Why is 1619 an important year in history?
Quick Answer
1619 is significant because it provides a firm historical record for the beginning of slavery in the North American colonies, according to About.com. A Dutch trading ship, in need of food and supplies, docked at Point Comfort, Va., and traded 20 African slaves in return for goods.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Slavery in the colonies got off to a slow start. About.com says that most people living in the colonies relied on indentured servants for their labor force during the beginning of the 17th century. In 1625, Virginia contained only 23 Africans, and these numbers grew slowly, making up only 3 to 4 percent of the population by the mid 1600s. White indentured servants, who lived and worked in ways that were usually indistinguishable from the slaves, were still found in far greater numbers. A PBS time line of slavery says that in 1640, a black servant named John Punch ran away with two white companions. Upon his capture, he was sentenced to servitude for life, making Punch the first documented slave for life. His white companions were punished only with extended terms of servitude. As the century came to a close, fewer white Europeans were willing to come to America as indentured servants, so the colonies came to rely on slavery more and more.
Learn more about Middle AgesRelated Questions
-
Q:
Who was Giovanni de Verrazano?
A: Giovanni da Verrazzano was an Italian navigator and the first European since the Viking and Norse sailors to explore the Atlantic Coast of the North Americ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
When did the Dark Ages begin and end?
A: The Dark Ages in Western Europe began when the Western Roman Empire fell and lasted all the way until the beginning of the Renaissance. The last emperor in... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
When did the Middle Ages start and end?
A: According to most historians, the Middle Ages began with the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 A.D. and ended with the beginning of the Renaissance in the 13... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
When were the Middle Ages?
A: The Middle Ages began with the fall of Rome in 476 A.D. and ended with the beginning of the Renaissance during the 14th century. This period was filled wit... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
Why was the period between the Roman Empire and the Renaissance called the Middle Ages?
-
Q:
What did the medieval craftsmen make?
-
Q:
What is a knight's job?
-
Q:
What is the history of the Chevrolet Sting Ray car?
-
Q:
What are the major accomplishments of Charlemagne?
-
Q:
What was the emperor's role in Tokugawa Japan?
