1776

13 Colonies Declare Independence From England... and Adopt English Law

The Patriots declared the 13 North American colonies to be the United States of America… an independent nation, issues s Declaration of Independence and then formally adopts English law.

Jefferson Drafts Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson, a slave-owner, presents a draft declaration of independence to the American Continental Congress, which lists grievances against the British crown and parliament.

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Continental Congress Ratifies Declaration of Independence

The American Continental Congress ratifies its declaration of independence, but omits the antislavery passages that had been included in earlier drafts.

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Slaves Majority in Tobacco-Producing Areas

In the tobacco-producing areas of those states, slaves constituted more than 50% of the population.

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Quakers Forbidden From Owning Slaves

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers, forbids its members from holding slaves.

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Delaware Prohibits Importing Slaves

Delaware prohibits the importation of African slaves.

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