Slavery 1619-1964

  • 1619

    1619
    The first Africans arrive in Virginia. The vast majority of slaves will be transported from Africa to the West Indies.
  • Declaration of Independence

    Declaration of Independence
    The Declaration of Independence declares that "All men are created equal." In spite of that, slavery remains a legal institution in all thirteen of the newly-established states.
  • Northwest Ordinance

    Northwest Ordinance
    The Northwest Ordinance bans slavery in the Northwest Territory
  • Cotton gin

    Cotton gin
    Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin greatly increases the demand for slave labor.
  • 1808

    1808
    Congress bans the importation of slaves from Africa.
  • Harriet Tubman

    Harriet Tubman
    Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery and becomes one of the most effective and celebrated leaders of the Underground Railroad.
  • 13th amendment

    13th amendment
    The Civil War ends. Lincoln is assassinated. The Thirteenth Amendment abolishes slavery throughout the United States.
  • Civil Rights Act

    Civil Rights Act
    The Civil Rights Act was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed major forms of discrimination against blacks and women, including racial segregation.