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First Slaves
Brought by Dutch slave traders, the first African slaves set foot in America. Many were liberated later on but this would introduce slavery as a form of labor in the colonies. -
First Slave Insurrection
A slave revolt occurs in New York results in property damage and tighter control over slaves than before. -
First Abolitionists
Quakers found the Pennsylvania Abolition Society which pushes for the freedom of slaves. First sign of abolitionist beliefs in the colonies. -
Constitution Recognizes Slavery
The newly drafted Constitution protects and recognizes slavery by preventing any laws banning importation of slaves and making the return of slaves to their masters mandatory. -
Northwest Ordinance
Congress passes the Northwest Ordinance banning slavery in territory past the Ohio River and demanding the return of escaped slaves to slaveowners. -
Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin which leads to a increase in demand for cheap labor. Slavery becomes the main source of this. -
Missouri Compromise
Henry Clay proposes Missouri Compromise allowing Missouri as a slave state and counties north of it as free. Slavery is banned past the 36 30 latitute line. Helps alleviate the slavery issue for a limited amount of time. -
Nat Turner Rebellion
Nat Turner leads a bloody slave revolt in Virginia resulting in several deaths. This caused fear among the slave owning elite of the South of more slave uprisings. -
Mexican American War
The Mexican-American war which is won by the US results in the acquisition of new territory which sparks the slavery issue once again. American troops also gain experience during the war which would be valuable in the incoming Civil War. -
Dred Scott Decision
The Supreme Court overrides Dred's lawsuit and declare the Missouri Compromise inconstitutional resulting in the anger of antislavery supporters and free staters.
