The History of Slavery In America

The History of Slavery In America

Slavery is a system of forced labor that has existed throughout the world for thousands of years. In America, slavery began in the 17th century when people in Africa were overpowered and forced to leave their native land, their culture and their families behind.

By 1860, there would be 4 million African slaves in the United States. This enormous population of slaves was owned by a small group of the wealthiest and most powerful whites in American society. As African slaves toiled in the fields, laws were created to enforce their low-status. They were prohibited from participating in lawsuits, from owning property of firearms, and from possessing alcohol. Most states did not recognize slave marriages and often prohibited slaves from learning to read and write.