Slavery and the Making of America, Vol.1: The Downward Spiral

Covering the period from 1619 through 1739, this first volume spotlights the origins of slavery in America. Focusing on Dutch New Amesterdam (later New York City), this chapter illustrates how slavery in the early years was a loosely defined labor source similar to indentured servitude. Slaves had some limited rights. The program ends with the bloody Stono rebellion in South Carolina which led to the passage of "black codes," regulating virtually every aspect of their lives.