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First African slaves arrive in Virginia
Though slaves had likely existed before this time, the first record of African slavery in the British American colonies occurs in 1619. -
Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin
Demand for slave labor greatly increases. -
U.S. Congress bans slave importation
Though importation of new slaves was banned, the slave market was kept alive through reproduction. -
The Missouri Compromise
Slavery is banned in all territories north of the southern border of Missouri. -
Nat Turner revolts
Nat Turner organizes a slave rebellion that results in 56 white deaths, punishment of hundreds of black slaves in retaliation, and stricter Virginia slave laws -
Uncle Tom's Cabin is published
Harriet Beecher Stowe publishes Uncle Tom's Cabin, a large factor in stirring support for the anti-slavery movement. -
Dred Scott Decision
The Supreme Court rules that Congress does not have the power to ban slavery in states, and that slaves are not citizens. -
The Confederate States of America is formed
Several states decide to secede from the United States of America to form the Confederate States of America, with one of their reasons being to maintain slavery in their states. -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, stating that all slaves in the Confederacy shall be set free. -
Slavery is officially prohibited
The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is adopted, prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude.