How Did These Laws Imposed To Make The Lives Of Virginia

Why were these laws imposed to make the lives’ of Negros much harder than they already were? The answer is simple- the Virginian colonists feared that indentured servants would revolt against them when their contracts were over, so they opted to get rid of the service of indentured servants, and replace it with the labor of slaves. Because the indentured servants were poor and needed money to support their own selves and their families once their contracts were done and over, Virginians strongly believed that the indentured servants would create mass chaos in their colony. Virginians also feared that the indentured servants would team up with the Indians and eventually lead rebellions against them. Not only did Virginians fear that the servants would revolt against them, they also realized that in the long run, white servants were more expensive to own than slaves. For these reasons, Virginians opted to get rid of the service of indentured servants, and replace it with the labor of slaves. (Kytle, lecture, 9/10/14)

These laws that were imposed in the 17th century, made it harder for slaves to be able to runaway, rebel, and buy their own freedom. One of the laws that were imposed was the law of 1639, which prohibited Negros from being able to own guns. If any Negro was caught with possession of a gun or ammunition, they were subject to a fine at the governor’s or council’s judgment. This law really curbed the liberty of the slaves because they were no longer able to possess anything to use to defend themselves. (laws on Slavery & Servitude, 1639, P. 1) Inclusively, the law of 1639 also made it especially hard for slaves to revolt against their