In 1639, Virginia passed the first law that intended to exclude "Negroes" from any normal government protections. Furthermore, in 1664, Virginia passed the first anti-amalgamation law that prohibited anyone from procreating outside of their race; this law was followed up in 1691 with another law that would banish individuals from the colony if there were to marry outside of their race. In 1667, a law was passed that determined that Christian baptisms could no longer be used to free slaves. In 1682, Virginia passed legislation that officially determined that there was a racial distinction between servants and slaves.

Slavery was also aided through the passage of laws within the colonies and abroad in England. In 1641, Massachusetts became the first colony to recognize slavery, Virginia following suit shortly thereafter. In 1662, Virginia declared that any children born to slaves were to become slaves themselves, thus instituting the practice that slavery...
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