Robert Beverley's "The History and Present State of Virginia"," is important to the study of the origins of slavery as the first published history of a British colony by a native of North America. It is unique in its provision of information on early life in colonial Virginia, and could provide useful testimony from his access to official records as an authoritative figure. Beverley had accumulated much influence and wealth as the owner of a prominent plantation, and as a government official representing Virginia in England. ... The ignorance and prejudice he encountered in England motiva...

• Word Count: 1094
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

African Americans were enslaved on small farms, large plantations, inside homes, in the fields, and in manufacturing. ... Genovese discusses how enslaved people created community within the "plantation setting". ... In effort to further determine the differences among the social classes, Genovese describes how legal codes gradually made racism the official policy of the colonial governments. ... In some cases, young children of both races played together on farms and plantations. African American children might also become attached to white caretakers, such as the mistress, and white children ...

• Word Count: 906
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate