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Second Continental Congress
The Second Contienental Congress resolves "that no slaves be imported into any of the thirteen United Colonies. -
Declaration Ignores Slaves
The Declaration of Independence declares that "all men are created equal." It does not deal with slavery explicitly but contains a clause attacking the king for emancipating slaves and arming them to fight against the colonists. -
Gradual Emancipation in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania adopts the first "gradual emancipation" law. Under the statute, no new slaves can be brought into the state, and the children of all existing slaves will be freed when they turn 28. -
Northwest Ordinance
The Continental Congress enacts the Northwest Ordinance, prohibitng slavery in the territories north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River. -
Three-Fifths Compromise
The Constitutional Convention sttles on the tree-fifths comprimise; it will count three-fifths of a state's slave population in apportioning Congressional repressentation. -
Eli Whitney Invents Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin, which allows for the cultivation of short-staple cotton and revolutionizes the industry, dramatically increasing its profitabillity and the land areas that can be utilized for growing the crop. -
Gabriel Prosser Plot
Gabriel Prosser conspires to seize Richmond, Virginia with a large force of perhaps 1,000 armed slaves and then proceed with a general slaughter of whites. -
Louisiana Pruchase Sets Slave Debate
The United States purchases Louisiana from France for $15 million. The large acquisition will set the stage for future debates over slavery in the territories. -
Slave Trade Ban
Congress passes a law prohibiting Americans from participating in the African Slave trade. The ban, which goes into effect in 1808, which goes into effect in 1808, will be inconsistently enforced until 1861. -
Slave and Free States Equal
Missouri is admitted to the Union as a slave state, but congress agress to forbid slavery in all other territory north of Missouri's southern border. With the addition ofMissouri, the Union consists of twelve slave states and twelve free.
