Slavery and Legal Changes in Colonies

The video explores the history of slavery in America, focusing on Anthony Johnson, a black man who became one of the first legal slave owners in the colonies. It discusses misconceptions about slavery, Johnson's journey from Angola to Virginia, his transition from indentured servitude to freedom, and his acquisition of land. The video highlights Johnson's legal battles, particularly the case of John Casor, which set a precedent for lifelong slavery. It concludes with Johnson's legacy and the establishment of legal slavery based on race in colonial America.

What misconception about slavery in the American colonies is highlighted in the introduction?

• Slavery was not present in the American colonies.

• Slavery ended before the Civil War.

• All slave owners were white.

• Slavery only existed in the southern states.

How did Anthony Johnson first arrive in Virginia?

• As a soldier in the colonial army

• As a merchant from England

• As a captured slave from Angola

• As a free man seeking work

What significant change occurred in Virginia law in 1662 regarding the status of children born to slave women?

• They were granted freedom at birth.

• They inherited the status of their father.

• They were considered indentured servants.

• They were born into slavery.

What was the headright system that Anthony Johnson benefited from?

• A system granting land to those who paid for their own passage to America.

• A system granting land to those who converted to Christianity.

• A system granting land to those who brought indentured servants to the colonies.

• A system granting land to those who married into wealthy families.

What was the outcome of the legal case involving John Casor?

• He was returned to his original owner.

• He was granted land by the court.

• He was freed from indentured servitude.

• He was declared a slave for life.

What was the significance of Anthony Johnson's legal case involving John Casor?

• It was the first case to grant freedom to a slave.

• It established the legality of lifelong slavery.

• It was the first case to involve a black plaintiff.

• It resulted in the abolition of slavery in Virginia.

What happened to Anthony Johnson's land after his death?

• It was passed on to his children.

• It was sold to pay off debts.

• It was seized by the government.

• It was given to a white neighbor.

How did the legal system in the colonies change after Anthony Johnson's death?

• Slavery was limited to the southern colonies.

• Slavery became hereditary and race-based.

• Slavery was abolished.

• All slaves were granted freedom.

What was Anthony Johnson's role in the history of slavery in the American colonies?

• He was the first African-American to own a slave for life.

• He was the first to challenge slavery in court.

• He was the first to establish a plantation in Virginia.

• He was the first to free all his slaves.

What was the primary reason for the legal challenges faced by Anthony Johnson's family after his death?

• They were not citizens of the colony.

• They were unable to pay taxes.

• They were involved in illegal trade.

• They were accused of harboring runaway slaves.