Racism is "prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race <u>based on the belief that one's own race is superior</u>."
When one believes he/his race is superior, he by default looks down on others. This leads to "prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race" because he doesn't consider their feelings and/or opinions worth as much as his own if not completely worthless. In a case where one considers another as inferior he may even subjugate them.
<h3><em><u>Hundreds of thousands of Americans traveled westward during the migration of the 1840s and 1850s. Pioneers had a choice of trails, but none was easy. The Oregon Trail alone claimed some 34,000 lives—most from accidents or cholera. About one grave was dug for every hundred yards. The biggest fear was not finishing the journey before winter with its deadly storms. Those who were successful could claim inexpensive, fertile land and had an excellent chance of carving out a good life for themselves</u></em></h3>
I dont see a document but i think i can still answer your question. Slaves were not considered people because they were owned by people and considered property. Slaves did not have rights like others and were not accounted for until the 3/5 act. And even then only 3 out of 5 slaves were counted to up the population but still did not have rights.
