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Introduction
In early colonial times, Africans were brought to colonial Virginia, and they had the same rights as Englishmen. Over time, Africans were losing their rights. Laws were passed, getting harsher for the Africans, and bonding them into slavery. One free African, Anthony Johnson, made his life great, even though those laws passed. -
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Diminishing Progess
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Act X; The law taking away African arms and ammunition
Taking away the African's guns, showed Englishmen didn't value African lives as much. Without their arms, the Africans couldn't hunt or protect themselves. This law shows diminishing progress, because the Africans had to rely on the Englishmen. Act X showed diminishing progress because this law was the start of a chain of laws, getting harsher every time. -
Anthony Johnson owned land
When Anthony Johnson owned land, it showed progress because he didn't depend on anyone. He supported his own family, when he had land. He could do what he wanted to do. -
Antony Johnson won a court case against an Englishmen
When he first went to court, he petitioned for his slave, but, his family told him to set his slave free. Anthony Johnson’s slave was given back to him, after he went to court again. This shows progress because he beat an Englishmen in court. -
Act VIII:Apprehesion and supprehension of runaway slaves.
This law showed slaves were running away. The Englishmen wanted to stop and capture the runaway slaves because their cheap labor would decrease. This act shows diminishing progress because the Englishmen were dependent on their slaves and crops. If the Englishmen were dependent on them, the Englishmen wouldn't let their slaves runaway. -
Act XXII: The act declaring slaves were property.
When each law passed, they were bonding the Africans to slavery. When Act XXII was passed it said slaves were property of their masters. This act showed diminishing progress because the slaves had no power. The Englishmen were completely dependent on their slaves. -
Conclusion
Anthony Johnson and slavery are very different. Anthony Johnson worked hard to make a good life for his family and his self, while slavery did the opposite. Anthony Johnson and slavery are an example of an oxymoron. Aren't they an oxymoron?
