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Jan 1, 1543
Beginning of the Asiento system
System in which Spanish brought slaves from West Africa to the Americas to work in their colonies. -
First African slaves arrive in British colonies
Introduction of African slavery into the Virginia colony. -
Virginia Slave Law of 1661
Colony of Virginia creates a slave law, which stated that children automatically inherited their mother's enslaved status for life. The law ensured that slavery would remain hereditary. -
Period: to
American Revolution
5,000 African Americans fought as Patriots in the American Revolution -
Period: to
Northern states abolish slavery
Inspired by the Declaration of Independence, Vermont became the first state to abolish slavery in its constitution. By 1804, all northern states had abolished slavery. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
The territory lying between the Great Lakes and the Ohio River was organized for statehood by the Articles of Confederation. Slavery was outlawed throughout the Northwest territory as part of the ordinance. -
Nat Turner Rebellion
Slave rebellion in Virginia, led by Nat Turner, which led southern states to enact even stricter slave codes.
