WI: the Colony of Georgia outlawed slavery

What if Oglethorpe's desire to prevent slavery from spreading to Georgia was respected by later governors (or Oglethorpe returned to governorship after the War of Jenkin's Ear), and slavery remained outlawed in Georgia indefinitely?
 
I don't know a whole lot about the era, but I'm guessing that if it continued successfully, it would lead to a much earlier and more peaceful outlawing of slavery in the US.
 

B-29_Bomber

Banned
What if Oglethorpe's desire to prevent slavery from spreading to Georgia was respected by later governors (or Oglethorpe returned to governorship after the War of Jenkin's Ear), and slavery remained outlawed in Georgia indefinitely?

The problem is Oglethorpe's desires weren't all that popular with the settlers...
 
This would delay Georgia's economic development initially. Slaves were an important part of the labor force in the period, especially in the south when heat, humidity, and disease took its tool. This is the era that slavery was legal in the northern colonies as well, so this really puts Georgia at a disadvantage initially. Eventually if the ban lasts long enough, this will come to Georgia's advantage (as many free whites will have more political voice since there is no plantation aristocracy), but there will be a long period where Georgia does not develop as fast for a lack of manpower. Oglethorpe and future governors would need to find a lot of new settlers to make up for it.

Another issue is that it provides a safe haven for runaway slaves which will irritate the other southern colonies, especially South Carolina. That will create some political problems that will need to be dealt with.

However, it is feasible for the colony to survive. Slavery was only permitted starting in 1749. If we assume the ban lasts - only thirty years later the American War for Independence begins. By the time the war was won, many believed slavery would die a natural death as it was increasingly unprofitable. By the time the cotton gin makes it massively profitable by 1800 or so, Georgia should have a large enough population of free whites to make them reluctant to establish it.

This has further impact because of potential effects on Alabama - I'm assuming here Georgians were the main colonizers of the state, and if they are "free staters" then it might bleed over as well.

Certainly even one free state in the Deep South has immense impact as to the slavery debate within the US.
 
This would delay Georgia's economic development initially. Slaves were an important part of the labor force in the period, especially in the south when heat, humidity, and disease took its tool. This is the era that slavery was legal in the northern colonies as well, so this really puts Georgia at a disadvantage initially. Eventually if the ban lasts long enough, this will come to Georgia's advantage (as many free whites will have more political voice since there is no plantation aristocracy), but there will be a long period where Georgia does not develop as fast for a lack of manpower. Oglethorpe and future governors would need to find a lot of new settlers to make up for it.

Another issue is that it provides a safe haven for runaway slaves which will irritate the other southern colonies, especially South Carolina. That will create some political problems that will need to be dealt with.

However, it is feasible for the colony to survive. Slavery was only permitted starting in 1749. If we assume the ban lasts - only thirty years later the American War for Independence begins. By the time the war was won, many believed slavery would die a natural death as it was increasingly unprofitable. By the time the cotton gin makes it massively profitable by 1800 or so, Georgia should have a large enough population of free whites to make them reluctant to establish it.

This has further impact because of potential effects on Alabama - I'm assuming here Georgians were the main colonizers of the state, and if they are "free staters" then it might bleed over as well.

Certainly even one free state in the Deep South has immense impact as to the slavery debate within the US.

If Oglethorpe decided to come back to Georgia as a war hero after the War of Jenkin's Ear, do you think he could remain governor of Georgia for the rest of his life? If so, it could theoretically secure Georgia as a free colony until 1785.

Also, could freed slaves and Irish indentured servants make up for the lost population over time?
 
shorten the period when slavery is "necessary" to keep up with other colonies?

It seems like the best way might be to get some value-added sectors in your economy going. So, maybe the the rule against manufactured goods aren't as strict as conventionally thought and/or they can gotten around as long as it's not too blatant?

And, war's probably devastating to the economy as it usually is. Unfortunately, I mean the Revolutionary War. And that's a big, big negative.
 
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Just spitballing but if Georgia continues to resist slavery (unlikely) would there be much incentive for expansion at all? I can't imagine what their economy would be based on. Perhaps this delays development enough that it benefits the "5 civilized tribes."
 
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