America was first introduced to African slaves by the Dutch in 1619. America became a society where slavery is both legal and normative. Slavery escalated into more than two hundred years of an economic dependency on slaves. Transitioning from slavery to freedom put forward questions about the status of the newly freed. In this presentation, I will address the struggles and contributions of African Americans on American History. Nat Turner’s Rebellion was the largest slave rebellion that has taken place in American history. A group of an estimated 70 slaves traveled from farm to farm killing 45 to 55 whites and freeing their slaves. Southampton insurrection was an important contribution because it helped develop the antebellum slave society. …show more content…
It was said that pieces of his tanned skin were given out as souvenirs. After the Rebellion new legislation was put in place that restricted the rights of slaves. Slaves were no longer allowed to preach, carry guns, and hunt in the woods. These new codes also forbade white people from teaching an enslaved person to read. The Underground Railroad was a system comprised of various channels and secret codes that aided slaves in their escape. The Underground Railroad had many participants, including John Fairfield, Levi Coffin, and Harriet Tubman. The most notable participant was Harriet Tubman who made 19 trips into the South and escorted over 300 slaves to freedom. It was said if any slaves lost their nerve, she pointed her shot gun at them and threaten to kill them. The Underground Railroad was a significant contribution American History because it gave ample evidence of slaves capabilities. It also gave sympathetic white Americans a role in resisting slavery. The Railroad also undermined the very institute of slavery. It was a slap in the face to the slaveholders. During the reconstruction period, Hiram Revels of Mississippi and Joseph Rainey of South Carolina became the first African Americans to serve in