In some
cases the ex-slave was provided with land, tools, and seed by
plantation owner who, in turn, was to get a share of the crop at
the end of the season. His share was always so large that the
cropper remained permanently in his debt. Similarly, tenant
farmers paid rent for their land and were extended loans by the
store keeper for their provisions. Interest rates ran so high
that they too remained in permanent bondage. Finally, some
plantation owners leased convicts from the state and worked them
in chain gangs which most closely resembled the prewar slave
system. In every case, the result was that black farm laborers
remained members of a permanent peasant class.
The other hope for the advancement of the ex-slave was through
the development of industrial skills. At this time the American
labor movement was emerging and was striving to protect and
elevate the status of industrial workers. If the ex-slave had
been integrated into this movement, it would have helped many of
them to achieve economic security. At the same time, it would
have strengthened the labor movement itself.
Pages:
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175