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1640s

1640–1649
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Oppression
John Punch sentenced to lifetime servitude

A Virginia court sentences John Punch to servitude for life — an early legal step toward race-based slavery.

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1640
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1641
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Key events

  1. July 9, 1640
    John Punch sentenced to lifetime servitude

    A Virginia court sentences John Punch to servitude for life — an early legal step toward race-based slavery.

  2. December 10, 1641
    Massachusetts legalizes slavery

    The Massachusetts Body of Liberties makes it the first English colony to give slavery legal sanction.