased the demand for slave labor. By 1850, the black population outnumbered whites in the state, and the plantation system became a self-sustaining community reliant on slave labor. The harsh realities of plantation life are depicted, including the severe punishments and minimal provisions for field hands, contrasting with the relatively better conditions for skilled house servants. The film also touches on the resistance of slaves against their oppression, highlighting their yearning for freedom despite the brutal system in place.

Keywords
slavery, Mississippi, cotton gin, plantation life, Eli Whitney, black population, labor, resistance, social upheaval, 19th century