1776

13 Colonies Declare Independence From England... and Adopt English Law

England’s thirteen colonies declared themselves an independent nation and issued its Declaration of Independence in July. The first three grievances against King George III related to his failure to freely give his “Assent” to laws proposed by colonial assemblies. The First Congress of the U.S. conferred citizenship unto all free Englishmen and formally adopted English rule of law.

Jefferson Drafts Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson, a slave-owner, presents a draft declaration of independence to the American Continental Congress, which lists grievances against the British crown and parliament.

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Continental Congress Ratifies Declaration of Independence

The American Continental Congress ratifies its declaration of independence, but omits the antislavery passages that had been included in earlier drafts.

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Slaves Majority in Tobacco-Producing Areas

In the tobacco-producing areas of those states, slaves constituted more than 50% of the population.

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Quakers Forbidden From Owning Slaves

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers, forbids its members from holding slaves.

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Delaware Prohibits Importing Slaves

Delaware prohibits the importation of African slaves.

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