HSTAA 105 Lecture 3: First Slaves
Document Summary
They were there to help build the colony. The slaves could marry dutch women, so the company brought in more african by 1620. They had the rights to corn and keep wages at first. 1635 many slaves petitioned for higher wages. They can go to court and sue their masters. Many attempted to become christians to try and get out of slavery. By 1639 the creoles were put into military against indians because of fear that they would join the indians. Half freedom: the creoles can get land to farm, but they must pay tribute. The creoles" children remain as slaves, even if parents are half-free. Famous slaves at this time were: john punch, victor, james gregory. By 1640 indentured servants were essential for colony"s tobacco economy. Some slaves tried to flee, but were captured. The white slaves had a much less severe punishment than the black indentured servants. It was a precedent for discrimination against blacks.
