Facing Slavery
A Divided Nation
From the 15th century onwards, slavery was a central issue in American society.
1619: The first slaves were imported into America.
“Slaves are the Negroes [. . .] They are call'd Slaves, in Respect of the Time of their Servitude, because it is for Life.” |
|
“And if any slave resist his master or owner or other person, by his or her order, correcting such slave, and shall happen to be killed in such correction, it shall not be accounted felony; but the master, owner, and every such other person so giving correction shall be free and acquit of all punishment. . .”
–Virginia. An Act concerning Servants and Slaves, October 1705, excerpts
–Virginia. An Act concerning Servants and Slaves, October 1705, excerpts
1775: The first abolitionist organization, the Pennsylvania Abolition Society, was founded "to use such means as are in their power, to extend the blessings of freedom to every part of the human race" (Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery). However, lacking support, it disbanded in 1833.
|
1787: The Northwest Ordinance was passed. |
1793: The Fugitive Slave Act decreed "that when a person held to labour in any of the United States . . . shall escape into any other of the said states or territory, the person to whom such labour or service may be due . . . is hereby empowered to seize or arrest such fugitive from labour. [. . .]
"And it be further enacted, That any person who shall knowingly and willing obstruct or hinder such claimant, his agent or attorney in so seizing or arresting such fugitive from labour . . . [shall] forfeit and pay the sum of five hundred dollars" (Fugitive Slave Act of 1793). |
1808: Congress outlawed slave importation. However, smuggling continued.
|
“. . . it shall not be lawful to import or bring into the United States . . . any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, with intent to hold, sell, or dispose of such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, as a slave, or to be held to service or labour.” |
1810-1850: Underground Railroad workers helped around 100,000 slaves escape north.
|
|