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Anthony Johnson, Introduction to America
Siete Partidas Laws In the year 1620, Englishmen were coming to America very excited to start a new life in the New World. In the beginning they did have slaves but they were excused of bondage after about 20 years. As time grew on and the Englishmen became selfish, the laws made it harder and harder for slaves to become free. The Siete Partidas Laws said that slavery for life is not right and should not be presumed but as the Englishmen changed the laws, slavery for life was now easier and easier to accomplish. -
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Life of Anthony Johnson
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Anthony Johnson Acquires land
In this event, Anthony Johnson won a case against and Englishman over his land. This is important because it shows that Anthony was treated fairly and that becuase he aquired land he would soon be able to provide for himself without a master. This also shows progress by telling you that African men are still treated with equality. Later on when the laws became harsher it would be almost impossible to win a case against a white man. -
Anthony Johnson petitions for his slave
In this event Anthony Johnson goes to court to get his slave back but then sets him free, later on he finds that his slave is needed so he returns to court to take him back. This shows progress because it shows he has been to court twice and won both cases, and it shows that he has enough land for a slave. -
Freed Slaves Can't Buy Christian Slaves
In this event it states that if a slave is freed and they want to buy slaves, they can not buy Christian slaves. This shows diminishing progress by restricting the Africans from having a better life and giving Englishmen more power over them. -
Punishment for Hog Stealing
In this event we saw laws become even harsher by whipping the slaves and cutting of their ears because of first and second offence against hog stealing, This shows diminishing progress because the slaves have good reasons to steal. This law is completely unfair to the slaves because it shows that the slaves were not treated as humans were. -
Casual Killing of Slaves
Casual Killing law 1699In this law it states that if a slave is being punished for running away, and he or she is accidently killed in the process that the master would not be accounted for murder because no one would want to destoy their own property. This shows diminishing progress by saying that slaves were property, not humans. By making this law it struck fear into the slaves, giving the Englishmen more power to control them. -
End of the chances of freedom
At this point in time after the substancial laws had been passed and carried through, the slaves had no chances of freedom or being treated as humans should. Usually, this is where history teachers start teaching about slaves but know as you know, the slaves were once treated with respect but never again would they be treated as equals. -
End of the Chances of Freedom cont.
The slaves will have fight for their freedom, they can never reallly win anymore so in the words of Coretta Scott King, STRUGGLE IS NEVER AN ENDING PROCESS, FREEDOM IS NEVER REALLY WON, YOU EARN IT AND WIN IT IN EVERY GENERATION.
