-
The Virginia Slave Codes of 1705
It was put into law in Virginia that any non-christian servant brought into America could be bought or sold as slaves. White Christian servants were able to gain protection from harsh treatments suffered by slaves. It also makes it unlawful for a white person to marry a person of color. This code was meant to give whites a sense of racial superiority, thereby, preventing poor blacks and whites from consorting against the wealthy. -
Stono Rebellion
On September 9, 1739, a band of approximately 20 slaves banded together in South Carolina, stole guns and ammunition and headed south toward Spanish territory hoping for freedom. They moved from plantation to plantation gaining in numbers and killing white men, women and children along the way. A militia was formed to stop them. A total of 21 whites and 44 slaves were killed that day. The Negro Act of 1740 was created to keep stricter control of slaves. -
Pennsylvania Abolition Society
Founded in 1775, the Pennsylvania Abolition Society was the first in America to promote the abolition of slavery and offered legal assistance to free blacks who were unlawfully held in bondage. The society was originally formed by Quakers. In 1787, Benjamin Franklin became President of the society, released his slaves and addressed the public asking for support in educating, employing and protecting the rights of emancipated slaves. -
Vermont 1777
The people of Vermont emancipated themselves from New York and New Hampshire in what was known as the Republic of Vermont. A declaration was made in their constitution that all men are equal and free. All slaves were to be freed upon reaching the age of twenty-one for males and eighteen for females. -
The Revolutionary War and Slavery
Thousands of black slaves fought in the the Revolutionary War, with the majority siding with the British in hopes of gaining freedom. This resulted in a deepened racial hatred toward blacks. Contrarily, movements toward the abolition of slavery also began during the war in Pennsylvania and New York. Slaves also began to resist their plights and fight for their freedom, winning several legal battles for their freedom in Massachusetts. -
Slave Trade Act 1794
A series of Acts began on March 22, 1974 to put an end to the slave trade in the United States. Initially, the act was designed to prevent the exportation of slaves out of the United States. However, the act did not prevent the importation of slaves into the United States or it's territories until January 1, 1808.
