Slavery

Beginnings of Slavery in America

By facebooker_1816676478
  • First record of slavery

    First record of slavery

  • America's slave trade begins when the first American slave carrier, Desire, is built and launched in Massachusetts.

    America's slave trade begins when the first American slave carrier, Desire, is built and launched in Massachusetts.

  • Massachusetts is the first colony to legalize slavery.

    Massachusetts is the first colony to legalize slavery.

  • Virginia enacts a law of hereditary slavery meaning that a child born to an enslaved mother inherits her slave status.

    Virginia enacts a law of hereditary slavery meaning that a child born to an enslaved mother inherits her slave status.

  • Connecticut assigns the punishment of whipping to any slaves who disturb the peace or assault whites.

    Connecticut assigns the punishment of whipping to any slaves who disturb the peace or assault whites.

  • "Negro Act"

    "Negro Act"

    South Carolina passes the comprehensive "Negro Act," making it illegal for slaves to move abroad, assemble in groups, raise food, earn money, and learn to read English. Owners are permitted to kill rebellious slaves if necessary.
  • Declaration of Independence

    Declaration of Independence

    In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, members of the Continental Congress sign the Declaration of Independence.
  • Vermont free slaves

    Vermont free slaves

    Vermont is the first of the thirteen colonies to abolish slavery and enfranchise all adult males.
  • Mum Bett

    Mum Bett

    Mum Bett and another Massachusetts slave successfully sue their master for freedom.
  • Northwest Ordinnance

    Northwest Ordinnance

    The Northwest Ordinance forbids slavery, except as criminal punishment, in the Northwest Territory (later Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin). Residents of the territory are required to return fugitive slaves.
  • U.S. Constitution

    U.S. Constitution

    The U.S. Constitution is officially adopted by the new nation when New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify it. The document includes a fugitive slave clause and the "three-fifths" clause by which each slave is considered three-fifths of a person for the purposes of congressional representation and tax apportionment.
  • Cotton Gin

    Cotton Gin

    Eli Whitney patents the cotton gin, making cotton production more profitable. The market value of slaves increases as a result.
  • Missouri Compromise

    Missouri Compromise

    The Missouri Compromise forbids slavery in the Louisiana territory north of Missouri's Southern border. Under its terms, Maine is admitted to the Union as a free state and Missouri as a slave state.
  • The Liberator

    The Liberator

    William Lloyd Garrison founds THE LIBERATOR, an abolitionist newspaper.
  • First Convention

    First Convention

    New York City hosts the first National Anti-Slavery Society Convention.