The Roots of American Slavery: Virginias Slave Laws (1630-1705)

Virginia, the first colony formed in the United States, became the birthplace of American slavery and the race-based labor system. Between the years 1630 and 1705, Virginia's slave laws shaped society and culture for hundreds of years to come. The state moved from a society with slaves to a slave society, deciding who was free and who was not, using religion as a weapon, and utilizing severe punishment.  It was a common belief among many of the forming colonies what a slave’s role was to be. Virginia decided to put into law who was to be considered a slave and who was not. They intended that all 'servants' imported to the country were immediately taken to be slaves for all intents and purposes. In Table 1, titled “Population Growth in Virginia, 1640-1700,” it was indicated the dramatic growth of negro people. In the year 1640, there were 150 blacks making up 1% of the population. By 1700, black people made up 28% of the population, totaling 16,390 people. This is a huge jump in the population size, suggesting that Virginia moved towards a slave society. Law Six also shows Virginia’s history in this way, when the government decided who was born free and who was not: “Be it therefore enacted and declared by this present grand assembly, that all children borne in this country shalbe held bond or free only according to the condition o