What was the key to discipline in Auburn System?

The key to discipline in the Auburn System (also known as the Auburn Prison System) was a combination of strict regimentation, hard labor, and religious instruction. While it wasn't explicitly stated as one single "key," the interwoven nature of these elements is what created the system's notoriously harsh disciplinary environment.

* Strict Regimentation: The Auburn System emphasized a highly structured daily routine with little to no freedom. Inmates were kept in solitary confinement at night but worked together in silence during the day. This controlled environment aimed to suppress individuality and prevent rebellious behavior. Any deviation from the rigid schedule resulted in swift punishment.

* Hard Labor: The system relied heavily on convict labor to generate revenue. The grueling nature of the work itself served as a form of punishment and deterrence. The exhaustion and physical hardship made it harder for inmates to plot or engage in disruptive actions.

* Religious Instruction: While seemingly contrasting with the harshness, religious instruction played a role in controlling behavior. It aimed to instill obedience, morality, and a sense of remorse in the inmates. This was believed to foster a more docile and manageable prison population.

It's important to note that the Auburn System was highly criticized for its brutality and the psychological damage inflicted upon inmates. The system’s emphasis on control and punishment, rather than rehabilitation, was its defining characteristic and the core of its disciplinary approach.