The Origins Of Colonial Slavery Essay Example

The origin of slavery in Virginia started sometime in the early 17th century when a few Africans were sold by a Dutch ship in the colony. The number of African slaves eventually increased to fill the labor force that was slowly abandoned by the white indentured servants. In the beginning, there are only a few Africans who were not free, as most of them enjoyed the freedom that was allowed to the indentured servants. However, in later years, the English colonists started to set laws that separated and degraded the status of the slaves. As the law imposed rigid restrictions and degradation to the slaves, it enacted a law that improved the status of the site servants. This line contributed to the apparent effect of separation and lower status of the Africans.
The law separated the slaves from the white servants, in that while it promoted the freedom and improved status of the indentured servants, it degraded the Africans to the lowest status possible. Some laws specifically banned interracial marriages and relations, and acquisition of property. More ever, it declared that the master, during the course of ordinary punishment does not commit a crime in instances that he killed the slave. In addition to that is the prohibition and punishment of white slave owners who set their slaves free.
In 1688, some Quakers expressed their disapproval of slavery against the families who decided to practice the institution. Among their arguments are:
a) That there is no difference between those who practice slavery over those who captured the Africans and sold them overseas. The Africans are seized against their will and should not be treated in a more humiliating manner.
b) Practicing slavery is against Christianity, further, citing that should any slave owner consider slavery to be good and in favor of Christianity should report the goodness of the act.