Condition of African Slaves in Colonial Virginia

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Analysis of Legal Acts
Conclusion
Bibliography
Footnotes

Introduction

The system of slavery that developed in North America was based on economic reasons: rice, tobacco, and other plantations needed laborers. As a labor force, they began to use dark-skinned enslaved people, who were forcibly taken out of Africa. Most of them were from the tribes of West Africa. Representatives of Central, North, and South Africa and the island of Madagascar found themselves in the New World relatively infrequently. Their exploitation played an essential role in the development of American capitalism.

The mass importation of slaves to America began in the 17th century. Virginia became the first permanent seat of the colonists. In 1619, the colonists acquired the first batch of slaves of Angolan origin. De jure, Africans were not enslaved but only had long-term contracts without the right to terminate. In addition, it is from these events in historiography that the beginning of slavery in America is counted. However, the contract system did not last long. The colonies began passing laws that reduced blacks to the status of slaves.

Analysis of Legal Acts

January 1639/40-ACT X was one of the main Acts of the Laws of that time. It directly established different legal rights between the black population and the British. At that time, this act was one of the first to oppress the position of the black population. This provision stated that everyone except African Americans should have a weapon and ammunition for it, and a fine was imposed for violation of the act¹. Thus, the act created a legal basis for differences between people while oppressing blacks. Because part of the weapon was needed to maintain order in the colonies and prevent the enslaved people from escaping.

The following legal act that significantly infringed on the rights of the black population was December 1662-ACT XII. This provision provided that the children of African American women were born as slaves, passed on to them from their mothers². Thus, this law toughened the attitude toward the blacks who were forcibly brought to America and toward all of the next generations, which was very convenient for the British. This law differed from the usual English legal acts, which provided for transferring rights to the child from the father. This law was also intended to prevent sexual relations between whites and African Americans through such a change.

Another oppression was introduced by the provisions of October 1669-ACT I, which permitted the killing of slaves. Since, in most cases, corporal punishment was used to restrain and punish slaves, they could accidentally be killed³. This act deprived the black population of protection from such cases since their lives were no longer protected by law. It was believed that by such actions, the British would be able to better control the slaves and prevent their escape.

September 1672-ACT VIII introduced restrictions and increased penalties for African American escape attempts and suppression. By introducing this legal act, the British wanted to achieve the suppression of the rebellious activities of slaves⁴. In addition, the restriction provided for the prevention of whites helping to organize the escape of slaves since punishments were extended to them. The law allowed the killing of a black man while trying to escape. This act was adopted after intensifying the insurgent activity of the slaves.

Conclusion

In addition to the previous act, April 1691-ACT XVI was adopted a few years later. It provided for the suppression and all kinds of obstruction of the activities of escaped slaves. In addition, the act provided for the organization of detachments that were supposed to return the liberated African Americans⁵. The law also provided that formerly enslaved people must be expelled from the colony, extending to interracial couples. Thus, the legislators wanted to make it impossible for the free life of slaves and the birth of mulatto children.

Bibliography

“Laws on Slavery.”Virtual Jamestown.

Footnotes

“Laws on Slavery.” Virtual Jamestown. Web.
“Laws on Slavery.” Virtual Jamestown. Web.
“Laws on Slavery.” Virtual Jamestown. Web.
“Laws on Slavery.” Virtual Jamestown. Web.
“Laws on Slavery.” Virtual Jamestown. Web.

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Condition of African Slaves in Colonial Virginia

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