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The first African slaves arrive in Virginia
Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2rbrDarnX -
Slavery is made illegal in the Northwest Territory.
Slavery is made illegal in the Northwest Territory. The U.S Constitution states that Congress may not ban the slave trade until 1808. Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2rbrDarnX -
Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin.
Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin greatly increases the demand for slave labor. Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2rbrpS57u -
A federal fugitive slave law is enacted, providing for the return slaves who had escaped and crossed state lines.
A federal fugitive slave law is enacted, providing for the return slaves who had escaped and crossed state lines. Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2rbsT60bH -
Organizes a slave revolt intending to march on Richmond.
Gabriel Prosser, an enslaved African American blacksmith, organizes a slave revolt intending to march on Richmond, Virginia. The conspiracy is uncovered, and Prosser and a number of the rebels are hanged. Virginia's slave laws are consequently tightened. Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2rbsthA3B -
Congress bans the importation of slaves from Africa
Congress bans the importation of slaves from Africa Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2rbtiLyrb -
The Missouri Compromise bans slavery north of the southern boundary of Missouri.
The Missouri Compromise bans slavery north of the southern boundary of Missouri. Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2rbtqlts4 -
Plans a slave revolt with the intent to lay siege on Charleston, South Carolina.
Denmark Vesey, an enslaved African American carpenter who had purchased his freedom, plans a slave revolt with the intent to lay siege on Charleston, South Carolina. The plot is discovered, and Vesey and 34 coconspirators are hanged. Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2rbuVxRTJ -
Publishing the Liberator, a weekly paper that advocates the complete abolition of slavery.
William Lloyd Garrison begins publishing the Liberator, a weekly paper that advocates the complete abolition of slavery. He becomes one of the most famous figures in the abolitionist movement. Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2rbv3v68m -
Launch a short, bloody, rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia.
Nat Turner, an enslaved African American preacher, leads the most significant slave uprising in American history. He and his band of followers launch a short, bloody, rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia. The militia quells the rebellion, and Turner is eventually hanged. As a consequence, Virginia institutes much stricter slave laws. Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2rbumkxLu -
Attempt to ban slavery in territory gained in the Mexican War.
The Wilmot Proviso, introduced by Democratic representative David Wilmot of Pennsylvania, attempts to ban slavery in territory gained in the Mexican War. The proviso is blocked by Southerners, but continues to enflame the debate over slavery. Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2svihx0cQ -
Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery
Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery and becomes one of the most effective and celebrated leaders of the Underground Railroad. Read more: History of Slavery in America | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/timelines/slavery.html#ixzz2svjKFfSx
