To show students how slaves were utilized and marketed to meet the economic needs of the slave owner. To acquaint students with strategies slaves utilized to gain freedom, i.e., purchase of their time, purchase of family members or self, escape or manumission. To demonstrate the earning potential of a typical 19th century blacksmith. To introduce documentation, written by slaves, describing the working conditions and life-styles of slaves. Background Slaves were property, and as such had value. However, slaves who were also skilled craftsmen were difficult to replace and commanded the highest Duration: 60 Minutes.