Which statement below correctly describes White ownership of slaves in the South?
A. Most White Southerners owned slaves, since slaves were plentiful and inexpensive to purchase.
B. In addition to White men, White women also owned slaves, with women purchasing slaves for domestic work.
C. The total number of slaveowners was only about 400,000 out of a total White population of some 8 million.
D. Only White men of the planter class owned slaves, using them on large plantations.
E. Slave ownership was limited by law in most states to a maximum of twenty slaves per White owner.
Answer (2)
The correct statement about White slave ownership in the South is that both White men and women owned slaves, particularly for domestic duties. Overall, slave ownership was a minority practice among Whites, with about 400,000 owners from a total population of around 8 million. Thus, ownership extended beyond large plantations to include affluent households led by women as well. ;
The selected option is B: In addition to White men, White women also owned slaves, with women purchasing slaves for domestic work. Approximately 400,000 families owned slaves out of a total White population of around 8 million in the South. Slave ownership was not limited to wealthy men and included both genders and a variety of household contexts.
;
