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1619
The first Africans arrive in Virginia. The vast majority of slaves will be transported from Africa to the West Indies. -
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
The Northwest Ordinance bans slavery in the Northwest Territory -
Cotton gin
Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin greatly increases the demand for slave labor. -
1808
Congress bans the importation of slaves from Africa. -
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery and becomes one of the most effective and celebrated leaders of the Underground Railroad. -
13th amendment
The Civil War ends. Lincoln is assassinated. The Thirteenth Amendment abolishes slavery throughout the United States. -
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.