Topic 2.6 - Slavery in the British Colonies

indentured servitude

Labor under contract to an employer for a fixed period of time, typically seven years, in exchange for their transportation to the New World, food, clothing, lodging and other necessities.

1619

What year did the first Africans arrive in Jamestown?

work slow downs / sabotage equipment / run away / hunger strike

What were methods of resistance used by African slaves?

1. The Bible contains examples of slavery, therefore it must be acceptable.
2. Africans followed heathen religions and introducing them to Christianity would benefit them. If African slaves converted to Christianity, then they would benefit from the loss of freedom.
3. Africans engaged in barbarous behavior and sexual promiscuity. Enslaving them would civilize them and rid them of these behaviors.

What were the English justifications for African slavery?

1662 - Virginia hereditary slavery law

Virginia law decrees that children of black mothers "shall be bond or free according to the condition of the mother."

1739 - Stono Uprising (South Carolina)

Slave revolt of 150 slaves in South Carolina who then fled for Florida (then under Spanish rule). The revolt was put down by the South Carolina militia but resulted in the deaths of 40 blacks and 20 whites. This was the largest slave uprising before the U.S. gained its independence.

1782 - Virginia Manumission law

A law which allowed the emancipation of slaves by an owner either at death through a will or while an owner was alive via a deed of manumission. Many were freed by their owners as the result of this law