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NY Slave Act Passed
This act was passed in regard to regulating slaves in NY. This prohibited trade with any slave without permission from its master, or one would have to pay the value of the traded item along with 5 pounds. It also prohibited the congregating of more than three slaves at one time. This is because there were increasing numbers of slaves at the time, and they were prone to running away together. This document also gave owners the legal right to punish their slaves as they saw fit. -
SC Slave Code Passed
In retaliation to the Stono Rebellion in 1739,
this strict code was created to limit the possibility of slave revolt.
It imposed more restrictions on the slaves of South Carolina,
and considered them property of their owners much like an animal. It is also known as "The Negro Act". It included punishment of death, should a slave even assault any white person. It lists many offenses that would be considered felony for a slave, and punishable by death. -
Slaves Join in War at Battle of Bunker Hill
At the Battle of Bunker Hill in Boston, Massachusetts, 150 blacks fought in the battle with 3,000 Americans, defending the attack of the British. This is a time where many slaves were being offered freedom in return for fighting in the local militias. Over 5,000 northern blacks formed regiments after the Battle of Bunker Hill, and fought for freedom of America. We can see a change in views towards slaves, although some slave owners still had concerns about blacks killing whites. -
First "Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery" Passed
Pennsylvania passes the first legislation of it's kind, although freeing very few slaves immediately. PA residents could no longer legally import slaves, and those born into slavery after this time would be freed at age 28. They could still purchase slaves that were already registered, however. The Pennysylvania Abolition Society bought many to set them free, and many owners set their own slaves free. Many northern states would follow suit. -
Northwest Ordinance Outlaws Slavery
The Northwest Ordinance was passed for the lands west of the Ohio River. Article 6 of this document outlawed slavery and involuntary servitude in these territories. The only exception was for a punishment for convicted crimes. Also, if a slave (from a territory where it was legal), tried to escape to these territories, they could be returned to their owners in the slave state. -
All Northern States on Board for Abolition
The Underground Railroad gets well underway at this time, as the northern states all have some sort of Abolition law in place. Many in the Northern "free states" were involved in helping slaves of the south get to free land. The blacks being emancipated in the North were finding new ways of life, as they looked into getting an education, or working a career. Many Northerners were changing their views of blacks, and the Northern and Southern States would become more divided.
