Colonies Establish Chattel Slavery
Colonies Establish Chattel Slavery is a Grade 5 history skill from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 4: Life in the Colonies. Students learn how colonial governments passed laws creating a formal system of chattel slavery, in which enslaved people were legally considered property—a permanent condition inherited by children—distinct from indentured servitude that had existed earlier.
Key Concepts
When the first Africans arrived in the colonies, their future was uncertain. At first, some were treated like indentured servants and had a chance to become free.
Over time, colonial governments passed new laws that created a formal system of chattel slavery . This meant enslaved people were legally considered the personal property of an owner, just like land or tools. This cruel condition was made permanent and was passed down from a mother to her children.
Common Questions
What is chattel slavery?
Chattel slavery is a system where enslaved people are legally considered the personal property of an owner, like land or tools. This cruel condition was made permanent and was passed down from a mother to her children.
How was chattel slavery different from indentured servitude?
Indentured servants worked for a set number of years and were then freed. Under chattel slavery, enslavement was permanent and inherited—enslaved people had no path to freedom under the law.
When did chattel slavery become law in the colonies?
Over time, colonial governments passed laws that created the formal system of chattel slavery, changing the status of Africans in the colonies from uncertain (sometimes treated like indentured servants) to permanently enslaved property.
What textbook covers chattel slavery for Grade 5?
This topic is covered in California myWorld Interactive, Grade 5, Chapter 4: Life in the Colonies.