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The publication of Samuel Sewall's "The Selling of Joseph", is considered the first major condemnation of slavery in print in British North America.
This goes to show that by the year 1700, the status quo had already started to wear thin on people. Slavery in its rawest form was inhumane to say the least. Sewall wrote what everyone else was thinking. Change was coming, but it would be a very slow process. -
Period: to
From 1700 to 1812
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Virginia Slave Codes
These codes effectively embedded the idea of white supremacy into law by the following racist devices:[1]
Established new property rights for slave owners
Allowed for the legal, free trade of slaves with protections granted by the courts
Established separate courts of trial
Prohibited blacks, regardless of free status, from owning arms [weapons]
Whites could not be employed by blacks
Allowed for the apprehension of suspected runaways.
1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Slave_Codes_of_1705 -
First the Virginia House of Burgess Boycotts British Slave Trade in Protest of Townshend Acts, then Georgia and the Carolinas Soon Follow
"Introduced into the English Parliament by Chancellor of the Exchequer Charles Townshend in 1767, the Townshend Acts imposed duties on glass, lead, paints, paper and tea imported into the colonies. Townshend hoped the acts would defray imperial expenses in the colonies, but many Americans viewed the taxation as an abuse of power, resulting in the passage of agreements to limit imports from Britain." [1] 1)http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/townshend-acts -
The First Abolition Society is Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
"The Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage, the first American society dedicated to the cause of abolition, is founded in Philadelphia on this day in 1775. The society changes its name to the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage in 1784." [1] 1)http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-american-abolition-society-founded-in-philadelphia -
Affluent, Free Blacks in New Orleans, Louisiana Organize the Perseverance, Benevolence & Mutual Aid Association
"In March of 1783, The Perseverance Benevolent & Mutual Aid Association is formed as the first of hundreds of such organizations. The Association became the cornerstone of most of the African American Social clubs, Ball Only clubs and Carnival Organizations. It is based on the principles taught in Africa of coming together, especially in times of need, for the collective good."[1] 1) http://www.frenchcreoles.com/new%20orleans/creole%20cottage/PERSEVERANCE%20SOCIETY%20HALL.html -
Underground Railroad Established in Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania was a major thoroughfare for enslaved peoples seeking freedom. They followed routes that were carved by nature in rivers, streams and mountains, traveling mostly on foot, with an occasional ride in hidden compartments of wagons and other forms of transportation. Their numbers are not certain as formal records were not kept and few informal ones remain[1] 1)https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/about-pittsburgh/underground-railroad/ -
War of 1812
"In the end, the War of 1812 did not provide greater opportunities or equality for free blacks as they anticipated, nor did it initiate a wave of emancipation for enslaved Americans seeking freedom."[1] 1) https://www.nps.gov/articles/wedged-between-slavery-and-freedom.htm
