Final answer:
From 1754 to 1850, slavery evolved from a labor system alongside indentured servitude to a racially based, legally supported institution, increasingly splitting the North and South, and leading to the rise of the abolitionist movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evaluation of Slavery Changes from 1754 to 1850
During the period from 1754 to 1850, the institution of slavery underwent significant changes in North America. Initially, slavery existed alongside indentured servitude, with both systems being used on tobacco and rice plantations in the South. However, the role and scope of slavery expanded considerably following the American Revolution, becoming integral to the economy across various regions, including the North. In comparison to earlier forms of slavery, African slavery in the New World was characterized by its racial basis, perpetuity, and legal support.
By the mid-19th century, differing economic systems between the North and South created divergent views on the practicality and morality of slavery, leading to the growth of the abolitionist movement. This movement aimed at reforming and ultimately ending slavery, fueled by both moral and economic arguments. Consequently, slavery became more entrenched in the southern economy while simultaneously facing increased opposition, both internally and externally.
In summary, slavery was transformed from a system existing alongside other forms of labor to a racially codified, legally enforced institution vital to the southern economy but contested increasingly in the free states, setting the stage for conflict and ultimate abolition.