How Slavery Was Created: The Legal Evolution in the Colonies

CrashCourse

This educational video from Crash Course Black American History provides a nuanced examination of how the institution of slavery took root and evolved in the American colonies. It moves beyond simple dates to explore the economic motivations behind slavery, specifically the concept of mercantilism and the desire to minimize production costs. The video details the transition from using indentured servants to the systemic enslavement of Africans, highlighting the specific legal and social shifts that codified slavery into law based on race.