Slavery In Colonial America

As long as there is life on earth there will also live racism, casteism, and sexism. Throughout America’s history, there has been an ongoing battle between elite society and lower-status groups. Some could argue that these destitutions are the foundation of the nation and our country would not be as great as it is today without them.

The first shipment of enslaved Africans arrived in the English New World in 1619. A Virginia colonizer named John Rolfe was the first to record any such event. Only twenty slaves came over on the first ship, that number would slowly increase to nearly 5 percent of inhabitants by 1675. By 1750, that mire 5 percent would drastically multiply to nearly 40 percent in Virginia alone. One major influence of the “slave

Although he owned two hundred sixty-seven of Virginia’s slaves, he also considered that slavery had to be abolished. However, after the abolition, blacks and whites could no longer coexist in America. The statement, “enslaved Africans were treated poorly,” is the understatement of the century in these case. Slave owners would use “creative” methods of punishments; whatever kept their slaves in line. One woman, Anne Clark, claimed if a woman was pregnant, they would dig a hole for the belly to lay while she received a whipping. After working long days in the field or catering towards their owners’ every need, slaves came up with several ways to try and enhance life. One way was to simply keep your head down and work until your sentence was finished, however many beheld other plans. Trying to escape the plantations were extremely high risk; if someone was caught, it could result in a brutal lashing or having a ligament removed. Harriet Tubman was a prodigious example of escaping from plantations. In 1849, after hearing rumors she may be sold, she escaped and made her way to Philadelphia. She later returned and lead others to their freedom.

As they began to flee England from religious persecution and pursue the New World, the Puritans were no exception. Their belief system was simple; the husband represented the god-like authority of the household while women were only created for love and support. Woman had no right to question something done or said by a man. Woman were perceived as all daughters of Eve, who was believed to be frail and easily misguided. Massachusetts authorities established civil and religious laws to hinder woman’s rights even further. Woman now had to sit in different areas of churches, away from the men. They were even ordered to use different doors. There was never to be a reason for woman to speak out against these rules or ideals. As the colonies began to grow, and there were more like minded non-Puritans, women persisted equality. Although still frowned upon by the law, woman began acting more androgynous. In 1677, Dorothy Hoyt wore men’s clothing and was later punished by whipping by the Essex County magistrate. Although women were not supposed to hold higher positions than men, they still were expected to do the same amount of work. A woman from Nantucket, Mary Starbuck, was adopted as a preacher and civil leader. As the New World was flourishing with immigrants, as did woman in the business world. By 1687, 10 percent of Boston’s