African History in Early America

In 1619, the first Africans arrived in Virginia after being captured in South Central Africa. They were on a Portuguese ship attacked by English pirate ships, the White Lion and the Treasurer. The Africans were divided between the ships, but a storm separated them. The White Lion reached Old Point Comfort, where the Africans were traded for food. It's unclear if they were slaves or indentured servants. Some settled in colonies, including Antonio and Isabella, who had the first African child born in America. Over time, laws were created to keep Africans in servitude, driven by the demand for labor.

In what year did the first Africans arrive in Virginia?

• 1607

• 1625

• 1620

• 1619

What was the original destination of the Portuguese ship carrying Africans?

• Mexico

• Brazil

• Spain

• Portugal

Which two pirate ships attacked the Portuguese ship?

• The White Lion and the Treasurer

• The Black Pearl and the Queen Anne's Revenge

• The Golden Hind and the Mayflower

• The Santa Maria and the Pinta

What was the primary reason for the pirate ships' attack on the Portuguese ship?

• To capture gold and silver

• To establish trade routes

• To rescue the Africans

• To claim new territories

Where did the White Lion eventually drop anchor?

• Old Point Comfort

• Cape Cod

• Jamestown

• Plymouth

What was uncertain about the Africans traded at Old Point Comfort?

• Their exact number

• Whether they were traded as slaves or indentured servants

• The name of the ship they arrived on

• Their origin

Who were Antonio and Isabella?

• Captains of the White Lion

• Pirates who attacked the Portuguese ship

• Portuguese traders

• A couple who had the first African child in America

What was the name of the first African child born in America?

• James Monroe

• Anthony Johnson

• William Tucker

• John Smith

What was the significance of being baptized for Christian slaves?

• It made them citizens

• It allowed them to own land

• It granted them freedom

• It did not free them from servitude

Why were laws created to ensure perpetual servitude for Africans?

• To restrict their movement

• To stop them from owning property

• To prevent them from voting

• To meet the high demand for labor