Fact Check: american indians held slaves

Fact Check: "American Indians Held Slaves"

What We Know

The claim that "American Indians held slaves" is supported by historical evidence indicating that various Native American tribes engaged in practices of slavery and servitude. According to a study by Linford D. Fisher, between 1492 and 1880, between 2 and 5.5 million Native Americans were enslaved in the Americas, in addition to the 12.5 million African slaves during the same period (Brown University). This history has often been overlooked, with many contemporary accounts focusing primarily on African slavery, while the enslavement of Native Americans has been described as "a piece of the history of slavery that has been glossed over" (Brown University).

Moreover, the practice of slavery among Native Americans is documented in various historical records, including colonial correspondence and shipping records. For instance, during King Philip's War (1675-1676), many Native Americans were enslaved and shipped to locations such as Barbados and Jamaica (Brown University).

Additionally, the concept of Amerindian slave ownership is noted, where some tribes participated in the slave trade, particularly in the southeastern United States (Wikipedia). The Indian slave trade in the American Southeast was significant, with Native American populations being both enslaved and enslaving others (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that American Indians held slaves is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The study by Linford D. Fisher is particularly noteworthy as it provides a comprehensive overview of the scale and nature of Native American enslavement, highlighting that this practice was prevalent during significant historical events like King Philip's War. Fisher's research is published in the journal Ethnohistory, which is a reputable academic source focusing on indigenous studies.

Furthermore, the Wikipedia articles on slavery among Native Americans and Amerindian slave ownership provide additional context and detail about the involvement of Native Americans in slavery, both as victims and perpetrators. The information is corroborated by historical records and accounts from the colonial period, which lend credibility to the claims made.

While some sources, such as NPR, emphasize the psychological and societal factors that contributed to the obscuring of this history, they also affirm the existence of Native American slavery (NPR). This indicates a broader recognition of the complexities surrounding Native American involvement in slavery.

However, it is important to note that while some tribes engaged in slavery, the scale and nature of this practice varied widely among different tribes and regions. Not all Native Americans owned slaves, and the societal structures surrounding slavery were not uniform across tribes.

Conclusion

The claim that "American Indians held slaves" is True. Historical evidence clearly indicates that various Native American tribes participated in the practice of slavery, both by enslaving other Native Americans and by being enslaved themselves. This aspect of history is significant and has been documented through various academic studies and historical records, underscoring the complexity of Native American experiences during the colonial period.