Final answer:
The lives of African Americans improved to some extent during the period of 1800-1848, but these improvements were limited and uneven due to the ongoing institution of slavery and systemic racism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lives of African Americans did improve to some extent during the period of 1800-1848. One important development during this time was the abolition of the international slave trade in 1808, which decreased the number of enslaved Africans being brought to the United States. Additionally, some enslaved African Americans gained their freedom through manumission or escape, and began to establish their own communities and institutions.
However, it's important to note that these improvements were limited and uneven. Slavery still existed and continued to deeply oppress African Americans, denying them basic rights and subjecting them to brutal treatment. The majority of African Americans remained enslaved during this time, and those who were free still faced discrimination and limited opportunities for advancement.
While some individual African Americans succeeded in various fields such as education, business, and the arts, systemic racism and white supremacy were deeply ingrained in society, making it difficult for African Americans as a whole to achieve significant progress during this period.