What was the purpose of slave codes in relation to enslaved individuals?

The purpose of slave codes was primarily to control various aspects of slave life. These laws were established to regulate the behavior, movement, and rights of enslaved individuals, ultimately aiming to maintain the system of slavery. The codes defined the status of enslaved people, delineating what they could and could not do, and served to protect the interests of slave owners by minimizing the risk of rebellion and ensuring order within slave populations. By establishing strict penalties for disobedience or attempts to escape, slave codes reinforced the power dynamics inherent in slavery, emphasizing the dehumanization and lack of autonomy experienced by enslaved individuals.

In contrast, other options suggest granting freedoms, promoting education, and encouraging financial independence, which ran counter to the fundamental nature of slavery and the intentions behind these legal codes. Slave codes were designed to entrench the institution of slavery rather than promote any form of liberation or empowerment for enslaved people.