Slavery was a system built for economic purposes.

The countries that invested in such

colonies relied on the revenue and products that slavery created. From the 1600s through the
1800s slavery was one of the most important facets that countries such as France and Great
Britain had. The importance of these colonies and what slavery did for these empires cannot be
stressed enough. This being said slavery had to be maintained like a well-oiled machine. Such
things as acts of defiance or slave uprisings could cripple the whole system and leave these
colonies and empires to die economically. So what could be done to prevent such issues from
occurring? Basically control or motivate the slaves with an iron fist. With this being said slave
owners found despicable ways to make sure they got the most potential as possible out of their
slaves whether they died or not. Though the acts of dominance and control were cruel they were
effective and produced results. Even with the importance of keeping the slaves in line they were
not the only issue slave owners had to face. There were many of those who were free people of
color and ex slaves. They too could possibly impose a threat on the institution of slavery. With
this being said those in support of slavery and plantations would find ways to try and keep the
free people of color and ex slaves grounded.
Slavery as previously stated could have been considered a well-oiled machine. How was
this well-oiled machine maintained though? One way was the harsh and unforgiving treatment
towards slaves and the punishments that would be handed down whether it was for defiant
behavior or trying to run away from the plantation. Regardless the punishments would have to
be extremely harsh in order to install fear into other slaves from doing the same as the slave that
was being punished. This being said there were laws put into place that were basically a
guideline or a manual that gave directions on what kind of punishment to give if a particular
situation occurred. Each situation had its own punishment with some that were not as harsh as

others while some were very harsh punishments. For instance King Louis of France sent an edict
to Saint Domingue that gave proper punishments to certain crimes committed by the slaves
ranging in different severities of cruelty. For example the edict says, XVIII. We forbid slaves
to sell sugar can for whatever reason or occasion, even with the permission of their master, on
pain of whipping for the slaves and(a fine) for their master who permitted it, and a similar
fine against the buyer. (Dubois and Garrigus 52)