In the early 17th century, European settlers in North America turned to African slaves as a cheaper, more efficient labor source instead of using indentured servants. Slavery spread through the American colonies after Jamestown was established in 1607. An estimated 6 to 7 million slaves were imported to the New World in the 18th century alone. During the 17th and 18th centuries African American slaves were working on tobacco, indigo, and rice plantations. These plantations were run by white male Americans who weren’t afraid to brutally punish, or sexually assault their slaves. Which was the beginning of the African American race becoming inferior to the whites. America has failed in its progression towards racial equality with oppressive Supreme Court…show more content… Anthony Johnson was one of the first African Americans to have finished his services as an indentured servant and become a landowner. He gained his freedom from years of harsh labor, and recognized service. Throughout the years of him being free, and was able to become a landowner, and gain profit from his own slaves. Years later he passed away, and his family inherited the land he once owned. The government then took his land, because he was African American and there was no documentation that he was a free slave. This person demonstrates a failure in the quest for racial equality by the Constitution staying “All men were created equal.” However, that wasn’t demonstrated during this event. On January 31st, 1865 the first reconstruction Amendment was passed. The thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery, and involuntary servitude. A year later the second reconstruction Amendment was passed. The fourteenth Amendment addressed citizenship to
