Origins Of American Slavery Essay

Origins of American Slavery

Entry One

In 1619 the first 20 slaves were sold to settlers in Virginia. In 1789 the Constitution adopted that slaves count as 3/5ths of a person. In 1850 it was a criminal offense to teach black people to read. They were taken by slave traders and were bound by iron shackles. They were packed onto ships. Many lives were lost on the middle passage, mainly by disease. Slaves were sold at auction blocks and families were torn apart. Most slaves worked in the fields in the heat. Some were house servants, they were more fortunate. Punished slaves wore masks,collars , and were whipped. Some slaves were not tortured. Slaves sang spirituals and told African folktales. This helped to keep their spirits up and still feel connected to their families. Some were forced to work and tried to escape. The underground railroad helped thousands to escape. In 1831 Nat Turner , a preacher led a slave revolt in Virginia. In 1849 Harriet Tubman escaped and became a part of the Underground Railroad. Slaves also led themselves North, to freedom. In 1863 slavery was abolished by President Lincoln with The Emancipation Proclamation.

The Seven Year’s War

Entry Two The Seven Year’s War was with Great .Britain , Portuguel ,Prussia against

There was one with young women who acted possessed. The hysteria began and many people were blamed, especially the slaves or workers. Over 150 people were blamed mostly women. All people of all ages, with no previous mental history were blamed to include children. Fourteen women, five men and two dogs were hanged during the Salem Witch Trials. No people were burned at the stake. One man was pressed or crushed under a weight for failing to enter a plea. The Governor of Massachusett’s shut down the Salem Courts and ordered all detainees pardoned. After the trials there had to be scientific evidence to arrest or bring someone to