Anthony Johnson Turning Point Essay

Kasey Faour

HIST 1301

Prof.Littlejohn & Prof.Baker

Writing Assignment 3

1) When did the first Africans arrive in Virginia?

Africans first arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. They had been baptized and given Christian names, therefore allowing them to work as servants for a limited number of years. The Africans made it easier, adding more labor to the work force.

2) Who was Anthony Johnson and why is his story significant?

Anthony Johnson’s story is significant because he was a free black man, accumulating property, and being treated by any white planter. He had wanted his share separated, making him just as free as any other man. This is also relevant because it shows how before, African Americans had just as much freedom as whites.

3) When did white colonial society

begin to limit opportunities for African Americans.
In 1640, after three servants ran away, the only African American was punished to be a servant all his life.

4) When did Virginia legalize slavery and what did the state say about children born to enslaved mothers?

The rule about children was that all children would be freed or slaves depending on the mother. Meaning, if your mother was enslaved, so were you. If your mother was free, you were too.

5) Why was Bacon’s Rebellion a turning point?

In 1676, there was a rebellion, led by Nathanial Bacon. It is considered a turning point because it made the racial separation wider.

6) What did the Royal African Company do between 1672 and 1688?

It was founded in 1672, and worked in the slave trade business. By 1688, it transported about 5,000 slaves a year.

7) By 1691, in Virginia landowners had passed a law stating that it was illegal to free a black slave unless he was what?

The law stated that a black slave could not be freed unless he plans on leaving the colony.

8) Who was Olaudah Equiano and why was his story important?

Olaudah Equiano was sold into slavery and was later freed. In 1789, he wrote his autobiography, “The Interesting Narrative Of the Life of Olaudah Equiano”. I believe his story was important because it made and imprint on the English slave trade, which was abolished in

1797.

9) What was the Stono Rebellion and the Negro Act that followed?

The Stono Rebellion was a rebellion of slaves that began in 1739 and was the largest slave rebellion. The Negro Act was passed because of said rebellion in 1740 and remained a basic law until the civil war.
10) By 1750, what was the status of slavery in the 13 colonies?