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New England enters slave trade
As the Royal African Trade Company loses a monopoly over the slave trade the colonies become a major player in the slavery business. Trade is moving in a triangular pattern delivering goods to Africa, Europe and the Americas. The Colonies in New England benefit from the slaves as they have a definite need for labor on their newly acquired land. The southern colonies in particular need the labor provided by slavery to work their large plantations. -
Virginia Slave Code Established
As slaves enter the Colonies from the triangular trade system the colonists realize their must be some guiding rules and principles to govern slavery in North America. The Virginia Slave Code is established, declaring slaves to be considered "real estate" of the slave owner. This is a dark period for human rights in North America and soon to be debated. -
"A Testimony Against That Anti-Christian Practice of Making Slaves Of Men" is published by the Quaker Elihu Coleman
The Puritan Minister Elihu Coleman writes a book in which he criticizes the act of slavery. This takes place in Pennsyvlania and is far removed from the south, but can be recognized as an initial protest against human rights in the Americas. This is also a sign of how geography influences thinking. -
Spanish Florida offers freedom to runaway slaves
Whether the Spanish decide to offer slaves freedom in Florida as a civil liberties act or are simply trying to disrupt the southern Colonies is up for debate. Nevertheless, this leads many slaves to revolt or run away in search of a better life for themselves and family members. The issues developing in the south do not go unnoticed and the concept of slavery begins to be examined. -
1705 Virginia Act Repealed
A major stepping stone for the abolishment of slavery occurs when King George III repeals the Virginia Slave Code act of 1705. This Virginia Code declares slaves to be "real estate" of slave holders. This repeal, while not taking place in America is a subtle battle cry against the social injustices of slavery. Public leaders are starting to take notice of the slavery issue and we will see it creep to the forefront of legislature. -
South Carolina founds first seperate black church
Silver Bluff Baptist Church is established in South Carolina. This is a major accomplishment for the pro-slavery southern colonies. From the beginning of the 18th century slaves are declared "real estate." At this point black slaves are considering themselves a community and begin to worship together. This will also bring the slave communities together in the south as they worship and enjoy fellowship. -
Declaration of Independence signed
The key piece to analyze in the Declaration of Independence is the passage that was subsequently left out of the document. Jefferson clearly attacks the issue of slavery in this passage, but it never makes it onto the Declaration. This shows how our leaders were beginning to feel about the ongoing use of slaves in our country. The need for slave labor was much to high at this point in time, hence the omission of this valuable literature. -
Northwest Ordinance forbids slavery
As America gained land from the French they immediately wanted to expand westwardly. The Northwest Ordinance was a document stating the laws of expansion northwest of the Ohio River. The glaring initiative of this legislature is the exclusion of slavery in the new states. -
U.S. Constitution officially adopted
The U.S. Constitution finally goes into effect and while there is not a major legislative move to steer away from slavery there is a piece that signals forward progress. The three fifths component, might sound ridiculous in today's society was actually an improvement in early America. Slaves were considered three fifths a person which for the first time granted them some form of recognition in American society. This was used as a tax maneuver, but nevertheless granted some form of recognition.
