since the foundation of the united states of america in 1783,slavery existed in legal form until it was abolished in 1865. by1830, from maryland to texas, some 2 million africans and african americans were held as slaves in the united states. it was a hugely controversial issue that became the basis for the american civil war. whole industries in america were built on the use of slave labor. however, it was considered by many to be both sinful and detrimental to the rights of free men.

in a well-organized essay, answer the following:

describe the lives of enslaved and free african americans. how did they differ, and how were they the same?

what were the major goals of the abolition movement? what were the major goals of the antiabolitionists?