Editor's Choice
Which of the original 13 Colonies first abolished slavery and which two Northern States retained it until the early 1800s?
Quick answer:
Vermont was the first of the original 13 Colonies to abolish slavery in 1777. By 1804, all Northern states had ended slavery, but the process was gradual. New York abolished slavery in 1799, and New Jersey was the last Northern state to do so in 1804. The North's lesser reliance on agriculture, due to less fertile soil and a less suitable climate, led to a focus on industry, reducing the need for slave labor compared to the Southern states.
After the United States gained its independence from Great Britain in 1776, Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery, which occurred in 1777. By 1804, slavery had been abolished in all the Northern states, although the ending of slavery was a gradual process. The last two Northern states to end slavery were New York in 1799 and New Jersey in 1804.
The Northern states didn’t need slavery as much as the Southern states did. The Northern states were much less dependent on farming than the Southern states. The soil was not as good in the North, and the climate was less suitable for farming. The South had very fertile soil and a warm, mild climate. As a result, many industries developed in the North. These industries provided many jobs for Northerners and didn't require the use of slaves. This was very different than in the South where many people farmed for a living. As a result, more slaves were needed in the South, and the Southern states were not willing to end slavery.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.