Question

2. John Fields (5 points)

In most of us colored folks was the great desire to [be] able
to read and write. We took advantage of every opportunity
to educate ourselves. The greater part of the plantation
owners were very harsh if we were caught trying to learn or
write. It was the law that if a white man was caught trying to
educate a negro slave, he was liable to prosecution entailing
a fine of fifty dollars and a jail sentence. We were never
allowed to go to town and it was not until after I ran away
that I knew that they sold anything but slaves, tobacco, and
whiskey. Our ignorance was the greatest hold the South had
on us. We knew we could run away, but what then? An
offender guilty of this crime was subjected to very harsh
punishment.
Question: How does John Fields's account show us that American
slaveholders were afraid that enslaved people would become educated? Give
examples to support your answer.

Answer 1

John Fields's account demonstrates that American slaveholders feared educated enslaved people, as education threatened their control and power.

Step-by-step explanation:

John Fields's account shows that American slaveholders were afraid that enslaved people would become educated because they knew that education would empower slaves and potentially lead to rebellion or resistance. The plantation owners harshly punished slaves caught trying to learn or write, and there were even laws that punished white individuals who attempted to educate enslaved people. By keeping enslaved people ignorant, slaveholders maintained control over them and prevented them from seeking freedom or questioning their enslavement.

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