To be free but not really free. Looking at the years from 1800 to 1860. There were more free slaves in the South than in the North. Most slaves became free upon the death of their owners or for economic reasons. Some slaves bought their freedom. In the following paragraphs we will talk about their social and religious freedom. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Most blacks in the 1800s were free to find good jobs, vote, attend school, and go to church in the North. Although they were free to do these things, most of them refused because the whites would not allow this to happen. What's the point of having the freedom to vote if you aren't allowed it? Poll taxes have been imposed that have made voting impossible and unsustainable. They believed in segregation. In the North there were to be no mixing with whites. They could not attend concerts, theaters, churches or courtrooms. In the South, whites were more willing to mix to some extent. They were more tolerant. The black church was a way for blacks to get involved in the politics of their community. The church was a place where they could get married and a place to celebrate their deaths. The church was a place for Bible teaching. A place to write papers and hold meetings. The church was a place to house runaway slaves. In the North, blacks had the right to do several things that were written into the law, but whites refused to let them follow the laws. The church was supposed to be a place where they could gather in numbers and try to assert their rights. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay How free were free blacks in the ruling North? In reality they were not free at all. They were not free to vote, get good jobs, or attend good schools. They were not free to use the laws that were written for them, due to harassment and prejudice from whites. Black people were able to do some things, although most were limited. (Document B) There were more free slaves in the South than in the North. This happened because their owners died or released them for economic reasons. The black church was a way to feel free. It was a place where they could meet in marriage and death. A place where we can work as a community for our own freedom. (Document D)